Kicking Off a New Adventure: Matthew Sheehan’s Journey with the Chicago Hounds on the J-1 Visa
On the J-1 Intern visa with Rian, Matthew Sheehan kicked off 2024 in Chicago, working with the Chicago Hounds, a professional rugby team competing in Major League Rugby (MLR), North America’s professional rugby competition. As an Assistant Performance Analyst Intern, Matthew dove into their day to day activities of the Hounds and their team of analysts. Before the season started the Hounds trained everyday, but once the season began the routine adjusted to accommodate game schedules. This routine involved training, rest days, lighter days leading up to matches, and treatments. The first day of the week after a game is usually particularly intense. Matthew would collaborate with the analysts to review stats and reports, going through everything in detail to regroup and refocus for the upcoming week.
Throughout the week, the team would complete work outs and reviews of previous games. Matthew would record all their practices, training sessions, and video analyses, which he and the analysts upload by the end of the work day. For home games, Matthew would use extra cameras to capture the action, providing footage that broadcast cameras often miss. Although he did not get to travel with the team for away games, working with a newer and smaller team like the Chicago Hounds gave him the opportunity to take on a wide variety of tasks and gain valuable experience.
Matthew aimed to “get a good understanding of what it’s like to be in a professional environment” during his J-1 year. While his primary focus has shifted, he appreciated the Chicago Hounds’ support in helping him develop his skills. As Matthew enters his final university year in September, he has a job lined up alongside his studies working with a team back home. He plans to bring back his skills and knowledge he acquired in the US, especially in communication and teamwork among coaches. His experience in Chicago will enhance his contributions both during the completion of his academic journey and as he advances in his professional career. Matthew found the support from Rian especially helpful on his J-1 journey, with plenty of emails and access to groups in Chicago. Although he faced the normal struggles, the support network from other J-1s and the Irish community was invaluable.
Coming from a rural area of Ireland, Matthew found Chicago’s diverse and bustling environment refreshing. Reflecting on his experience in Chicago, Matthew has a few pieces of advice for future J-1s. “Definitely recommend it first and foremost,” he says enthusiastically. He advises future J-1s to do some research before arriving and not to leave plans to the last minute. He emphasizes the importance of making friends and cherishing those friendships. While working with the Chicago Hounds, he also played rugby for an amateur team, the Chicago Lions. “Do as many things as you can,” he advises.
When asked about the highlight of his time in the States, Matthew immediately mentioned St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago, with the river dyed green and the vibrant parade. He also enjoyed watching rugby and meeting fellow J-1 participants. The main takeaway from Matthew’s J-1 experience is the importance of getting involved and meeting people. Whether through sports or other interests, he says this “makes life easier” and “more welcoming”, especially for those going abroad alone.