Building an Irish Career: From MBA in Ireland to Google Strategist

So many people I speak with assume that to work for a tech giant in Europe, you need to be one of the "chosen one's" who is transferred over by the big wigs in headquarters. They think you need a relocation package in hand before you step on the plane.

That was definitely NOT my story. Nor is it the path I always recommend.

I didn't move to Dublin with a job offer. I moved with two suitcases, a student visa, and a plan to bet on myself and stick it out "for one year."

My journey took me from an MBA classroom at Trinity College Dublin, to the exciting world of International Growth Strategy at Balsam Brands, and finally to a Strategy role at Google. It wasn't a straight line, but it was a strategic one.

If you are a US professional wondering how to break into the European job market without an internal transfer, this is the "MBA Route" blueprint.

Phase 1: Earn my MBA in Ireland

In 2018, I knew I wanted to build a life in Europe. But applying for jobs from the US is a black hole - your resume often gets ignored if you don't have work authorization.

So, I chose the Education Route. I applied for the MBA program at Trinity College Dublin.

Why an MBA in Ireland?

1. Network: It gave me instant access to the Irish business community. I wasn't just "an American tourist"; I was a Trinity graduate student.

2. Speed: Unlike US programs that take 2 years, many European MBAs are 1 year. That meant less time out of the workforce.

3. "Stamp 1G" Graduate Visa: This was one of my top decision factors for choosing Ireland. In Ireland, if you complete a Master's degree, you are granted a "Third Level Graduate Programme" visa (Stamp 1G). This allows you to work full-time for up to 2 years without needing a company to sponsor you immediately.

   
   

It was the perfect opportunity to prove my value in the Irish market - and worry about sponsorship later..

Phase 2: Build an International Career

After graduation, I didn't walk straight into Google. And that is a reality check most expats need to hear.

My first post-MBA role was with Balsam Brands, a luxury e-commerce brand. This role was crucial for two reasons:

• It proved I could work in the EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa) market.

• It allowed me to navigate the transition from the "Student Visa" to a "General Employment Permit."

This phase wasn't just about paying the bills; it was about building expat experience. learned the nuances of European business culture, managed cross-border teams, and showed future employers that I was here to stay - now well beyond that "one year" gap year.

Phase 3: Enter the Tech Industry (Google)

Aftre 3 amazing years (and one pandemic) in Dublin, I was ready for another change of pace and my next big leap beyond my comfort zone. I leveraged my US background and my fresh European experience to pitch myself for a Strategy role at Google Dublin.

By this point, I wasn't a "risk." I was a seasoned local professional who happened to have an American passport.

The interview process was rigorous, but I had a unique advantage: I understood the "Transatlantic" perspective. I could speak the language of US headquarters while understanding the reality of the European market. That hybrid skill set is exactly what multinational companies pay for.

Why the "Student Route" is Smart for Americans

Moving abroad is risky. Doing it via a Master’s degree de-risks the move.

• You get a "soft landing" with a community of students.

• You get a visa that allows you to network freely.

• You gain a local credential that recruiters respect.

  
  

I didn't wait for a company to choose me. I chose Dublin first, and built the career second.

Ready to Design Your Own Move?

Whether you are looking at the MBA route or trying to secure a direct hire role, you need a narrative that makes sense to European recruiters. I help ambitious women audit their experience and build a relocation strategy that works.

👉 Build Your International Career Roadmap here 

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this post are solely those of the author and do not reflect the views or positions of Google (Alphabet Inc.). This is a personal story of my career journey.