Internships in Dublin, Ireland

In 2011, Dublin was ranked as the sixth richest city in the world by domestic purchasing power. All of the booming economic activity in Dublin has recently attracted the European headquarters or operational bases of many international companies. Today, Dublin boasts presence from Microsoft, Google, Amazon, eBay, PayPal, Yahoo!, Facebook, Twitter, Zynga, Dell, Linkedin, Oracle, Pfizer, HP, and Intel. As though these major international companies are not enough of a draw, both of Ireland’s Fortune Global 500 countries are based in Dublin. Furthermore, Dublin’s International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) handles over €1 trillion a year - another obvious sign of the strength of Dublin’s economy.

The economy is clearly doing well in Dublin, and there’s no reason that an intern from abroad shouldn’t take advantage of the city’s opportunities.

Technology

Dublin is known as the Silicon Valley of Europe because of its successful ventures into information and communication technologies. Technology internships in Dublin are popular because of the many firms that have set up offices in the city. The Irish Industrial Development Authority (IDA) has been working hard to attract tech, online, and social media companies to Dublin to increase job opportunities for the residents of the city. However, there’s no reason that those who want to intern abroad cannot gain experience and insight from these companies.

Finance

Citibank and Commerzbank have established headquarters in Dublin, sending a signal that finance is highly important in the city. Both the Irish Stock Exchange (ISEQ) and the Irish Enterprise Exchange (IEE) are based in Dublin and there are plenty of finance firms in this large city. Those interested in finance will find plenty of internships in Dublin that will give you international work experience. Finance is a very global field, and your experience in Dublin will give you an edge over your competitors at home in job searches.

Engineering

No matter what type of engineering you find yourself you’re interested in, internships in Dublin will be the perfect way for you to learn more and experience what your career could be like. Because of the world’s focus on sustainability, environmental and energy systems engineering have seen great growth in Dublin. Pharmaceuticals and medical ventures are also increasing in Dublin, which has led to a demand for chemical and biomedical engineering interning.

When and Where to Look for an Internship

Most of Dublin’s internship opportunities will be based in the center of Dublin, in Districts 1, 2, 7, and 8. There may also be opportunities on the outskirts of Dublin depending on what type of company you would like to intern for. You should be able to find internships throughout the year, no matter what field you’re interested in.

Cost of Living in Dublin

Rent per month for your apartment in Dublin will depend on where you decide to live. In general, the average per month is about €700. However, this can also go up to as much as €1100 if you live in a particularly desirable part of Dublin. For more specifics and details about the cost of living in Dublin, visit Numbeo.com.

Work Culture in Dublin

• Etiquette: People in Dublin are generally very warm and friendly, and this comes through in the way they conduct their business and personal lives. Eye contact when talking to someone is considered trustworthy and important for meetings; make sure you shake hands with everyone in a meeting and smile to show that you are open and friendly as well. First names are generally used very quickly because of the casual environment of a workplace in Dublin.
• Language: English-speakers will have no problem in Dublin. Business is almost always conducted in English in Dublin. Irish is reserved for more private, formal, or familial environments.
• Networking: Since your co-workers in Dublin will be friendly, relationships grow quickly and networking is easy. Going out to dinner or to the pub with your co-workers is a way to help build connections. Swapping business cards is a common practice, and it helps to carry them with you wherever you go. Examples of networking organizations in Dublin are Dublin City Enterprise Network for Women.

Work and Labor Laws in Dublin

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions has worked hard to establish the rights of interns in the workplace. While interning in Dublin, you will be protected under basic employment rights. In Dublin, interns have the right to a safe working environment, data protection rights, protection against discrimination, the right to adequate breaks and holidays and the right to join a union.