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My co-op placement had a profound impact on my future career by solidifying my passion for the Spanish language and work in educational settings. Following my co-op placement, I stayed in Spain, improving my language skills and continuing my studies

Tell us a bit about yourself, what course did you study in UL, what has your career looked like to date? 

My name is Jennifer O’Donnell, and I graduated in 2022 with a degree in Spanish & Linguistics with TESOL from UL. My career to date has been diverse, including roles in hospitality and education, where I’ve worked in primary schools and universities both in Ireland and abroad. My international experience includes positions in Spain, where I developed my language and educational skills. Currently, I am working at the Language Centre at UL, continuing my passion for language education and international environments. 

Tell us a bit about your co-op placement, what organisation did you work with and what year it took place? 

My co-op placement took place in January 2020 at CEIP San José Obrero, a primary school in Seville, Spain. It was a unique experience, as the Covid-19 pandemic hit midway through my placement, forcing a shift to online work. Although I had never worked online before, I quickly adapted and found that I enjoyed the virtual environment. Despite the challenges, I successfully completed my co-op remotely, earning all my required credits and gaining valuable experience in adapting to new working conditions. 

What impact did your co-op placement have on your future career? 

My co-op placement had a profound impact on my future career by solidifying my passion for the Spanish language and work in educational settings. Following my co-op placement, I stayed in Spain, improving my language skills and continuing my studies, which led to an Erasmus semester in Granada. This experience further reinforced my interest in international education, and I later secured a position at a translation company in Madrid. After completing my undergraduate degree, I pursued a master's degree and worked at the International Marketing Office of a Spanish university. These experiences have now culminated in my current role at the Language Centre at UL, where I continue to apply the skills and knowledge gained from my co-op and international experiences. 

What piece of advice would you give to students going on co-op now? 

My advice to students going on co-op is to stay open-minded. You will face unexpected challenges, like adapting to new environments or cultures, but these are opportunities for growth. Embrace every experience, as you never know how it might shape your future career. Also, take the time to build connections with colleagues and friends - this can lead to valuable skills and insights that go beyond the classroom. Finally, don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone; it’s often where the most rewarding experiences happen!