Hey everyone! My name is Florence and I am currently studying for the Masters of Business in International and Sustainable Business Strategy. I’d love to share my journey of finding a part-time job as an international student in Ireland. Many people have reached out to me on LinkedIn asking about this process, so I thought I’d put my experience and lessons learned into one place. I landed in Ireland on September 2nd, 2024, full of excitement and big hopes for my studies at TUS. I was thrilled about the opportunities this beautiful country offers. Like many students, I told myself, “I must get a job within my first month!” Well…little did I know that the journey wouldn’t be as straightforward as I imagined.
The First Steps: Getting Important IDs
Shortly after arriving, our amazing TUS Global officials guided us on the essential documents we’d need to work in Ireland:
- PPSN (Personal Public Service Number): This is your unique reference number for accessing social welfare and public services in Ireland.
- IRP (Irish Residence Permit): This confirms your immigration status and allows you to stay in Ireland as a non-EU/EEA national.
- Bank Account: Employers here often pay wages directly into your account, so having one is a must!
These IDs are non-negotiable. No employer will hire you without these. I booked appointments and received my PPSN on September 18th and my IRP on October 24th. After processing times, all documents were in hand by November 7th. That meant over two months without work—waiting, budgeting, and trusting the process.
The Job Hunt Begins
While waiting for my IDs, I prepared by tailoring CVs for different roles. I used job boards like:
- Indeed.com
- Irishjobs.ie
- LinkedIn.com
- Jobleads.ie
- Companies websites.
I applied for over 20 jobs in a week. Creating different CVs, writing cover letters, and filling out applications felt overwhelming at times. The number of rejections I received, over 100, if I’m being honest, was so heart-breaking. Instead of calling them “rejection letters,” Anthony, my intelligent flat mate and friend advised I call them “love letters” (it sounds less painful, right?).
Staying Resilient Through Rejections
I cried a lot. I questioned myself: “Why am I not getting hired despite putting in so much effort?” But thanks to my amazing parents, sister, and friends, their encouragements kept me going. I made sure to apply for every opportunity that came my way. Finally, on November 15th, I got my first interview with a large store. Although I didn’t get the role due to distance, it felt like progress!
Over the next few weeks, I attended seven more interviews. On December 4th, 2024, I secured my first job as a Sales Ambassador for a well-known brand—a short-term December contract. While it was a great start, I had to continue applying for permanent roles. Thankfully, by the end of December, a company I’d previously interviewed with offered me a permanent role
Lessons I Learned
- Ireland is full of opportunities, but you must be persistent and proactive.
- Rejections are part of the process, but every “no” brings you closer to a “yes.”
- Don’t ever give up.
Advice for Job-Seekers
Here are some practical tips to help you navigate the Irish job market as an international student:
- Invest in Yourself: Take courses, develop skills, and polish your CV.
- Stay Consistent: Keep applying even after setbacks.
- Leverage Job Boards: Use platforms like Indeed and LinkedIn.
- Network: Referrals work. Connect with people on LinkedIn or at campus events.
Final Thoughts
Finding a job as an international student isn’t always easy, but it’s rewarding. It teaches resilience, builds skills, and helps you integrate into the community.
This was my journey—yours might be different (and hopefully smoother!). If you’re planning to study in Ireland, I hope this helps you feel more prepared. Feel free to reach out with questions. I’d be happy to share more tips!
Catch you later,
Florence Banjo.