Rhiannon Gilvarry: Navigating the J-1 Graduate Visa

Delighted to welcome Rhiannon Gilvarry, a recent MSc Digital Marketing Graduate UCD as my guest for Episode 7! Originally from Dublin, Rhiannon is currently in New York on her J-1 Graduate Visa, and it’s been a pleasure to watch her journey unfold since she arrived in the city.

I’ve had the opportunity to meet many of our recent graduates through Navigating New York's partnership with the Graduate Gateway program. The Graduate Gateway is a fantastic resource for J-1 graduates looking to connect, find employment, and build their professional networks in NYC. They host events and promote J-1 graduates to potential employers on LinkedIn. You can learn more about this incredible program here: Graduate Gateway, and check out their LinkedIn page here: Graduate Gateway LinkedIn.

I had the pleasure of meeting Rhiannon shortly after she arrived in NYC, and her drive and determination have been inspiring to witness. She’s worked tirelessly to find the right job for her visa, all while saying “yes” to extra opportunities and building valuable skills along the way. In just one year, she’s built a professional network and made the most of her time in New York—truly embodying the hustle mentality.

In this episode, Rhiannon shares invaluable tips on finding a place to live, applying for jobs, navigating interviews, adjusting to American work culture, and building your professional profile during your J-1 year in NYC. Whether you're a J-1 graduate yourself or just curious about what it’s like to navigate this journey, Rhiannon’s advice is sure to inspire and guide you.

I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did!

Connect with Rhiannon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhiannon-gilvarry/