At my desk, where ideas turn into action…gaining valuable marketing and HR experience abroad.

Author: Emily Salazar Coutino | Major: Marketing | Semester: Summer 2025

I decided to go with this program because I wanted to gain firsthand experience working in an international environment and fully immerse myself in a new culture. I was also eager to grow personally through the unique challenges and relationships that come from living and working far from home. Although Ireland was not initially at the top of my list, upon discovering this program in Dublin, I immediately felt it was the right place for me.

During my eight-week internship, I was primarily responsible for creating and scheduling social media posts on the consultants’ LinkedIn profiles. While I did not manage their accounts, I collaborated closely with the intern team to create posts that supported recruiting initiatives, reinforced the agency’s brand, and promoted the consultants’ recruitment expertise. On the HR side, I assisted with recruitment tasks and outreach to candidates and clients, gaining valuable insight into the agency’s talent acquisition processes.

Beyond my professional duties, I fully embraced Irish culture by engaging daily with Irish consultants and immersing myself in Dublin life. These everyday interactions offered me insights into both cultural differences and the balance between personal and professional life in Ireland. Moreover, I had the privilege of collaborating with fellow interns from diverse cultural backgrounds, including Hong Kong, Germany, Italy, and France. This multicultural setting made my time especially rewarding by broadening my worldview and enhancing my ability to communicate and cooperate with individuals from diverse cultures.

Many aspects of the internship went exceptionally well. I adapted quickly to the team environment, creating social media posts aligned with company goals and consultants’ areas of expertise using tools such as Canva and Buffer. I also provided meaningful support across both marketing and HR functions. Working alongside a diverse group of interns further enriched my experience, fostering a genuine sense of teamwork and intercultural exchange. These interactions highlighted how diverse perspectives drive innovation and contribute to a collaborative workplace.

Through this experience, I developed a deeper understanding of the close relationship between HR and marketing in achieving recruitment objectives. I also gained greater confidence in my communication and leadership abilities by proactively taking initiative and collaborating with colleagues and fellow interns.

Looking ahead, I am excited to build further expertise in marketing and analytics, building on the foundation I developed during my time in Dublin. As I prepare for graduation, I aim to pursue roles in areas aligned with my interests, such as digital marketing and data analysis. Additionally, I look forward to continuing to learn from diverse cultures and fostering meaningful friendships through my involvement with the International Culture Team (ICT) at the University of Arkansas. I am also eager to maintain and deepen the valuable connections I formed with fellow interns during my internship, as these relationships have been instrumental to my personal and professional growth.