If I Can Do This, I Can Do This Again: Ben Matthews’ Boston Story
For Ben Matthews, a recent University College Dublin graduate with a Master’s in Digital Marketing, the J-1 graduate visa was more than a career move, it was a personal turning point. As a Marketing Assistant at the Boston office of an Irish engineering company, Ben has spent the past year growing both professionally and personally in ways he never anticipated.
With coursework wrapped up in August and an official graduation date of December, Ben found himself in a familiar post-grad limbo. “As a new grad, you have the academic foundation, but no one teaches you what’s the right move after you receive that diploma,” he said. That uncertainty did not last long. Through UCD’s alumni page, he connected with a fellow graduate based in New York, who introduced him to the J-1 visa program.
“I never did a Summer J-1,” Ben shared. “I wasn’t really educated on the J-1 process”. But after learning about the support offered by the Rian Immigrant Center, things started to click. Like many students whose university years were interrupted by the pandemic, Ben was eager for something new. “I need to do something,” he remembers thinking. The J-1 visa seemed like the perfect next chapter. With guidance from Rian and the support of his family, Ben took the plunge. “It was nice to have someone walk you through the steps,” he explained, “Rian were brilliant”.
When he arrived in Boston, he quickly felt at home. From the charm of the brownstones to the buzz of Fenway Park, the city captivated him. “I love the architecture,” he shares, noting how even a walk through the different neighborhoods felt cinematic.
“With Boston and this whole experience, everything just fell into place,” he shared, reflecting on how he managed to secure both an apartment and a job before even arriving in the U.S. “Sorting out those two aspects early on was a huge weight off my shoulders,” he added. That preparation gave him the confidence to settle in quickly and focus on making the most of the year ahead.
At work, Ben’s days are filled with a variety of creative and strategic marketing tasks. “My role is kind of a mix of everything,” he said. From writing website blogs and organizing internal events to developing marketing materials, he appreciates the range. He even had the chance to travel to work–business trips to Ohio and Arizona allowed him to explore new parts of the U.S. and broaden his perspective beyond Boston.
Outside the office, Ben embraced every opportunity to see more of the country. He traveled to New Orleans and has plans to visit Nashville next. “Each state is like their own country and has their own culture,” he said. From local accents to regional dishes, every destination offered a completely new experience.
When asked for job-search advice, Ben encourages recent grads to be proactive. He recommended utilizing tools such as LinkedIn Premium to reach out to people with similar backgrounds. “Reach out to everyone. Reach out to 100 people and then do another 100. It only takes one person.” He emphasizes the power of shared connections. “People are more likely to help if you have something in common.”
As his year in Boston comes to a close, Ben reflects on what he has accomplished and what he has learned. “Looking back and seeing the friendships I’ve made in work,” he said, “I didn’t know it could go as well.” He recalls visiting Boston in 2019 and thinking to himself, “I would love to live here.” Now, having made that dream a reality, the experience feels even more meaningful. Grateful for the opportunity, Ben is now considering future opportunities abroad. “You pick up so much,” he said. “I never lived away from home, so this was all new,” he said. “Looking back now, it’s like if I can do this, I can do this again.” Wherever he goes next, Ben knows this experience will always be a reminder of what is possible when you take the leap.