Today we had the chance to visit two fantastic companies: Microsoft and Thinkhouse. While these companies were completely different, they both provided extremely valuable insight that gave me a lot of perspective. Starting with Microsoft, this was in my opinion the most impressive building that we visited. The towering building was modern, creative, and the architecture itself blew me away. I found it cool how the office seemed so connected despite being so large and the building had so many awesome rooms (even a nap spot). During the presentation we learned about how Microsoft operates in Dublin, and the presentation was largely centered around the companies approach to artificial intelligence. Microsoft clearly has accepted artificial intelligence as a staple in the future of their operations, and it was interesting to see how invested they were in the new technology. It is safe to say they are all in on AI.
Our trip to Thinkhouse was very interesting as well, as we got the chance to hear from multiple members of the company from all different sectors, which is something some of the other company’s did not offer. I was fascinated by the company’s creative approach to digital media in it’s advertising. I consider myself to be a very creative person and am always interested in firms like this. My favorite part of the presentation was seeing some of the video ads they showed us, the quality was truly mind-blowing. Thinkhouse also talked to us about their approach to artificial intelligence, which was a bit different than Microsofts. They talked about how they were initially very afraid of this technology jeopardizing their company, and how it caused a lot of concern at first. However, they then talked about how they assigned a team within the company strictly designated to researching and figuring out how AI would impact their future. Their whole perspective changed, and they are now much more optimistic and accepting of AI.
After completing five site visits to the various companies in Dublin, I have gained valuable insights into what creates a company culture. First and foremost, it’s the people within the organization who shape the culture. From the moment you step foot into a company, you can sense the vibe and energy of the employees. The way they interact, their attitudes, and their passion for their work all contribute to the overall culture. Additionally, the leadership style and values of the company play a crucial role. Companies that prioritize open communication, collaboration, and transparency tend to foster a positive and inclusive culture. Lastly, the physical work environment, such as office layout and design, also influences the company culture by promoting creativity, productivity, and a sense of belonging.
I have to say the most appealing company to me was Thinkhouse. This may come as a surprise as it as not as well known as some of the other firms we visited, but I felt that the way they operated was most suited to my interests and desired work environment. I am a very creative person, and this company is all centered around creativity. I was fascinated by the advertisement’s they showed us, and it just seemed like such an interesting place to work. While all the company’s brought something different to the table, this is the place I would want to work the most.
