About Internships

Interning in Dublin: What’s it like?

The Irish workplace is generally more intimate than American professional settings. Not only are most companies smaller than their U.S. counterparts, staff tend to socialize together more frequently than in the U.S., and they know each other better. Your co-workers will be curious about you, too: don’t be surprised if you’re asked about your family, romantic life, pets, religious observance, etc, all on your first tea break!

Dublin is the centre of Irish industry, so you’ll be working with people from all over the country, and, very likely people from all over the world. During the boom years (1999-2007) a huge influx of people arrived from the new European Union accession states – particularly Poland. This combined with the fact that Irish people are generally eager to travel and explore, means you’ll find that Dublin is extremely cosmopolitan and international compared to U.S. cities of similar size.

Part of the thrill of an internship abroad will be discovering the differences in how you and your co-workers relate to each other. You’ll hopefully return with new perspectives and new ideas about how to negotiate in cross-cultural situations. There are, however, a few key things you should know about the Irish workplace:

• You may find the office environment more casual than you’d expect. It is not unheard of to hear office banter, gossip, profanities or joke telling at the water cooler! Irish work culture is less PC than in the States – don’t be shocked if someone asks about your love life or tells the odd off-colour joke.
• Dubliners don’t take themselves – or anyone else – too seriously. The concept of “blarney” definitely exists (though Dubliners almost never use that word). Irish people use language very playfully. If you find yourself the subject of “slagging” (gentle teasing), take it as a sign that you’ve been accepted.
• Small, informal work environments also mean your placement may not be formally structured. Don’t expect formal induction or training days – you may have to show the initiative in introducing yourself to your co-workers. Beware: once they know who you are, expect the questions to start.
• Hierarchy is not as strong in Irish offices as it may be in the U.S.. In Dublin, EVERYONE will make tea – from the intern to the Managing Director, and clerical work is a part of everyone’s job. Don’t worry if you’re asked to do this in your first week. Your hard work won’t go unnoticed!
• There is no typical work day – some companies work 8-6, others turn up around 10:30 or 11 and leave at 4. Irish people tend to have a casual approach to timekeeping. They are generous with their time: they will not cut short a conversation or meeting just for the sake of time, nor will anyone think it’s odd to stay late at work to finish the job. When possible, work the same hours as your colleagues.
• Staying late may earn you respect and a “jar” at the pub – after work drinks with colleagues happen regularly and are yet another way of getting to know the people you work with.

Keep in Mind

A work placement (“internship” is an American word) in Dublin will open you up to a different working style, work culture, and work experiences. In order to get the most out of your time learning there, take note of these points:

• To the Irish, the goal of a work experience is to give you a taste of working life. You may not necessarily have a specific project to work on but may be expected to help out with day-to-day tasks. Supervisors may not work out a specific schedule for students.
• Like any job, all placements will have an element of clerical tasks to them. By proving that you can handle the small stuff, the doors will open to greater projects and greater growth. A lot of the learning will be achieved through your own initiative.
• Only so much can be achieved during a short-term placement. Push yourself to learn at all times.
• Almost everyone in Dublin has an unpleasant commute to work. It’s a nature of the city. Do not be surprised if yours is more than an hour. You may have to take more than one bus, or a combination of the bus, DART, and Luas.
• Sometimes you are given more responsibilities than you would expect for a work experience student. Treat this as an opportunity to try the real world.
• Your placement is unpaid.
• Do not get fixed on working within glamor industries or a specific organization. You’ll be placed based on your career goals, not on the name of an organization. There are certain realities to working within fields like fashion and entertainment - they only become glamorous at the highest level.
• Your placement should not be looked on as a means of gaining future employment but as a chance to confirm that you are going in the right direction (or that you should try something else), and most importantly, it’s a time to make mistakes, laugh, and learn.

What is business etiquette like in Dublin?

In Ireland, businesses generally run in a slightly more casual manner, with more emphasis placed on individual initiative and motivation. It is very likely that you will be given projects and expected to complete them with your own resourcefulness. This does NOT mean that you cannot ask for help – it simply means that your supervisors will assume you will ASK for help if you need it. They may not want to appear to be breathing down your neck or handholding you through your placement. Supervisors NEVER complain about interns asking for work or for help.

What should I wear?

We will answer this question with much more detail once we know where you will be placed. It is tough to generalize on this one because we have placements ranging from suits and ties to sandals and jeans. However, if you are working in a business setting (i.e. a bank or law firm) you should bring at least one suit and several dress shirts and ties. A sports jacket will work as well. In other, more casual placements (i.e. a PR agency or magazine) khaki trousers, skirts (for women), and sweaters or dress shirts should be fine. Make sure you ask about this if we haven’t told you by the time you leave for Ireland.

Have a look at our Dress Code page for some examples of typical outfits for workplaces of varying formality.

What are the typical hours for an intern?

Again, this is difficult to generalize - you will work whatever hours are asked of you, and this will be vastly different for different industries (an investment banker will work much longer hours than a school teacher, for example). These hours are non-negotiable and will be expected by the employer and the placement office.

How far can I expect to commute?

Although Dublin is a small city, it has terrible traffic and a public transportation system which is still trying to catch up to massive population growth. It is not unusual for a commute to take at least an hour each way. You’ll definitely be able to “whinge” (complain) like a native Dub after a few days – everyone is in the same boat (or bus or train or tram).

Will I have one particular supervisor at my placement?

The Placement Team will make every effort to make sure you know who your direct supervisor will be. This is usually ONE person who will be responsible for you for the entire duration of your placement. This is the person you will go to when you need help, have concerns, or simply need a new assignment. This person may not be the Office Manager and in fact, may be in a junior position him/herself. You may find that you are not far off in age to your direct supervisor – this is common – Dublin is a young city! You may also find that your placement will develop and as your job description evolves, you may be supervised by other members of staff.

You should, however, see yourself as working for the entire organization. If you find you have free time, offer to help even the more junior staffers. They’ll appreciate the offer and may be able to return the favor by inviting you to interesting meetings or asking for your input on their projects. If you have a problem with your direct supervisor, it is perfectly acceptable to speak to their direct supervisor to get your concerns addressed. However, it is advisable to speak to a member of the Placement Team before you do so as we may be able to provide assistance or another point of contact in the company.

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