Leaving Home, Finding Myself: Megan’s J-1 Graduate Journey to New York
I decided to apply for the J-1 Graduate Visa because I wanted to gain professional experience in my field and build my career somewhere that would challenge me to be the most ambitious version of myself – and where better to do that than New York?
I had spent a summer in New York the year before, and when I came back to Galway for my last year of college, I knew I wanted to go back. I didn’t know in what capacity that would be, as I knew my time to return on a summer J-1 was running out. The summer I had spent, although jam-packed with more experiences to count, felt like a snippet of what was possible here. When I met Jude in the University of Galway and he explained the J1 Graduate Visa Program, I immediately knew this was something I had to give a shot, and, because time is limited to take the chance, I didn’t sit around and wait to change my mind. I began planning straight away.
When applying for the visa, I knew my goal was to secure work as early as possible. While the visa does grant 90 days of job searching, for my own peace of mind, I wanted to avoid the stress of arriving somewhere new and job hunting for a long period of time. Prior to this, I hadn’t been unemployed for longer than three weeks since I was sixteen years old! I made the decision to fly to New York during the summer to meet my now-employer in person and show that I was serious, dedicated, and maybe a little bit tenacious. Looking back, I think this made a significant difference. I have since been told that meeting face-to-face and making that personal connection helped me stand out among many, I’m sure equally impressive, resumés.
That’s why I strongly believe in the power of networking and putting yourself out there in real life settings. People remember faces, attitudes, and the impression you leave. My advice to prospective J-1 graduates would be to attend the networking events, find those connections through university or previous employment, and never underestimate the value of introducing yourself, smiling, and shaking someone’s hand. While difficult, planning ahead while you’re in Ireland can also make a big difference. Think about the organizations you want to approach and what their busiest times of year might be.
The team at Rian were incredibly helpful throughout the process, from tricky paperwork to employer Excel sheets, and they always made me feel reassured. I felt like I could pick up the phone or send an email with a question and receive a timely and thorough response. I’m very thankful to Jude and the whole team for taking such good care to make sure I felt prepared before leaving.
Moving to New York alone was daunting at first. I had previously spent a summer here with a great group of girls, so I definitely felt the difference when I came back on my own. I went from being constantly surrounded by friends to living thousands of miles away from them. However, the experience made me more independent and self-sufficient. Starting over in a new country is a huge opportunity for self-discovery and truly living life on your own terms. I began singing at open mics, went to events and concerts on my own, and put myself in situations I would have shied away from at home. I was very fortunate to meet some of my closest friends by just showing up and putting on a brave face.
My job also gave me a real sense of purpose at the start of my time in New York, which remains today due to the nature of the work. When I had newly arrived, having somewhere to go every morning, responsibilities to fulfil, and new people to meet every day made the transition a lot easier. I really looked forward to going to work and seeing what each day would bring.
Working at the Aisling Irish Community Center has been the most rewarding part of my time in New York, both professionally and personally. In the course of a week, staff might help seniors access Social Security benefits, support people returning to the workforce, or assist with Irish passport applications, while our licensed therapists provide counselling services. That same week, seniors gather for their Tuesday lunch, meals are delivered to people experiencing homelessness, youth programmes take place, and people come together through Irish music, dance, language, and cultural events.
Having studied Human Rights, Economics, and Sociological and Political Studies at the University of Galway, I began to see what so much of what I had studied looked like in a real community setting. I worked across fundraising and grant writing, cultural programming, and assisted with event planning and coordination. As I gained experience and showed my capabilities, I was trusted with more responsibility, and I always felt that my ideas and contributions were listened to and valued.
Through grant writing, I saw how funding and policy can translate into tangible outcomes for individuals and families. I learned how important it is to tell human-centred stories in a way that is compelling and honest, showing funders the true impact that community programmes can have. Working on cultural events and programmes has shown me how shared experiences can bring people together and create a strong sense of belonging, something I value even more as a member of the Irish diaspora myself.
One of the biggest things I have learned is to make the most of opportunities rather than waiting for someone else to join me. This experience has shown me to trust myself more, to
believe in myself, and to know I’m capable of building a fulfilling life for myself somewhere completely new, without the comforts of home.
Looking back, the J-1 gave me exactly what I hoped it would; the chance to start my professional life, challenge myself, and build something that is truly my own here in New York. I have grown a lot through the experience, both personally and professionally, and I know I will carry the lessons I have learned, the skills I have developed, and the confidence I have gained with me throughout my life.