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By Sophie Casciano, DLE Communications Intern
Embarking on a journey to work abroad is a thrilling and transformative experience. It offers a unique opportunity to explore new horizons, embrace different cultures and expand your personal and professional network. Long-time DLE member Sheryl Owen, who works in London as an ESG Lead for Buildings for Mott MacDonald, eagerly shares some of her discoveries and experiences over the past 18 months.
- Embrace differences. “Even though everyone speaks English, there is very much a cultural difference here in how you approach conflict with your clients or peers. I just think in the States we take a more direct approach. And while I can only speak about London, I think it’s more a softer approach, and it all comes down to understanding the different ways of communicating.”
- Build community. “The decision to move abroad I think boils down to: ‘Do you really want to do it?’ You have to establish yourself since you don’t have access to your friends and family. So you have to find that community, which takes time. Honestly, it has taken me about one or two years to fully feel like I’ve integrated myself into this new community. This means it can get lonely, but you have to think, ‘How am I going to put myself out there?’”
- Address resources. “I just don’t have access to the same resources as someone who is a citizen, when it comes to traveling to other countries and things like that. There are tradeoffs, and I think as long as people educate themselves on what that is and prepare themselves and have an honest conversation about whether it’s something they’re okay with, then it’s definitely something to consider.”
- Stay connected. “Keeping in touch with your friends back home also helps in the transition abroad. I have conversations weekly with my friends in New York to catch up and see how they are doing and what’s going on. It keeps you sane–to a certain extent–while you are trying to find your feet.”
- Keep learning. “Every adventure comes with its own set of hurdles, but with the right mindset and a positive undertone, the rewards will outweigh the challenges. Embrace the world beyond borders, and let your journey unfold!”