Reflecting on my time in Ireland during this spring break, I take away by many amazing moments. We had incredible opportunities to meet with outstanding companies, learn about their businesses, and build valuable connections. From Google to Teeling Whiskey and Connacht Rugby, there wasn’t a single visit where I didn’t feel the value of the experience or the importance of connecting with our hosts afterward.

The cultural aspect stood out to me as well. I have been to Ireland before and already had a sense of what the culture was like, but this visit allowed me to experience it more deeply by going out and speaking with people who live in the area. It felt like people truly live and enjoy life, rather than in America where it often feels like we work just to live.

One of the first company visits that stood out to me was our trip to Google. Meeting Derek Hill was an incredible opportunity. I enjoyed learning about his journey and what he has accomplished since graduating from the program in 2022. Derek and I had a few brief conversations during the visit, and he mentioned that he would be willing to offer a referral within Google. I later followed up with him on LinkedIn, and as of yesterday he had submitted my resume into Google’s system and plans to connect me with people in his network in the Chicago office. I am incredibly thankful for this opportunity and hopeful that it could turn into something more that may eventually lead to a job.

When focusing on culture, I also want to highlight our visit to Teeling Whiskey. Ireland is a very proud nation, and whiskey plays an important role in its heritage. In fact, there are specific legal standards required for a spirit to be called Irish whiskey. We had the opportunity to meet Stephen Teeling and complete a case study for him. During this visit, we learned that the Teeling family has been in the whiskey business for multiple generations and wanted to bring their family’s legacy back to Dublin. They opened the first distillery in Dublin over 125 years and even maintain barrels from when their grandfather produced whiskey, allowing them to offer a wide range of aged products.

What stood out most was the passion Stephen showed when speaking about his family’s company. Seeing the pride, he had in continuing his family’s legacy was inspiring. It felt like something we do not see as often in American business culture today. The focus was not on making millions of dollars, but rather on producing a great product and sharing it with the world while honoring family history.

Overall, this experience in Ireland was incredibly valuable both professionally and personally. The opportunity to visit companies, speak with industry professionals, and see how businesses operate in a different cultural environment provided insights that cannot be learned in a classroom alone. Building connections with individuals like Derek Hill and learning from leaders such as Stephen Teeling showed me how relationships, passion, and long-term vision play a significant role in successful careers and organizations. At the same time, experiencing Irish culture reminded me of the importance of balance and enjoying life outside of work. This program reinforced the value of global perspectives in business and left me with lessons and connections that I will carry with me as I continue my career.

• Name: Daniel Martinez
• Status: Graduate
• Major: MBA (Supply Chain Management and Human Resources)
• Hometown: Sacramento, California
• Program: MBA Global Marketplace in Ireland