Maxime Hoff, account executive at Dropbox, tells us why he chose Ireland as a place to live and work, and how his interest in the IT sector brought him to Dublin.
Where are you from?
I was born and raised in Paris. I also lived in the south of France near Saint-Tropez and definitely the south is the place I want to finish my days. But, still, Paris is my city and I know every place to visit there.
How long have you been in Ireland?
I arrived in January 2013 from Paris just after a trip to Tokyo. When I arrived it was cold and raining. My first thought was, ‘Where am I?’
Now, after one year and a half, I feel better and Dublin is my second hometown. The weather is not the best in the world but you get used to it, and life here doesn’t stop because of the bad weather so it’s perfect.
Why did you move here?
I did a master’s degree in financial markets, but I could not find a job in finance due to the economic context. I had liked the IT sector since I was young and wanted to live abroad. So, when I discovered the European Silicon Valley, I had the opportunity to start my career in a big IT company and now I’m working with Dropbox.
What work do you do?
I’m an account executive. I’m in charge of developing the French market by evangelising and selling our business solution.
How would you describe your working environment?
Unreal! I’m working with smart people who are more like a family than just colleagues.
What do you like most about your job?
What I like about my work is the people I’m working with and also the potential of the company. Every morning I’m waking up feeling good and that’s the most important thing.
Was it difficult to adjust to living and working in Ireland?
The weather was an adjustment, of course. Beyond that, I don’t think it’s difficult, not at all. I mean, now, after almost two years, I have really good friends and I’m getting used to the Irish lifestyle.
What surprised you about moving to Ireland?
The shops are open every day. In France, it’s not like this. Also, the incredible number of pubs. And, finally, the Irish people; they’re so cool and kind – I was not expecting this.
How does your working life help to make you feel at home here?
Work is part of life but, to be honest, I don’t see the time pass with Dropbox, also because I have met so many nice people. We go out and organise trips together. Nobody feels alone here – it’s a huge family.
What do you like most about your adopted home?
BBQ-time when it’s sunny, because it’s not that often that you can do one so you definitely enjoy barbecues more here in Dublin. Also, it’s a good place to skate with my longboard. And there are a lot of beautiful places in Ireland, and I was not expecting this.
