Dublin is the center of Irish industry, so you’ll be working with people from all over Ireland, and, very likely people from all over the world. Ireland’s economic fortunes over the last 15 years have seen mass immigration in the boom time years followed by mass immigration in the last few years. This means you’ll find that Dublin is extremely cosmopolitan and international compared to US cities of similar size.
Part of the thrill of an internship abroad will be discovering the differences in how you and your co-workers relate to each other. You’ll hopefully return with new perspectives and new ideas about how to negotiate in cross-cultural situations.
Below you’ll find brief descriptions of each possible internship placement area:
BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP
In recent years, Irish businesses are taking place on an increasingly global scale, and Dublin has been at the forefront of the internationalization of the Irish economy, attracting many global businesses to the city since the heady days of the Celtic Tiger economy. It is also home to numerous small and medium-sized enterprises and dynamic up-and-coming entrepreneurial businesses.
Ireland provides an English language environment conducive to interning in a business administration, HR or sales capacity. The wide range of opportunities in these fields is an excellent way in which to gain an insight into the inner workings of a company and allows students to engage in a range of tasks throughout a variety of different departments through the lens of a global city.
COMMUNICATIONS & JOURNALISM
The communications & journalism world is vibrant and vital in Dublin, with an exceptionally young workforce and strong industry standing. Businesses depend on effective brand management to compete in the bustling economy of a prosperous, cosmopolitan capital, and innovative marketing, advertising and PR campaigns build on the Irish tradition of skillful, charming storytelling. Consumer businesses, specific brands, non-profit organizations, and individual firms rely on the communications field to generate business and press coverage.
Additionally, Ireland has a long tradition of journalism, with daily circulation remaining consistently high over the last century. There are fantastic opportunities available at independent news agencies, magazines, popular online sites, and media firms that produce exciting and inventive work. Many of the larger publications are heavily unionized, so FIE mainly works with small and medium-sized media companies. This enables students to get a more hands-on internship experience within one of Dublin innovative and independent journalism organizations.
ENVIRONMENT & SUSTAINABILITY
As Dublin emerges as a center for environmental innovation and sustainable solutions, you have the chance of working alongside professionals who are dedicated to advancing green initiatives either as the focus of your internship with non-profit & grassroots organisations or incorporated into the mission of a sustainable and ethical business. You might help with policy work, renewable energy, conservation efforts, and more to help address one of the most critical issues of our time. A placement in this area will require flexibility and an open mind to a variety of tasks. Interns in these areas may or may not have the opportunity to get messy – in a good way! As you won’t find out your placement until after arrival, make sure you pack clothing which would suit both an outdoors/hands-on role and an office environment.
FINANCE & ACCOUNTANCY
The fields of accountancy and finance offer interesting and challenging work and Dublin provides a superb, albeit highly competitive, atmosphere in which to gain internship experience. As a member of the European Union, Ireland provides an English language environment conducive to foreign investors and employees from around the globe, and houses the European headquarters of several large multinationals, amid many small and medium-sized enterprises, dynamic up-and-coming entrepreneurial businesses, and non-profit organizations that provide work for those with finance, accountancy, or economic expertise.
HISTORICAL & CULTURAL ORGANIZATIONS
Dublin is a premier destination to gain experience working in the historical and cultural sector. The Irish capital is home to a host of world-class cultural institutions, numerous museums, travel and tour agencies, and a wide range of community-based arts services. Cultural activities are highly popular and greatly attended by visitors and residents alike, who visit major attractions as well as more intimate and specialized organizations in Dublin.
Internship opportunities are available in a range of smaller organizations. A placement within one of the specialized areas will provide an excellent way to gain insight into the cultural and historical sector.
LEGAL & JUSTICE ORGANIZATIONS
The Irish legal system is a mix of constitutional, statute and common law, subject to the provisions of international (most significantly the European Union) treaties ratified by the state. Ireland’s constitution of 1937 was the first in the world to explicitly provide for the protection of individual human dignity, a concept which came to later prominence in the Universal Declaration on Human Rights. Ireland is like the US in the principle of the separation of powers, a developed system of constitutional rights and judicial review of primary legislation. There are many internship opportunities with local law firms, not-for-profit organizations and advocacy groups offering a range of tasks involving business administration, event planning, fundraising, marketing, or public outreach.
SPORTS
Sport is at the heart of Irish identity, from pride in the national teams performing rugby and soccer on a global stage to a passion for traditional games played throughout the country under the Gaelic Athletics Association. Indeed, the GAA was the first major organization established during the cultural revival that led to a successful campaign for Ireland’s political independence while Dublin reigns as the current county champion in Gaelic football. Most sports in Ireland are amateur and state funding is essential in providing facilities and the opportunity for young athletes to get involved and develop.
SOCIAL WELFARE & NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS
Going hand in hand with FIE's Values of Social Justice, Sustainability and Inclusivity, there are many social welfare and non-profit organizations that are thriving in Dublin. There are almost 12,000 registered charities, and an additional 20,000 non-profits across Ireland, of which 25% of these are in the capital city of Dublin. These can range from local outreach to international projects. This sector employs an incredible 190,000 staff, and additionally over 50,000 volunteers. The industry area of Social Welfare and Non-Profit Organisations is not only a growing industry, but one that is gaining importance as the housing crisis, homelessness, sustainability efforts, LGBTQIA+ Rights, refugee issues, and much more are continuously on the rise in Ireland.
TECHNOLOGY & DESIGN
Technology and Design are an important part of everyday life, as conducting business electronically has become essential for public and private organizations, both large and small, across the globe. Companies and organizations utilize resources in information technology (IT) for purchasing, marketing, administration, research, and sales. As a company’s online presence grows in importance, the technology industry has likewise increased and become more wide-reaching, with varied opportunities for interns to gain experience in the field.
In addition, many graphic and web design studios have opened in the area in recent years, fed by a booming interest and increase in offerings from local colleges and universities. With skills needed in technology as well as art, students may find themselves working in an internship placement that employs people with both sets of expertise.
