Pauline Daspre, recruiter at Quantcast, tells us why she chose Ireland as a place to live and work, and how she moved from capital to capital.
Where are you from?
I grew up and lived near Paris. If you stop by there, here is a good address for crêpes: Le Triskell in Eaubonne. I was living in London for the last two years in a super-cute red Victorian-style house close to Finsbury Park Station.
How long have you been in Ireland?
I arrived in Dublin three weeks ago at 11pm. The Samuel Beckett Bridge was closed, it was raining, and the day after I was at work for my first day in Dublin.
Why did you move here?
I was looking for a new challenge. I didn’t really think about moving to Dublin at first but from my first contact with Quantcast I came to the conclusion that it was the company I should join and why not Dublin? After all, I didn’t know the city yet, and I needed a calmer and greener place to live in. It didn’t take me long at all to turn my mind around and I made the decision almost straightaway. I have no doubt, after a month, that I picked the right place!
What work do you do?
I am responsible for hiring talent for our offices across Europe. I’m mainly working on sales and marketing roles for London, Munich and Paris.
How would you describe your working environment?
Great culture. It’s a dynamic, multicultural, challenging, fun and friendly work environment.
What do you like most about your job?
The people I’m working with and people I’m talking to, being part of a great adventure where we own the future, working hard toward the same goal and having fun. Also, our company is not only focused on hiring; they also work toward retaining people from day one, which is really pleasant. I also enjoy travelling to our other offices.
Was it difficult to adjust to living and working in Ireland?
Understanding Irish accents and accommodating the Irish weather probably rank No 1. But, more seriously, there haven’t been too many difficulties since I arrived, except, maybe, trying to find the perfect cocoon to live in and settle properly. Oh, and also juggling with administration: getting a bank account, but before that you need a proof of address, and to find a place you need to give a deposit, but to get the money you need an account, and to get your money you need the PPSN, and to get the PPSN you need a proof of address. Are you lost? I was too! It was nice to get familiar with the city, though.
What surprised you about moving to Ireland?
I was surprised by the pedestrian traffic lights because you never know when you can cross the road or not. Also the weather is actually not as bad as I heard it was.
What do you like most about your adopted home?
I love being close to everything. I go to work walking along the canal and can still go from one place to another by walking or by bike. It is a super-nice and relaxing style of living. You are very close to everything – sea, mountains, city – and I am starting to discover really cute and hidden places.
And I almost forgot: beers, obviously!
