Catherine Green’s experience on the J1 visa can be described in one word: kismet. When the Rian J1 Graduate Visa Program provided Catherine with the perfect opportunity to advance her career, little did she know it would turn into so much more. Going to University during Covid restricted her ability to travel, “I had lived in Ireland my whole life and especially because of Covid and I couldn’t travel during university. When everything opened up again, my goal was to travel.”

With encouragement from her family and friends, Catherine had an instinct that the J1 graduate visa was the right decision. 

She feels that the visa application process through Rian was laid out very well. “It was very easy to communicate with Rian, especially when I had to change my program start date. I appreciated Rian’s flexibility.”

Her transition to Boston was seamless. She had her accommodation sorted before arriving and was joining her brother and best friend in the process. She also leaned on her new roommates for support. “The girls I live with are super nice and helpful,” she said. “we even went to a Boston Irish Business Association networking event together.”

She found a further sense of community by joining the Charitable Irish Society and a CrossFit gym in South Boston, and by connecting with other Rian J1 participants. 

“I made a load of friends from the Rian J1 group,” she said, “and my roommates and I hosted a quiz night with everyone, and we did Thanksgiving dinner together.”

Catherine loves Boston for its beauty and walkability. “It's always blue skies…I work in the Seaport, and I kept having pinch-me moments, I couldn’t believe I get to live and work here.” 

Finding a job went just as smoothly for Catherine as settling into Boston. “I was very lucky; I found my job through the Rian J1 WhatsApp group…I had an interview and was offered the job while I was still in Ireland.”

Catherine has made the most of her position as a Business Operations assistant at Boston Consulting Group. Her team of three people helps to connect employees at BCG and foster community and culture within the company. The job is very well-rounded, and Catherine has had a hand in business operations, events, marketing and more! 

One of her greatest accomplishments while working at BCG was organizing the Cisco Summer Series. “For nine weeks over the summer, we would reserve a section of Cisco Brewers to encourage connection between coworkers,” she pointed out. 

She especially loved connecting with her colleagues at these events. “The networking opportunities were amazing,” she said. “I could talk with everyone from interns to executives.”

Outside of work, Catherine found fulfilling ways to spend her time in Boston. She joined the Union Boat Club and often goes rowing on the Charles River. “I would be lost with the CrossFit gym, staying active has set me up for success and given me a sense of community,” she noted.

Catherine also participated in the St. Patrick's Day Parade with the Charitable Irish Society and designed scarfs for everyone to wear during the event. 

If all that wasn’t enough, she learned how to snowboard during the winter and managed to travel all around the country during her time in the US. 

“I took a solo trip visiting San Francisco, Chicago, Denver and New York,” she said. She went horseback riding in the Rocky Mountains, skydiving in Cape Cod, attended the Norway vs. Iraq World Cup game, saw the Rockettes at Christmas time, ran a half marathon in Brooklyn ,and more! She certainly has made the most of her year in the states.

With all the amazing experiences Catherine has had, it was hard for her to narrow down her favorite, though she did say that “the rowing club has been fantastic as a personal project and has been very rewarding.”

She noted, too, that “the two women on my team at BCG have made my experience so great. They have been instrumental to my growth both personally and professionally.”

In the remaining time of her visa, Catherine hopes to volunteer more with the Charitable Irish Society and Mná Mheiriceá, a Boston-based Irish women’s networking group. She also has a trip planned to LA, where she will be running another half marathon and a solo trip to Palm Springs, Route 66, and Las Vegas. 

She says the visa has allowed her to grow and discover herself. “Even a year ago, I would not have agreed to do an article like this. I am so much more confident and sure of myself.”

She says that working at a large company and making a real impression on her coworkers has taught her that she can do anything she puts her mind to. Her advice for future J1 participants: “You have to be bold. Sometimes it’s easier to ask for forgiveness. And don’t be afraid to tell your story. People want to hear it!" 

Rian is thrilled to share Catherine’s story, and we wish her the best back in Ireland.