THANK YOU IRELAND!
Studying abroad is an incredible opportunity that opened the door to my personal growth, academic abilities, and cultural understanding. I feel blessed to be a part of the Plus3 Ireland program during the summer of 2023. It was an experience of a lifetime that I will never forget. The program provided unique experiences, such as site visits in different countries, offering insight into global business, historical tours/museums, watching border collies herd sheep, exploring the Wicklow countryside, swimming at Dún Laoghaire beach, and so much more.
During my two weeks in Ireland, I learned a lot about myself on a personal level and gained clarity on how I want to shape my future. I acquired new skills and knowledge that will undoubtedly impact my approach to business in the years to come.
One of my most important takeaways is the need to adapt my current skillset to meet the demands of the future of business. During the Microsoft Office tour, we learned about how the near future of business will be driven by rapid advancements in technology, specifically artificial intelligence, including their upcoming program called “Copilot.” I discovered that jobs requiring minimal creativity, repetitive tasks, and rule-based responsibilities like data entry, customer service/support, financial analysis, and data processing may be “replaced” by AI. However, the team at Thinkhouse in Dublin taught us an empowering perspective: “You will not lose your jobs to AI; you will lose your jobs to people who know how to use AI.” This statement has prompted me to change my approach to business, recognizing the importance of developing skills to effectively utilize AI technologies.
My stay in Dublin provided countless moments for reflection. I not only learned about various aspects of business, such as personal branding, networking, and office culture, but I also gained insights into adapting to new cultures and uncomfortable situations. As someone who tends to be socially anxious when it comes to making new connections, I discovered that everyone in Ireland is approachable and eager to engage in conversations. This experience has instilled me with the confidence to expand my network beyond my comfort zone. Additionally, our guest speakers shared valuable networking advice, including how to navigate closed and open circles, the significance of handshakes, and the importance of maintaining a positive online presence.
Overall, my study abroad experience in Ireland has had a profound impact on both my personal and professional growth. It has enhanced my adaptability, and equipped me with invaluable skills for the future of business. I am grateful for the memories, the lessons learned, and the inspiration gained during this transformative journey.
To wrap everything up, this trip was extremely valuable academically, while also being so much fun. I have created friends and memories that will last a lifetime. I couldn’t be more appreciative of the people who made everything possible, Phil, Meade, and the entire CEA CAPA staff.
I will miss you Ireland
-Declan Coates