Another First Day
13
__________ _
Life has been good. Everyone back home is doing great, and that’s all that really matters. After my job offer, hahaha! I’ve been in a daze since I received it because the position comes with a salary that promises financial stability and a career that aligns with my passion.
While waiting for my first day in corporate Ireland, I focused on my studies, earned my degree in computer science specializing in data science. The absence of my family on my graduation day made the moment all the more poignant and lonelier.
On my first day at Rubicon, my heart beats like a djembe drum the moment I step into the sleek and modern office building. People badge into the building; some call out hushed greetings to each other as I move towards the front desk assistant for directions. Along with the job offer came a one-week orientation process, scheduled to hold in this Dublin head office. After this, I’ll complete the rest of my internship in Cork .
My prayer since I got the offer has been that I’m so good and promising during this internship, that they would offer me a full-time position and be happy to relocate me to the UK.
The front desk assistant tells me to wait in a designated area, and within minutes, I’m greeted by a warm smile from a colleague who introduces himself as Mark. His friendly demeanor puts me at ease. He’s an Associate assigned to show me around and help me settle in as our manager is in a senior stakeholders meeting.
Mark takes me on a tour of the office, explaining the layout, the collaboration areas, and the meeting rooms. He points out different departments and introduces me to various coworkers along the way.
“Over here is where our team is based,” Mark says, leading me to a section with spacious desks and large computer monitors. “This will be your seat.”
Wow… this is a far cry from the factory, the houses I’ve cleaned, and even the setups of the startups I had worked with back home.
“Thank you.” I smile, hoping I look the part, because this feels like a dream!
“You’re welcome. Just so you know, our team members are spread across the globe, some you might not have worked with before this internship is over,” he grins, “but you’ll learn a great deal from.”
*****
Throughout the day, Mark takes the time to introduce me to my immediate team members, explaining their roles and areas of expertise. The camaraderie among my colleagues is obvious, it makes me happy that I’m one of them.
At lunchtime, Mark invites me to join him and a few other coworkers in the cafeteria. They share insights about the company culture, offer advice on navigating the workplace dynamics, and share a few lighthearted anecdotes.
As lunch ends, Mark walks me back to my desk. “Welcome to the team once again,” he says, tapping his fingers on my desk absentmindedly. “Like you’ve heard all day, don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need assistance,” he teases with a smile.
“Thank you, Mark,” I reply, touched by his kindness. “I’m excited to be a part of this team.”
Settling into my chair, I power up my assigned computer to continue my Rubicon onboarding classes. At the back of my mind, I’m still wowed by the fact that things I said years ago are coming to pass. So many things have not gone as planned, but here I am—from a small town in Nigeria to a bustling city in Ireland. I’m proud of the steps I’ve taken, the hurdles I’ve overcome, and the opportunities I’ve seized.
*****
In a flash, my one-week stint in Dublin comes to an end, and I’m back in Cork, settling into my role as a data analytics intern at Rubicon. The atmosphere here, while more laid-back than Dublin’s, is still bustling with creativity and innovation. Every day brings with it a new challenge, a new puzzle to solve using the skills I’ve learned over the years.
What truly fuels my enthusiasm is the learning journey. Data analytics is a world of its own, a landscape of numbers and patterns that intertwine to reveal insights and possibilities. I find myself delving into complex datasets, deciphering trends, and crafting narratives that help guide important business decisions.
The support from my colleagues and mentors is invaluable. I’ve found myself engaged in conversations that challenge my perspectives and broaden my horizons, both professionally and personally.
When my first salary hits my account, it takes me a moment for my brain to catch up with my body. Oh, my goodness! It didn’t even feel like I was working throughout the first month. Now, I have money to do whatever I want. Wow!
This is what it feels like doing what you love. Less stress, more gains!
By the end of my second month, I’m discussing with Special about changing my apartment for more privacy. His only concern is our plans for me to move to the UK soon, which is understandable. However, I’m way too excited about having my own space, so I go ahead and begin apartment hunting!