NEOMA Alumni Mag - N°35 - Juin 2023 - 44

MAGAZINE
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young people are more likely to be given a chance
than in France, " comments Charlotte Ladonne. The
Alumni also appreciate an environment where
" making mistakes is allowed " and where the hierarchy
is less prevalent than in France: " We work in
small teams, and I can ask my general manager for
a private talk any time I wish to, " she says. Kiera
O'Farrell also enjoys the laidback atmosphere:
" The Irish work culture is very friendly and not
overly formal, and life outside work is valued. So,
sending an email on a Friday night is not well perceived, "
she comments. " There is a 9 AM to 5 PM
mentality with an attitude of let's do what we have
to do and then go out for drinks, " confirms Séverin
Plassat (CESEM 12), Head of Group Operations for
Weir & Sons. The downside of Ireland? Higher
income taxes than in France, with lower social benefits
- employment benefits are limited to nine
months - and a poor health system: " There are
good doctors but getting hold of them is tough as
they are in short supply and are not fully covered
by insurance, " comments Julian Kulkarni (CESEM
95). " The health care system is one of the worst in
Europe, with a six-month waiting list to see a specialist
and no doctors on the weekend, " adds
Séverin Plassat.
A SAFE AND GREEN ENVIRONMENT
FOR FAMILIES
What do alumni appreciate most about Ireland?
Perhaps simply the friendliness of the Irish people:
APARTMENT HUNTING IN DUBLIN: BE READY
FOR A CHALLENGE!
If finding an apartment in Dublin has always been difficult, the Covid
period led to a housing crisis, as Charlotte Ladonne (BScIFI 19) points
out: " During the pandemic, the building of new houses stopped. During
that time, I moved to the west coast and it took me several months to
find a place when I came back " she recalls. As Tik Tok videos showed
hundreds of people queuing outside flats to visit, the French embassy
even posted a notice on its website to warn people: " Finding accommodation
in Dublin is very complicated " confirms Julian Kulkarni (CESEM
95), who has heard of many people relying on word of mouth. For the
lucky ones, some tech companies offer a relocation budget for 2 months
to stay in a hotel or temporary accommodation while they look for a flat.
As far as rent is concerned, a one-bedroom apartment can cost upwards
of 1,400 euros, and house-sharing is very common as small spaces are
scarce. In addition, as in other countries, gas and electricity prices have
exploded. A good reason to get a job before you move.
- 44 - NEOMA ALUMNI mag JUIN 2023
" They are the most welcoming people in Europe "
says Lucas Stump. However, while day-to-day
interactions are undeniably smooth and warm,
expect to spend more time making real friends,
warns Charlotte Ladonne, who recommends starting
your expatriation in a foreign company before
joining an Irish one to ease your way into the country.
Alumni also enjoy the spectacular and rugged
countryside in the western part of the country, a
beautiful historical centre as well as an exciting
night life with daily live music and good restaurants
in Dublin: " Here you can see the same shows
that in London, but they are more easily accessible,
so there is really a lot to take advantage of " comments
Julian Kulkarni. In the summer, one can also
enjoy the many outdoor music, comedy or literary
festivals adds Isobel O'Neill.
Among Lucas Stump's highlights: " a beer by the
sea at night and a bike ride through the historical
centre " . Still, the young graduate who arrived in
Ireland in May 2022 doesn't see himself stay in the
country for more than one or two additional years:
" Ireland represents a good career accelerator, but
the country is very small, " says the Alumni. " If you
want to make a career in tech, there are amazing
opportunities. But overall, the job market is much
smaller than in Paris or London so professional
evolution is limited, " confirms Séverin Plassat.
Along with a reduced job market, Charlotte
Ladonne, who moved to Dublin five years ago after
living in Australia, mentions the difficulty of buying
a house or apartment: " There is no major reason
to move here long term, that is why the pool of
expats regularly changes " she points. While young
adults may get restless after a few years in Dublin,
multicultural families may be tempted by the safe
environment and proximity to nature: " It was great
to be in Paris and New York where we achieved the
career we wanted, but now that we are 35 and
have children, this is a good place to raise a family.
We live close to the sea and the public schools and
universities are highly qualitative and very affordable "
says Kiera O'Farrell. And although salaries in
Dublin are much lower than in New York, she feels
it is worth it for the more relaxed and balanced life
she enjoys here compared to the US or France. ❚
By Pauline Bandelier
© iStockphoto
NEOMA Alumni Mag - N°35 - Juin 2023

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