Cedric Brunings, account executive for The Netherlands at Twitter, tells us how an opportunity with an international tech company made Ireland his first-choice destination in his plans to live and work abroad.
Where are you from?
I am from Amsterdam in The Netherlands. When I first moved to Dublin, I didn’t see it as a big step. Obviously, Amsterdam isn’t far (one hour and 15 minutes on a flight) and the cities are actually quite similar. They are both pretty small with a nice and vibrant city centre and the weather is also quite similar in Dublin to The Netherlands.
What I like the most about Dublin are the people; they are genuinely interested and very friendly. In The Netherlands, people tend to mind their own business and are less engaging with others around them. Overall, Irish people are more approachable, outgoing and always willing to help.
How long have you been in Ireland?
I moved to Dublin on 2 June 2013, meaning I have now been in Dublin for just over a year.
Why did you move here?
I moved to Dublin to take up my role at Twitter Dublin. It was a huge opportunity for me to work for a large international tech company. It had always been my ambition to live and work abroad. Ireland was not the first country that came to mind when looking at the various opportunities but, when the job at Twitter became concrete, it all fell into place. I was thrilled to be moving to Ireland.
What work do you do?
I work within the sales department as an account executive for the Dutch market, which includes approaching clients and helping them hit their goals on Twitter. Dutch businesses are all very eager to include Twitter in their marketing plans; however, a lot of them don’t really know how to use it. This is where we help them with the strategy, analysis and optimisation.
How would you describe your working environment?
Twitter Dublin is a melting pot of young, ambitious, intelligent, energetic, talented people. Everyone within the office works very hard, but there is always the element of fun and we always find the time to laugh. All Twitter employees are determined in hitting their objectives, which in turn helps the company grow, but at the same time employees take the time to enjoy their surroundings. I think this reflects hugely on the working environment, making Twitter Dublin a fantastic place to work.
What do you like most about your job?
My colleagues. I have never worked with such a variety of highly intelligent and super-friendly people; every one of them willing to help one another and everybody working as a team together. Everyone enjoys what they are doing and the people they are working with, which leads to a very vibrant and exiting environment with people willing to make an effort for one another and for other teams.
Was it difficult to adjust to living and working in Ireland?
The Netherlands is quite similar to Ireland, so moving to Ireland was not too big an adjustment. However, there were little things that I did notice upon moving. In The Netherlands, everything is very well organised. Things are a little different in Ireland and that was hard for me to come to terms with.
Public transportation, grocery stores, financial services, etc, are all quite different over here than in The Netherlands. However, after living in Ireland for over a year, I have come to love the Irish no-nonsense mentality.
What surprised you about moving to Ireland?
Before you move here, people tell you how much it rains, but I don’t think it rains as much as they say. Last year, I had one of the best summers ever and so far it looks like we are going to have a great summer again.
How does your working life help to make you feel at home here?
In The Netherlands, people do not mix their professional and personal lives. We hardly see our colleagues after working hours or on the weekend. In Ireland, people enjoy socialising with their work colleagues and would often organise to meet outside of office hours. This made me feel at home, because I now consider some of my colleagues my friends.
What do you like most about your adopted home?
That it is close to the beach.
