This semester, our interns immersed themselves in the world of advertising, tackling creative challenges, mastering new skills, and embracing collaboration. Their unique perspectives and growth have been inspiring, and we’re sharing the lessons they’ve learned and the moments that made their experience unforgettable.

The focus on learning and professional growth at CP has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my experience here. My leaders consistently challenged me to explore new technologies and elevate my thinking. As a result, I’m leaving CP with a deeper understanding of how to uncover an audience’s motivations and interpret them effectively.

The most valuable lesson I’ve learned is the creativity that comes with being a strategist. It’s not just about gathering research—it’s about translating insights into relatable, human terms that illuminate what drives an audience. CP’s approach of thinking like a cultural anthropologist, rather than just a strategist, has completely reshaped how I approach consumer research and insight development.

Ella Schroeder, Strategy Intern
Boston University

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I believe that we grow through challenges, and learning to use Adobe Premiere was no exception. At first, editing with this tool felt difficult and frustrating, but I didn’t let that hold me back. Through hard work and persistence, I was able to overcome the obstacles it presented. Now, I’m both proud of my progress and confident in my ability to tackle similar challenges in the future.

This internship also gave me a deeper understanding of how complex launching an ad campaign truly is. With so many moving parts and people involved at different stages, I’ve gained a new appreciation for the process. While I initially focused on the creation of materials, I now have a greater respect for the importance of pre-production.

Abby Rhodes, Maker/Video Production Intern
Clark University ’24

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My time at CP taught me more than just technical skills—it nurtured a sense of curiosity that pushed me to dig deeper, question the numbers, and approach problems with a “how can I improve this?” mindset. I also honed my ability to communicate data insights clearly, making them accessible to anyone, no matter their familiarity with data.

One of the most rewarding experiences was a team sharing session where we learned from each other’s journeys. Hearing how my teammates tackled challenges and grew through their experiences was truly inspiring. These sessions weren’t just about exchanging knowledge—they were about building connections, growing together, and understanding how collaboration elevates us all.

Mia Park, Analytics Intern
Boston College

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The most valuable lesson I’ve learned at Connelly Partners is the importance of simply starting creative projects, even when the direction isn’t fully clear. Some of my projects came with vague or limited guidance, and I realized that taking those first steps, instead of getting “stuck” at the beginning, is essential. Now, I feel more confident starting projects with minimal direction, knowing I can refine and adjust as I go.

This internship also showed me just how collaborative this industry is. While I knew creative production required teamwork, I discovered that advertising-specific production involves even more moving parts than I had imagined. Working alongside my fellow interns gave me a firsthand look at how every department plays a unique and vital role in bringing advertising projects to life. This experience has illuminated aspects of the industry I hadn’t fully understood before.

Shayna Smith, Creative Production Intern
Boston University

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Although I studied advertising in school, there’s so much they don’t teach you about how an agency operates or the many roles and people that make it all come together. During my internship, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of how agencies run and how they collaborate with clients. I’ve also had the chance to discover more about my own design style while exploring different approaches. Designing for a wide range of clients has challenged me to adapt my style to fit their unique needs, which has been both exciting and rewarding.

One of the things I love most about what I do is concepting and brainstorming ideas. There’s something so energizing about sitting down and coming up with countless ways to tackle a brief or meet a client’s goals. I also enjoy expanding on those ideas and figuring out how to bring them to life. On top of that, working with others has been incredibly rewarding. I love connecting with people, and I truly believe that collaborating can take ideas to a whole new level.

Juliana LaPorta, Art & Design Intern
The University of Alabama

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During my internship at CP, I thoroughly enjoyed getting hands-on experience with influencer partnerships, managing social media accounts, and content creation. Collaborating with my team, seeking their advice, and learning from their expertise made the experience even more rewarding. It allowed me to dive deeper into the strategic and dynamic elements of the industry.

The most valuable lesson I learned was the power of strategic thinking—how thoughtful, well-planned decisions can drive both creativity and results in campaigns. I also came to appreciate the importance of networking within the agency, building relationships, and asking questions. These connections and insights have been instrumental in helping me grow both personally and professionally.

Chloe Jackson, PR, Social Media, and Influencer Intern
College of Charleston

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During my internship, I developed valuable relationship-building skills, including the importance of being transparent, staying optimistic, and offering support to clients without assigning blame for challenges. These lessons have strengthened my ability to foster trust and collaboration in a professional setting.

My time at the agency also highlighted just how team-oriented the advertising industry can—and should—be. It was inspiring to see people from different offices, departments, and even countries come together to create meaningful results for clients. One of my career goals is to work within a team of like-minded individuals who view teamwork, empathy, and enthusiasm not as optional, but as essential elements of impactful advertising.

Ryan Long, Digital Intern
Loyola University Maryland 

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These past three months have been an incredible immersion into the advertising industry. Working across a variety of clients has helped me refine my copywriting skills and taught me how to adapt my writing style to fit campaigns ranging from shrimp to kitchen tiles.

At Connelly Partners, I’ve had the opportunity to not only contribute to diverse campaigns but also collaborate with a team of talented creatives. Seeing how seasoned professionals bring campaigns to life has been a rewarding and eye-opening experience. Beyond the work itself, the agency’s positive and open culture has made a significant impact on my time here. From the people to the company-wide events, the supportive environment has been a highlight of my internship.

Overall, this experience has strengthened my passion for copywriting and made me even more excited about the possibilities of a future in the field.

Clem Mark, Copywriting Intern/Creative
Boston University ’24

 

Shannon Bresnahan, Brand Supervisor

Even before I was hired at Connelly Partners, I knew I was going to apply for the CP Abroad Program. During the many conversations leading up to my start at the agency, I learned so much about the program and grew increasingly excited. Prior to joining CP, I had some serious peaks and valleys in my life (felt like more valleys, but hindsight is always 20/20) and taking a trip seemed like just the experience I needed to bring me back to my old self. 

Curiosity Leads to Confidence

Ronan Doyle, Global Art Director

What a Time to Visit

Goosebumps. And not from the cold—in fact, this October was probably the warmest I’ve ever experienced. Blue skies, sun, and crazy vibrant Autumn colours. My Boston colleagues had told me fall is one of the best times to visit, and hey, they definitely weren’t wrong.

Frankie, my wife, and I had been to Boston once before in 2020, but the pandemic quickly cut that trip short. We had to leave without really seeing very much of the city, and everything shutting down around us. This time, however, was different, and it certainly delivered ten-fold. Boston has easily climbed to the top of our list of favorite cities, it has amazing history, rich culture, fantastic food, and incredibly friendly people.

Wanderlust

We usually skip the typical tourist attractions, preferring to wander and find hidden gems. Boston’s charm lies in its character—around every corner, there’s something new to see without it trying too hard to grab your attention. Whether we were climbing Bunker Hill, catching a boat on the Mystic River, or trying pizza near Hanover Street, it really felt like a big city with the charm of a small town.

Of course, Boston has its iconic sports culture and flashy lights, but what we loved most were the small quirks—like the funny voice that says “wait” at traffic lights. 

Another important part of our trip was visiting New York to see the 9/11 Memorial. I remember passing by the same spot in 1996 when my brother drove us from JFK to Scranton. This time though, I didn’t want a picture; it was about quiet reflection, and a reminder of the importance of making a difference in life. Our company’s vision might adapt, but I’m starting to understand what it means to be “defiantly human.” For me, it’s about striving to make a positive impact and that stood out as a reminder that we all have a chance to do that.

People

Meeting the friendly people in the Boston office was by far the highlight. Putting faces to names is invaluable, and I think the more people get the chance to do this, the more our multiple offices will feel like one. Conversations flow much easier when you have a face to talk to and I’m sure it will be easier when you have a face to put with that random slack or email. An extra bonus was working on a U.S. project while there, and I’d encourage anyone visiting another office to get involved in a project no matter how big or small.

Kudos to everyone who organized the apartment—it was truly the icing on the cake. It felt like a home away from home, with everything we needed for the month. Having a local food market nearby kept us from overspending on eating out every night, as tempting as that was! Standing on the roof deck, gazing at the twinkling lights, gave me a sense of calm in this bustling city. It made me feel very small, but also reminded me of the huge world out there and the chance we all have to make a difference.

Some of the highlights included meeting everyone in the office (including Carl and Beau the dogs), a surprise visit from Cape Cod relatives, river walks by Charlestown, Halloween pumpkins, finding the famous Good Will Hunting bench, the view from the top of the Prudential Tower, the beautiful Beacon Hill, the New England Aquarium, Fenway Park, the Hatch Awards, iconic New York sights, and, of course, lots of cold brew coffee.

Thank You

I honestly wish I could have Boston on-tap every day—but thankfully, I still have access to some of its people through our Boston office. This was an experience I’ll carry with me for a lifetime, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity given to me.

Ronan

Mia Harvey, Brand Supervisor

After seeing so many of my colleagues have such amazing experiences on the CP Abroad program, I decided to take the leap and do the same! While I was incredibly fortunate to have friends and family visit me in Dublin, I spent a large chunk of my time alone, during which I cherished the moments with one of my greatest passions: reading. 

Coincidentally, some of my favorite books are set in Dublin and Ireland, including Sally Rooney’s Normal People and Paul Murray’s The Bee Sting. This provided the perfect excuse to revisit these beloved stories. As I settled into my working life, I found myself wandering the city each morning, tracing the footsteps of my favorite characters.

My explorations led me to the picturesque Trinity College, the charming Hodges Figgis bookstore, and, of course, the iconic River Liffey. Dublin is a city steeped in literary history, where the words of great authors resonate through its streets. I discovered more about the writers I admired, as well as those I hadn’t yet explored. I found myself at some of Dublin’s literary landmarks, such as Oscar Wilde’s statue in Merrion Square and his birthplace on Westland Row, and marveled at Trinity’s Long Room, feeling the weight of literary legacy all around me.

Alongside my favorites, I read James Joyce’s Dubliners, which immortalizes the essence of early 20th-century Dublin. As I walked through Temple Bar or along the Grand Canal, Joyce’s vivid depictions transformed my view of the city, revealing layers I hadn’t noticed before. During my last week in Dublin, Rooney’s latest release, Intermezzo, was published, allowing me to conclude my literary journey with one of my favorite authors, tying a perfect bow on my Dublin experience.

In addition to my reading adventures, I thoroughly enjoyed meeting new people at the Dublin office. My colleagues were not just coworkers; they were enthusiastic storytellers with their own insights into the city. Over coffee breaks and lunchtime chats, we exchanged recommendations for local spots. Their perspectives added depth to my understanding of Dublin, making the city feel even more vibrant.

By the time I arrived at the office each morning, I felt as if I had stepped into each story, becoming a character in my own narrative. Immersed in this vibrant city and enriched by the people I met in the Dublin office, I realized I was writing my own chapter in the ongoing tale of Dublin—a story inspired by the voices that came before me and the new connections I had made along the way.

Joshua Cook, Digital and Social Media Manager

Shipping Up To Boston?

Since joining Connelly Partners 18 months ago, I have been inundated with tales of Boston and the CP Abroad Programme. From Italian restaurants in the North End to sunsets on the apartment roof terrace, if someone in the company has had the opportunity to visit Boston, you won’t need to ask twice before they tell you all about it as you settle down for lunch. This ensures that you spend the rest of your day quietly dreaming of jetting off yourself at some point and experiencing all that the programme has to offer. 

I’d never been to America, I’ve hardly left Europe, in all honesty. So, a month spent alone on the opposite side of the Atlantic, engulfed in a culture that is so different to the one I know and have spent my life a part of, was daunting to say the least. I was anxious, nervous and a host of different emotions all rolled into one as my departure date drew ever closer. But, ultimately, I was ready to grab the opportunity with both hands and make the most of it in as many ways possible. 

Highlights

Connelly Partners couldn’t be more helpful in ensuring that you feel comfortable in the weeks leading up to your trip. About a week before I set off, I was put into contact with my ‘Buddy’ who had also spent quite a bit of time in the Dublin office. I was assured (or warned?) he would be a perfect match for myself. He wasted no time and organised to meet up on my first full day in Boston, he introduced me to some of his friends, included me in a Whatsapp group and even brought me along to take part in a NFL Fantasy Draft. For a man who had never even seen an American Football match, it was quite the introduction. Nevertheless, I bluffed my way through and this set the tone for the month that was to come in the Land of the Free. 

I met up frequently with so many in the Boston office at various events, which ultimately culminated in the CP 25th Anniversary Party on my penultimate night. As a huge sports fan, highlights of my trip included Fenway Park to watch the Red Sox and eat hot dogs (I had two and could have done more), catching a Bruins game at the famous TD Garden and soaking up the atmosphere in the city’s bars as the Patriots kicked off their season. 

It wasn’t all sports though, as I spent a weekend in New York like the tourist I am. I wandered around for 3 days in awe at the city I feel so familiar with from popular culture, yet I couldn’t quite get my head around, as a man from a small East Lancashire town in North West England. It was vast, it is never ending, it was truly mesmerising. 

That being said, Boston was certainly more at my pace and I loved spending the evenings wandering around and taking in some of the famous monuments that surround the city centre. Oh, and don’t forget Modern Pastry Shop, truly the GOAT Bakery in Boston. But, please don’t tell Mike I said that. 

Defiantly Human

There are too many people to individually thank for the great time I had on my trip. The only thing I can say is that the people I spent my time with really couldn’t have treated me in a more welcoming way, and I thank Connelly Partners for the fantastic opportunity given to me. I now look forward to being that person waxing lyrical around the lunch table and encouraging others to get over to Boston as quickly as possible.

Aimée Rose Keenan, Account Executive

When I first joined Connelly Partners, I was told that after a year I could apply to spend some time in the Boston office. The concept seemed so far away when I was hired, so out of the realm of anything I’d consider doing. But it’s funny how fast time goes by when you’re not thinking about it. I had such a busy year, both personally and professionally, and before I knew it, I was being encouraged by my colleagues to apply for an open spot in August. I’ve done a lot of solo travel in the past, including to the States, but I don’t think anything could have prepared me for how I’d feel spending the month in Boston. I couldn’t believe how settled and at home I felt after just one month, how kind all the people were, how easy the city was to get around and just how comfortable I would feel.

There’s something really incredible about travelling by yourself. It forces you outside of your comfort zone, makes you try new things, meet people, and go different places. I don’t think I regret a single thing I did while I was in Boston, and most of it I did alone; from baseball games to a Salem visit, to museum outings and walking tours.

Having said that, I also had some wonderful experiences with friends, both old and new!

I was lucky enough to be able to go on a trip to Plymouth with some new friends from the Boston office, which was perhaps the most relaxing weekend I had in August. And yes, I was brought to see the rock. I felt so grateful in getting to know the Boston team, everyone made me feel so welcome! I had a blast on the Brand Team outing, and even learned how to play a new sport: pickleball. some might even call it the fastest-growing sport in America… although I’m still convinced that everyone went extra easy on me.

I also had an incredible time in New York City with one of my friends from Dublin, far from the calming beaches of Plymouth. Comedy shows, jazz bars and thrift shopping made for a totally unique experience in and of itself!

To anyone feeling apprehensive about embarking on the CP Abroad Program or any new adventure, my advice is to do it anyway! It is such a wonderful and unique experience, and can teach you so much about who you are as a person and what you’re capable of, whether that’s on a personal or professional level. I can say for sure that I will absolutely be returning to Boston at some point in the future.

Dave Kimball, Chief Growth Officer

Dublin’s Roadside Lesson: Embracing True Kindness

Spending a month in Dublin offered me more than just professional growth, I encountered an experience that reshaped my perspective on kindness and human connection. We were driving in Galway on a beautiful but narrow road when, out of nowhere, a flat tire struck. Unfortunately, I had no spare in the car, and my family and I were stranded. What followed was a vivid lesson in the essence of genuine kindness.

As I stood by the roadside, every single passing car offered assistance except for one – which would have been me if roles were reversed, so no judgment there. But what stood out was the sincerity of their offers to help – each driver proposed to take me to a garage or help call for assistance. These small, authentic acts of kindness made me more trusting than I normally would be. So I accepted one of their offers (very unlike me), and had them bring my family to the intended destination (why have all of us sitting around when they could still have some fun).

Three hours later, when I reunited with my family, I discovered something remarkable. As my wife checked in with the service manager to collect our reserved tickets and mentioned that I couldn’t join due to the car trouble, the manager’s expression changed dramatically. He confessed that he was the driver who hadn’t stopped to help. Overwhelmed with regret, he showered her with apologies, explaining that he had been running late for work and had been carrying a heavy burden of remorse ever since. People from Ireland are just flat out nicer than Bostonians (no real surprise I guess).

This experience underscored a powerful lesson: kindness isn’t just about grand gestures; it’s about being considerate and caring, even when it’s inconvenient. The authentic kindness I experienced reminded me that our everyday actions, no matter how small, can significantly impact others.

With summer wrapping up, we can’t help but reflect on the impact our interns have had over the past few months. From creative thinking to hands-on projects, they brought energy and enthusiasm to everything they touched. Let’s take a look at the highlights of their experience and the lessons they’re taking with them as they move forward.

Build Bonds and Grow Together

This semester, I was able to play a part in seeing two campaigns come to life from start to finish. I was involved in creating tasks and action forms, proofreading decks and prints, and ensuring all timelines and client feedback were followed. It was such a great learning experience, being able to witness the complete campaign process, and how the CP team interacts with clients throughout. 

My most valuable takeaway from this internship is to start connecting and networking with people in the office right away. There are so many different and unique people in our community that have amazing stories to share! As I move forward in my professional career, I’m committed to being persistent in building connections with everyone I meet!

Wylie MacDougall, Brand Leadership Intern
University of New Hampshire 

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Discovering the Power of Culture

Being a part of CP has definitely impacted both my career and personal growth. I have had the unique opportunity to work and learn from the CP production department’s best. Working so closely and being mentored by experienced producers is a learning experience I could never gain in the classroom.

I discovered a few surprising things during my internship – the first being that the infamous CP culture truly does exist. Working here has been one of the most refreshing and inspiring experiences I’ve had when it comes to work culture. Experiencing CP’s culture firsthand has given me a new perspective on what is possible when you bring community to the workplace.

Emma Brady, Production Intern
Emerson College

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Collaboration Is Key

These past few months at Connelly Partners has definitely confirmed my goal of pursuing a career in creative copywriting. I’ve had the privilege of shadowing some really talented writers and I’m thankful to be walking away with the insights and experience I gained at CP.

Collaboration is so important and there was plenty of it to be found at CP. As someone who always dreaded group projects in school, a surprising realization I had was how much I love and thrive on collaboration. I learned how valuable it is to bounce ideas off of other people, and how much it helps promote creativity. Something you think is goofy might spark something insightful in someone else. 

Shruthi Krishnan, Copywriting Intern
Emerson College

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Find Your Voice

During the course of my internship, I believe that I made an impact on the teams and projects I worked on. Connelly Partners provides such a safe space to comfortably share ideas and be heard. Because of this, I was never afraid to state my opinion and help solve problems to drive projects forward. 

While at CP, I realized how much I love art directing and concepting. I have had a few projects during this internship where I was given the freedom to come up with ideas and I’ve noticed how happy and satisfied it makes me. Especially the pride I feel when I see it all coming together.

This internship has shown me what goes on behind the scenes when creating an ad. I’ve learned how many different people and roles come together to create a campaign. 

Juliana LaPorta, Art & Design Intern
The University of Alabama

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The Value of Hands-on Experience

Working at Connelly Partners has helped me sharpen my career focus by providing hands-on experience in creative strategy and video production. It helped build my confidence and clarify my passion for the industry. I am grateful for all the advice I received from my manager, particularly the importance of networking.

Getting so much hands-on experience during this semester was incredible. I feel fortunate to have been able to work as the second camera on a client shoot. I am especially proud that quite a bit of footage that I shot was actually used in the final product. I also have some hands-on experience in some production projects. I was able to participate in a virtual production project, which was a thrilling experience.

Edison Gao, Video & Editing Intern
Emerson College

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Learn From Your Peers

Going into college, I knew I was interested in marketing, but I wasn’t sure where in the field I fit into. Taking a media planning class in college exposed me to media as a subject, but this internship has proven to me how much media excites me and I want to continue in this field as I advance in my career. I have also gained so much confidence in myself, my ability to do challenging work, and my communication skills. 

I learned that you shouldn’t be afraid to make yourself known. Throughout the summer, I made it my goal to meet with every person on my team and at least one person in each department. At first, it was nerve-wracking to ask to take time out of someone’s busy schedule, but the more meetings I set up, the more comfortable and confident I became. It has been very rewarding to form these connections and there is so much to learn from the people around me.

Rebecca Gaffin, Media Intern
Suffolk University 

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Embrace Every Opportunity 

My experience working with other interns on client projects was incredibly rewarding. We learned a lot from each other by sharing ideas, managing activities, and holding work sessions together to complete projects. 

I am thankful to have had a manager who taught me so much; like how to use some of the hottest technologies, like ChatGPT, to help me work more efficiently. She encouraged me to utilize my talents and because of this, I have been working on improving my coding skills and will be pursuing a computer science program to develop marketing applications in the future.

If I could share one piece of advice, it would be to be open to everything and work hard to achieve your goals.

Rami Huu Nguyen, Strategy Intern
UMass Boston

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Fully Immerse Yourself 

I majored in film in college, so my exposure to the advertising world was limited at the start of my internship. Because of this, I was really like diving headfirst into the deep end and just seeing what happened. I was surprised how much I enjoyed the fast-paced, on-your-toes speed that the advertising industry moves at. Having to jump from project to project so quickly is a thrilling experience. 

It’s important to take in as much as you can. Sit in on more meetings, observe more of the entire process, learn more beyond your role. The more insight you have into every department, the better.

Andrew Powers, Photography & Editing Intern
American University

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Take Charge of Your Experience

Working on clients that involved collaboration across several departments was a key experience during my internship. With each department bringing its own expertise, communication was crucial. Everyone proactively contributed their insights, driven by curiosity to understand the full picture. What made it work was the respect we had for each other’s perspectives, ensuring that every voice was heard. This taught me that effective teamwork hinges on both active participation and empathetic communication, which are essential for aligning diverse teams towards a common goal.

If I could go back to the start of my internship, I would advise myself to be proactive in reaching out to others and not wait for opportunities to come to me. Connelly Partners is full of experienced professionals eager to share their knowledge, and I’d remind myself to tap into that resource from day one. Moving forward, I’ll carry this lesson with me, always seeking out opportunities to learn from those around me and contributing actively.

Mia Park, Analytics Intern
Boston College

Neal Malone, PR & Social Media Management Supervisor

“Guinness tastes so much different in Ireland—it’s way better than what we get in the U.S.” 

To everyone who said that to me ahead of my first visit to the Emerald Isle…can I be honest? As hard as I tried, I couldn’t really tell the difference—and I say that with the utmost respect. To me, it tasted as fantastic as it always does. 

But after several weeks—and plenty of thirst-quenching field research—a lightbulb went off. I realized exactly why people are so partial to an Irish pour of Guinness. It’s because of the place. The people. The positivity that you’re surrounded with. That’s why Guinness “tastes” better in Ireland.

So as I look back on my month abroad, I’ll say this…Ireland is a truly remarkable place that is home to the nicest, most welcoming people I’ve ever encountered. Here’s what else I’ll remember from my experience:

True Cultural Immersion

When you live somewhere for a whole month, you’re gifted with a cultural experience that goes way beyond that of a typical vacation. Our Irish immersion of course included the greatest hits—parks, museums, landmarks, and pubs—but it was the everyday stuff that I appreciated the most. The coffee shop conversations with locals, the casual neighborhood strolls, the education on Gaelic football and hurling, and the opportunity to work out of our Dublin office. 

Rain or shine, I couldn’t get enough of my walks to and from the office. It was my moment to take it all in—from beautiful architecture all the way down to little cultural observations like “I still can’t tell which side of the sidewalk people want me to walk on.” 

At the office, I learned a lot from our ever-so-welcoming counterparts in Dublin. There’s a feeling of warmth and balance when you walk into the office—everybody is sharp, creative, and highly dedicated, yet at the same time (seemingly) unafflicted by the common stressors of the American work environment. I mean, on most days, the majority of the office gathers around the kitchen table to catch up and eat lunch together—when’s the last time you’ve seen that in the U.S?

The Many Sides of Ireland

European adventures always come with the temptation to pack a bag and jet off to a different country every weekend. I get it—it’s easy to get swept up by Ireland’s close proximity to places like England, France, and Spain. But this time around, we kept things simple. After kicking things off with a family beach vacation in Portugal’s Algarve region, we really focused our attention on Ireland—and I’m glad we did. 

As city people turned suburban dwellers, we enjoyed living in the thick of things again. Dublin is a bustling, walkable city with amazing parks, accessible public transit, big sporting events/concerts, and an excellent restaurant scene that is packed with flavors from around the globe. 

We rented a car on a few different occasions, creating opportunities to venture outside of Dublin to places like the Wicklow Mountains, Malahide Castle, Bray, Howth, and Maynooth. There are so many cool things to do within a 30-45 minute drive—from beaches and hiking trails to historical landmarks and family-friendly farms. 

The real highlight of our stay, though, was our trip to Dingle. Located in Kerry on Ireland’s west coast, Dingle is a solid 4-5 hour drive from Dublin. Getting out there takes you through the lush countryside that you picture when you think of Ireland—green field after green field, filled with cows and sheep. As for Dingle, it’s a little seaside town that delivers on every imaginable level. Slea Head Drive takes you along the cliffs of the Dingle Peninsula and offers the most amazing ocean views. The harbor is home to several companies that offer boat tours—we were even blessed with a sunny day for ours! In town, there’s a staggeringly high concentration of fun pubs (all of which offer excellent live music on most nights) and some really amazing seafood spots. 

If Not Now, When?

Like with any big decision or opportunity, the longer you think about it, the more likely you are to talk yourself out of it. We could have found plenty of reasons to push this type of a trip further down the road, but we didn’t. We recognized the uniqueness of the opportunity and dove in head first. I couldn’t be happier with our decision and I know that this experience will be something I’ll look back on—personally and professionally—for a long, long time.

David Onessimo, Creative Director

The Result of Living Far Away? Getting Closer.

Why do we travel? Surely, not to snap instagram photos. We travel to grow as humans. Exposing ourselves to new sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and routines jumpstarts our hearts and minds. Travel isn’t an experience that exists solely within departure and return. It leaves lasting impressions. Endless conversations, memories, and sometimes has a direct impact on our daily lives. The best travels define us in more unexpected ways forever. Living in Dublin as part of the CP Abroad program was one of those times. 

My wife and I have traveled any chance we’ve had since the day we met, and we’ve carried this passion through to our family. So, when the opportunity came to relocate for one month to Ireland, we knew exactly what to expect. We’ve taken loads of trips together, both domestically and internationally. Our kids (now 7 and 8) love to travel. They will see new places, eat new food, and try a new routine. Then, we’ll cherry pick bits and pieces of those experiences to bring home, and so will they. Treating travel like a mental souvenir shop. 

As a creative director, I love to collaborate with my peers, getting to know them as people. Nothing beats sitting in a room together and coming up with ideas to solve business challenges for our clients. I have been lucky enough to work with both our Boston and Dublin creative teams, but virtual meetings only go so far. To dream and laugh in the same room, to feel the energy firsthand with the team in person in Dublin, has changed our working relationship. 

Over the course of 4 weeks abroad, we racked up memories. We played cards in pubs for hours, pet cows in Ireland, ate chocolate in Belgium, and attended concerts in London. Photographing and journaling the whole journey like some evening news reporter for my future self. 

But after 3 weeks of being 3,000 miles away from our home, friends, and family, something unexpected happened. Something that had nothing to do with beautiful architecture and European lifestyle. We became closer to each other. My wife and I became better parents. My son became a kinder brother. My daughter became a more patient sister.

Beyond touring a 1,000 year old castle, eating fresh fish and chips off the boat, playing rugby with kids in the park, what we brought home from our CP Abroad was not a memory at all. We experienced a lot together. Experiences you’ll find listed on TripAdvisor. But the unexpected growth we saw as a family was far more satisfying than sipping a Guinness at dusk overlooking the Gap of Dunloe with an Irish fiddle in the background. That was, however, a close second.