Addio Ventures Abroad...

Hi Loyal Experience readers,

This is my last ventures abroad blog. Don’t cry, oh flock of the faithful, there may be others- one day, but for now I’ll take you on a brief panoramic view of what my living abroad experience is and has been like.

I am currently trying to move home, back to New York, largely for professional reasons. Fundamentally, I have found that even being the head Italian office (read- only REAL Italian office of my company), the possibility for upward mobility isn’t nearly as broad as a career in New York could afford me- or anybody. Recent national trends, across all industries, suggest that a good part of Italian college graduates are seeking work overseas, primarily in England because of higher salaries and future potential.

Despite the fact that I am trying to leave, I view these past 2 years as an absolutely valuable experience- and since the scope of this entire website is “experience”, I will explain.

1- We, whether you realize it or not in your day to day activity, all work and live in an international marketplace (just think about how you magically can get peaches even when they are out of season in the US). Especially for those of us in Financial Services, we need to realize that the movements in the American market are felt all over the world, either because foreign countries invest in US securities or because, as in my situation, most large US companies will have overseas offices. Our actions, especially in the US, will have consequences for the entire world, and so having a greater understanding of not just lets say, NYSE, but also FTSE, and the Borsa Italiana is very helpful and allows you to demonstrate a wider understanding of the world.

2- US companies love, love, love to see their young “talent” willing to take risks by leaving the comfort of home. It shows dedication to the company as well as an overall willingness to expand your horizons. Plus it helps the regional offices learn something about business too- for example, I approach some risks differently than my Italian colleagues- meaning I learn from them, and hopefully they can take something away from my experiences.

3- Who doesn’t want to see the world- especially when there is so much to see! In my spare time, I’ve spent the past 2 years exploring every inch of Italy. Then there are people like my brother, who took advantage of the terrible job conditions in New York right now, and decided to backpack throughout India, Nepal and South East Asia. He may not have closed a big deal this year- but what other 23 year olds can talk about the adventures he has had in the past 3 months? Not many I’d bet, and frankly, I’m prouder (and more jealous) of him than he’ll ever know for taking this leap.

4- Living abroad provides the opportunity to learn not just about other places, but more about yourself than you may realize. Living in a new country, especially one where English is not spoken, provides you with a daily way to surprise yourself about what you can accomplish, or overcome, or just simply, learn.

So readers of this blog (or Mom)- the world holds limitless possibilities. Take that “calculated” risk and try a few years overseas!