From Ireland to the Loop: Katie Hanna’s J-1 Journey in Chicago
Meet Katie Hanna, a Rian J-1 participant who spent her J-1 year in Chicago. After completing a Master’s in Accounting in Ireland, Katie was ready for something new. Having visited Chicago as a child, she landed on spending her J-1 year there and quickly secured a position at a wealth and asset management company. Her position on the finance team was a new experience for her, working in a corporate environment for the first time. “Everyone was very welcoming and interested in learning about life in Ireland,” she recalls. In return, she enjoyed getting to know them, learning about their backgrounds, where they went to university, and their experiences visiting Ireland. She loved working with a small, supportive team: “Anything I did was great!” she laughs, emphasizing the warm, inclusive work environment. Katie’s work week consisted of five days, with a mix of three days in the office and two working remotely. Her office was based in the Loop, Chicago’s central business district, and she lived in Streeterville. Katie would walk to work every day–a brisk 40-minute walk–even in the snow, which gave her time to soak in the city’s energy. “It made me get up early in the morning,” she says, with a smile.
At home, she shared an apartment with a roommate who was also on a J-1 visa, working in the biotech industry–a field completely different from her own. The two had previously met during a J-1 summer program in New York, and reconnecting in Chicago allowed them to bond while navigating their respective industries. Working from home together gave Katie the unique opportunity to learn about biotech from her roommate, further enriching her J-1 experience.
One of the highlights of her J-1 experience was, of course, living in Chicago. “I lived right in the city, just a five-minute walk from everything,” Katie says. Every day, there was something new to do–whether it was an outdoor cinema, free yoga classes, or other activities, Katie found herself embracing the city’s vibrant energy. Living so close to the water, she loved going for runs along the waterfront, especially during the summer. Reflecting on her first impressions of Chicago, she notes, “I’d been here once before when I was about 8 or 9, and all I remembered was how clean it was”. Upon returning, she felt safe and found the city’s combination of urban life, lake views, and vibrant neighborhoods to be a perfect fit. When asked if she would recommend Chicago to future J-1s, she enthusiastically agrees. “It’s such a great place to be – you have the city, the lake, and the river all in one. Every neighborhood has a different vibe, and everyone’s out trying to have fun”. She enjoyed the ease of getting around and appreciated the laid-back feel compared to the faster pace of other large cities.
One of Katie’s main goals for her J-1 year was to make American friends and step out of her comfort zone. She’s proud to say she achieved this goal. By the end of her program, she had a close-knit group of American friends and cherished the connections she made. Professionally, Katie aimed to gain as much experience as possible in her field, and she succeeded in doing so. Katie has now returned to Ireland and is beginning a new job in October. Her J-1 experience has been invaluable in preparing her for this next step in her career and given her a sense of confidence she would not have otherwise had. Katie knows that if she had not done the J-1 and had gone straight into a job after college, she would have felt less prepared. Now, with experience under her belt, she feels ready to contribute in meaningful ways and bring fresh insights to the new role.
Katie found the support from Rian to be incredibly helpful throughout her J-1 journey. They were always quick to respond to any questions and it was “great to be able to rely on Rian”, Katie notes. Luckily she did not encounter any major issues, but Katie felt confident knowing that Rian was always there to support her if she needed anything. When asked about advice for future J-1 participants, Katie’s advice is simple: make the most of your experience. Even during the early days when things may feel overwhelming, try to embrace everything your city and job have to offer. “Don’t take anything too seriously” she advises–find a balance between building your career and having fun.