The luck of the Irish, Annie, Ireland
A story by Annie
Country of Origin:Ireland
Country of destination: Whales
After graduating from University in Ireland, I thought to myself, it’s time to start climbing the career ladder at least. I was no longer a student, no more assignment, no more late nights before an exam trying to cram my brain with everything I had done in a whole semester in one night, let the good times roll, or so, I thought.
I applied for all the graduate roles under the sun, until I was blue in the face. I didn’t get it, I did Computer Science in University and everyone kept saying it will be so easy for you to get a job after University. Well it wasn’t as easy without any experience.
One day I decided, I was tired of sitting around doing nothing. I enrolled myself in an Open University Course, “gatta keep the brain fresh you know… lol”, but I didn’t give up on my job search. As Open University is distant learning, my Uni goes with me whereever I go.
Then one day, I saw an advertisement for a six month internship in Bath for a software developer role. The thought of looking outside Ireland never once crossed my mind. I thought to myself: “why not?” I can get some work experience and I’ve got to live home, new city, new people…
From September until February, I completed my internship. The whole process was rewarding, exciting and full of opportunities. I learned so much about myself professionally and personally. I was determined to get the most out of this mobility. I welcomed every challenge and I overcame many obstacles in my path. At the end of my placement, I felt more confident in my abilities and skills and I felt better prepared to handle the big world.
My internship ended just as quickly as it began. The six months went by so fast. I was soon looking at the possibility of going back to Ireland. But I was not ready to leave the beautiful city of Bath. I looked for a job right here in Bath, and thanks to the experience I got out of my placement, I was able to secure myself a full time position as a Support Engineer.
I am just so grateful for this amazing opportunity that was given to me, if asked to do it all over again – in a heart beat. I would highly recommend and encourage anyone to go abroad, whether it is, to work or study. You never know what’s at the end of the rainbow until you follow it. I definitely found my pot of gold!
