reflect on time here, learned ab self, skills learned, and how to apply to business in future
As we pack our bags and fly home, looking back on the past two weeks feels like both forever and no time at all. While I can’t believe its already over, I was able to experience so many things every day that it felt like so much more time. Thinking about the company visits, museums, and simply walking the Dublin streets, I really feel like I made the most of my time, and definitely have some favorites. Sitting in the grass of St. Patrick’s Cathedral with a group of friends I had just met a few days prior but laughing like we’ve known each other for years will forever be one of my favorite memories. Standing in awe of the Cliffs of Moher being at a loss for words is a feeling a person doesn’t get to experience often. And of course, getting to meet with representatives from large and small companies gave a really cool perspective into my studies on a global scale.
All in all, it was an incredible trip and feel so content in how much I was able to accomplish, especially given a few inevitable snags. Our research and presentations for the companies we visited was easily one of the most challenging projects I’ve had to date, but taught me a valuable lesson in dealing with differing priorities. Everyone comes to this trip with different goals in mind, and sometimes this can conflict with productivity. Some come for the art culture, some for the food culture, and others for the drinking culture, but regardless, we had milestones to reach and work to be done. By the end of this experience, I’ve learned that sometimes you can’t get everyone on the page, but shouldn’t make yourself sick trying, and that not everyone has the same standards of completion.
I’ve also gotten really good at navigating new places! At first I was a little scared getting around an area I wasn’t familiar with, but quickly adapted to finding a few landmarks to guide the way. Once in our target destinations, I also learned some of the first tells of being a tourist. After a few conversations that start with “Americans? hmmm… yeah I thought so” (because it happens more than you’d expect), I learned that if you try not to look lost, not be too loud, and not being too picky with your food and service (especially in places with more unique foods), you’re less likely to get dirty looks every time a waiter passes your table. The skill of quick observations to those around you is clearly super applicable to any new environment.
On the topic of quick observations however, sometimes things aren’t what they first appear. I found myself having the best time with some people and places I hadn’t expected at the beginning, and watching my own and other’s close groups of friends shift from departure to and from Ireland was so interesting. That said, it’s important to not discount someone at first glance, because they may end up being a great friend by the end of the trip.
Of course, these are all things I speak about in social and academic terms, but are relevant to business and post grad scenarios too. Working with people who are much different in background and goals and mindsets than you can be very difficult, as well as how you fit into a new environment. Also, coming to terms with the idea of “no stupid questions” is so important, because sometimes what seems obvious to you, may not be to someone else whether they come from the same or another country. On our site visits, I was sometimes afraid to ask a question I thought wasn’t “good enough” especially in front of the whole group. Upon getting to chat with some of our speakers and asking these questions, a lot of them are really excited to talk about the company and their own experiences.
While its with sadness that I close out this trip, I do so knowing I crossed out a bunch of bucket list items, and getting to experience things I never could’ve imagined doing when I started college. I leave, happy to be going home, and excited for the next adventure!
