Background: Originally from Dublin, Redmond moved to New York last summer with a year-long graduate visa. A resident of Washington Heights, he is working as a video intern.

Why did you move to the U.S.? 

“I moved in June, on a J-1 graduate visa in search of a career in TV or radio, whichever one I could get my hands on! After graduating from university I took up an unpaid internship with an online TV station and like most internships in Ireland, no job came about at the end of my stint. So like many other graduates I jumped ship and decided to move to New York in search of a career in media production and a new way of living.”

Do you find the job market difficult at home?

“Yes, media organizations are always a tough to break into here and there. However, after making a few contacts and being on the verge of being sent home by my visa sponsor, I managed to land an internship as a video intern.”

Where are you from in Ireland?

“Originally and will always be a Dub at heart. The family moved to the sticks of Kildare eight years ago and it weird because that really is home. The place is the glue that keeps us all together. Even though we all claim to be Dubs.”

What has been the most difficult thing about moving here?

“The hardest thing was knowing nobody and the people you meet promising you the world and never following through on the promise. Many people in New York will tell you they can help you out with living situations and jobs, but it was only when I arrived, bags in hand at what I thought was going to be a new friend’s apartment, I was told I couldn’t stay. Which left me technically homeless for a minute or two until I found a hostel to cover me for three nights, until I found my own place.”

What do you miss most about home?

“The couch and chocolate. One of the problems of living in New York is sacrificing the living room for cheaper rent – i.e. no couch! The chocolate is just not the same unless you get it from home, is it!”

What is the greatest lesson you have learned so far?

“No matter how hard things are or where you are in the world your family will always be there to help you.”

Have you found the Irish community welcoming?

“The many Irish people you meet in New York are so welcoming. Once you make friends with one Irish person their friends are your friends and you start to settle in as the big city suddenly becomes a lot smaller.”

Could you see yourself staying in New York long-term?

“My visa will expire in June and that will be devastating. I would like to stay here for maybe three to five years to work on my career and get the best possible experience of living in this city. But when the visa runs out it will be time to head home and start a new chapter.”