"I felt torn between continuing with my love for travel, or begin climbing those steps up the corporate ladder you hear people talking about."

USIT Grad USA alumni, Sean, on living his best work life as a PR intern in Manhattan...

Why did you decide to do the 1-year Grad USA visa?

Growing up in a small town in the west of Ireland, I always loved to get out and travel and gain as much life experience as I could. After graduating with a degree in Public Relations and Event Management from GMIT (now ATU - Atlantic Technological University) I felt torn between travelling and working. With the help of this visa, I was able to kill two birds with one stone and gain valuable professional experience as well as fuel my desire for adventure.

Why did you decide to work in New York?

I’ve visited NYC a handful of times over the years, and always had a soft spot for the city lights. I had looked into various other states to pursue my graduate visa, but all roads lead back to NYC. With their incredible underground subway system and good old Google Maps, it makes getting around the city so simple.  

How did you find your job in PR? 

With NYC being the Public Relations capital of the world, securing internships in that field isn’t too difficult. But finding the one that’s right for you can be. Some internships can be extremely demanding and know how to take advantage of their interns. I was fortunate enough to have my sister working in a renowned PR firm in Manhattan, which definitely helped with my decision! 

What does your typical day or working week look like?

Working with influencers and celebrities on the daily is definitely a big change from life back home in Leitrim! I’ve been able to attend some amazing events and meet some really interesting people. But there’s also a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes! A typical week consists of lots of preparation for our next launch or client event, assisting with building media lists and celebrity seeding - pitching journalists and building relationships.

What is it about New York that you love so much?

Living in NYC is like nowhere else, every day is an adventure and the city is literally your playground. A 30-minute train ride and you’re in Brooklyn amidst some of the coolest thrift stores you can find. You could visit a different bar and restaurant every night, sample different types of cuisine from all over the world and meet people from all walks of life. New York lets you be whoever you want to be with no judgement, because everyone here is just trying to navigate their own way through this crazy city and find their purpose.

Moving to the USA from Ireland, was it easy to make friends?

Making friends in a new city can be extremely daunting, especially in one as populated as NYC. I was nervous because I wouldn’t be the most sporty person, I never planned on joining any clubs and I don’t particularly have many hobbies - so I felt I would be at a huge disadvantage when it comes to meeting new people! THANKFULLY Bumble friends came through. I couldn’t recommend it enough! It helps filter out people you don’t think would be your vibe and focus on those who have similar interests. It helped me make most of my friends, by meeting just one person you get on with, they can introduce you to their friends and it has a sort of domino effect! Before you know it, you’ll be at a house party in Brooklyn teaching Bruce Springsteen’s nephew how to play the spoons. 

What are some of your highlights living in the USA?

Getting to experience Halloween, Christmas time, Thanksgiving and the fourth of July over here has been surreal. Seeing how they go above and beyond for their holidays puts us Paddy’s to shame! Although over the top, it can be pretty magical. Attending my first American music festival ‘Governors Ball’ was a staple for me. Getting to travel around and see Florida, Boston, the Hamptons, Philadelphia, and Mexico has been an opportunity of a lifetime.  

Have you found you’ve grown personally – as well as professionally? 

I felt massive personal growth. I've gained confidence in myself and in my abilities. It’s easy for imposter syndrome to creep in, but being on an internship allowed me to shadow the best of the best and gain the finest Public Relations experience that I don’t feel I could get back home. I went back with a new set of skills under my belt that will stand by me when I go out into the working world. 

How do you feel the 1-year Grad USA visa has benefited you? 

Getting the opportunity to see America can be hard to come by, let alone for the period of time the Grad USA visa offers. Without this opportunity, this past year never would have happened for me. I’ll forever be grateful to USIT for being on hand with any questions or concerns I had and making this process as smooth sailing as it has been!

If you’re a full-time student or recent grad and you’ve been inspired by Sean's experience in the Big Apple, head over to our Grad USA page to find out more. But hurry, the rules on this visa mean you must enter the USA within a month of the date on your grad cert!