More Than a Visa: Paul’s Year of Personal and Professional Growth in Boston
Paul O’Neill knew the Rian J1 Graduate visa would provide the exact professional experience he was hoping to obtain after graduating. He first discovered the graduate visa during a Queen’s University Belfast career fair. “Rian came to Queens and explained the program and it sounded like something I really wanted to do”. Coupled with first hand experiences from friends Paul knew already on their J1 Graduate visas in Boston, he knew that the program would be “a great cultural experience alongside valuable career growth”. Even though he knew the job search might be difficult, he simply couldn’t pass up the opportunity.
Paul found the application process for the Rian J-1 Graduate visa very straightforward. “Even though the process seemed daunting, Rian was very accommodating with my questions and it was smoother than I even thought”. Even before arriving in Boston, Paul was excited about the vibrant Irish community and culture in the city. Upon his arrival, his expectations were exceeded as he settled into Boston with ease. He used the Boston Irish Business Association, the Boston Irish facebook groups, the Gaelic football group, as well as, the Rian J1 community to transition to his new life in the US. He found a great apartment in Savin Hill living with other Irish roommates. When asked about his neighborhood he said, “it’s a brilliant area to live in, I felt at home right away”. He especially loved how accessible Savin Hill is to the rest of the city, finding it convenient to use public transportation.
In general, Paul thought Boston was very easy to adjust to. “Nothing has really surprised me and I haven’t experienced any culture shocks”. He has really enjoyed the diverse population of the city and found Boston natives are very friendly. A typical day in Boston for Paul starts with a run in the morning around the Savin Hill neighborhood before heading to his 9-5 job. While his after work routine varies, Paul often plays soccer at MIT, “there is a good group of Irish people there that play”. Paul has really taken the time to enjoy all of the city has to offer but especially loves the sports culture in Boston between the Red Sox, Patriots, and Celtics teams. In addition, he said “being here for the world cup was very cool, I was able to go to the fan zone at Boston City Hall and catch some of the games”.
Integrating himself into the city further, Paul landed his ideal job at the Massachusetts State House. As a Fiscal Policy Analyst, his role focuses on the state budget for the House Committee on Ways and Means, which Paul describes as working within “the top echelon of the political sphere”. Paul found the job through a Linkedin posting but used his connections to help prepare him for the interview process. “Phil from Rian helped me greatly to prepare for a US style interview”. In addition, he leveraged his connections from the Boston Irish Business Association and was able to speak with a few professionals working within the State house who gave him some advice. The job itself is “very hands on and busy” according to Paul and “It’s been very rewarding, it’s the best job I could have gotten”. The position has given Paul the space to learn while also taking on increasing responsibility. He says it has been “a really good job for networking and it has broadened my communication skills especially by working with a diverse group of people.”
One of Paul’s favorite parts of the Rian J1 grad visa has been travelling around the US. “The travel has been amazing, the trips are really rewarding”. He was able to catch up with friends currently living in New York. He also visited Washington DC, which was especially interesting to Paul as the political epicenter of the US. However, the highlight of his travels was going to Atlanta, Georgia to see a World Cup game. Some of his friends from Ireland traveled with him for the occasion. He especially enjoyed the history of Atlanta, “it was really interesting”. Paul’s traveling isn’t over just yet. In a few weeks, he will head back to New York city with his family to see all of the iconic tourist attractions. In addition, he will be visiting a friend in Pittsburgh and even attending a Steelers game!
As Paul nears the end of the visa, he said, “Professionally, this experience will put me in a really good position for a governmental or policy job back home”. Personally, he says the visa has given him the unique opportunity to live away from home and meet new people. “I have made new American friends and it’s even been great to meet people from Ireland that I would never have met back home”. When asked if he had any advice for those considering the Rian J1 Graduate visa, Paul said “take every opportunity you can, reach out to anyone you think could help you, and begin the job search early”. He would absolutely recommend the program for its ability to give participants an international perspective, “you can see how your career can be different in the US compared to Ireland”. Rian is delighted that Paul has had such an amazing experience and wishes him the best of luck for the remainder of his time in the US.