David Mulry

The Morrison Visa was life changing for me. I received the visa in 1994 while I was working and living in Galway. At the time, there were very little career opportunities, and it was hard to see a future for me in Galway. Many of my friends were emigrating, so I decided to apply for the Morrison Visa. I moved to Manhattan in May 1994 during the US World Cup and ended up settling in New Jersey. Here, I got  job experience in the technology manufacturing industry. I ended up moving to San Francisco in 1997 just as the whole technology.com boom was taking off, where I remained until 2004

Life in early 90s Ireland for graduates was quite challenging; the economy was struggling and many graduates, me included, were facing limited job opportunities, forcing many people to move abroad. The Celtic Tiger was still a few years away and the economy was primarily agricultural or industrial, with few professional opportunities. Personally, I was working for a small semi-conductor company in Galway, but it was hard to see a future here. I was still young, so I decided to apply for the Morrison Visa as I figured it would be a chance to seek more career opportunities and a better life

“During my time in the U.S. there were many memorable moments. My best memory was meeting my now wife, Sharon, while walking down the street at the 1996 St. Patrick’s Day parade in New York City.”

The energy of the parade and crossing paths with someone who changed my life is something I’ll never forget. We are still together today, married nearly 26 years.

Moving to an area of New Jersey that resembled your typical American suburb that I was used to seeing on TV, I soon realized that having a car was not an option, but a necessity. Coming from Galway City, I never learned how to drive so I had to start preparing to get my license. After multiple driving lessons in a car park, which I found to be strange, I passed my test. I was now able to drive, with my first car being a 1982 Toyota Tercel.

Making the move not only presented exciting new opportunities, but it changed my life. After moving from New Jersey to San Francisco during the tech-boom, I secured a role as a Product Manager. I still work in this field today, currently as a Product Manager for a U.S. based technology company in Galway. Living legally in the U.S. was a transformative experience for me as it reshaped my identity and outlook on life. It was a journey that took me from a grey and miserable Ireland to the diverse and multifaceted environment of the USA.

“While its always tough to leave home, the opportunities I gained, both personally and professionally, were invaluable.”

I’m so grateful for the life-changing opportunities the Morrison Visa program gave me. Had I not applied for it, I would have likely remained in Ireland, not met my wife, nor fulfilled my full professional potential. The Morrison Visa gave me incredible life-changing opportunities and experiences that have helped me shape who I am today; married with 3 beautiful children, and a successful career.