
Global Citizen story Vantaa to New York
Silja Papinaho, a consultant in the Packaging and Tissue team from Vantaa, Finland, relocated to New York, United States, as part of AFRY Management Consulting's Global Citizen programme.
She highlights the opportunities to gain global perspectives, experience a different work culture, and develop both personally and professionally.
What made you consider applying for the programme?
Back in the university, my exchange chances were withheld due to COVID-19 and the uncertainties it caused. AFRY’s office transfer programme offered me a second chance to experience living abroad for a short period of time and gain global perspectives.
How did you end up choosing the location you transferred to?
I chose the destination based on the opportunities I believed it could offer. I wanted to experience a different work culture and expand my skills and market know-how also outside of Europe. North America met these criteria and seemed like a natural choice for me. I had travelled to New York before and knew that the city's hustle and bustle would be a great environment for me.

What kinds of expectations of the working culture of the transfer location did you have before leaving? To what extent were they realistic?
Before leaving, I was mentally prepared for the stereotypical American consulting firm culture, which, according to my prejudices, included extreme 15-hour working days in addition to working on weekends, but also a thriving and social professional scene. Fortunately, only the latter was true. The working hours were reasonable, I was involved in super interesting projects, and the local colleagues were so welcoming, helpful and amazing in general that it was hard to leave all that behind.
AFRY puts a high value on a culture of brave and devoted team players, inclusion & diversity and Making Future. How were these values part of everyday life at your transfer office?
AFRY’s set of values is well present at the New York office as well as in Vantaa. The colleagues I have had the honour of working with are talented, bright-minded, and brave people who share the mindset of making an impact and a better tomorrow. I was delighted to see colleagues from many different cultures and backgrounds working in the North American team and pleased to see that the bioindustry sector had also attracted so many female professionals.

What were your top 3 most memorable experiences regarding the local working culture?
The entire office transfer was more than I could have imagined. I got to meet so many new people, made multiple new friends, found new hobbies, and travelled the East Coast. Most importantly, I developed as a professional and came back with enriched intellectual capital.
If I had to choose only three of the most memorable experiences, I’d name the after-work activities, travelling, and experiencing the Nordic community abroad. Firstly, regarding the after-work activities, we did fun activities outside office hours with our colleagues, such as dinners, bouldering, and walks in Central Park.
Secondly, during the three months, I also visited places outside of New York I don’t think I would have ever visited without the office transfer. Based on my road trip through four different states, I can highly recommend renting a car and exploring the East Coast more.
Lastly, the Finnish parliamentary election took place when I was in New York, and I got to vote in the Finnish consulate. The voting itself was quickly over, but it was great to see fellow Finns and the consulate building with magnificent views. In the Big Apple, Nordics stack together, and I got a lot of support from the local Nordic community, e.g. in finding an apartment.

Why would you recommend doing an office transfer?
Office transfer is a great way to challenge yourself, get to know a new place, and test if living abroad could be your thing. It is also a perfect opportunity to network and seek new opportunities. During my office transfer, I was not only able to strengthen my expertise but also share my know-how and fresh views with my US colleagues, which made the experience valuable for both parties.
What are the most valuable lessons learned during the transfer that you can use to improve your own work and the working culture at your home office?
I came back to Finland with more confidence in my own doing. Three months is a relatively short time, but it was enough for me to grow as an employee. Being away from my “home office” enabled me to see all the good we have in my “home office” and made me appreciate it even more.
We are doing many things well, but we could also learn from our US colleagues, especially when it comes to communality and small talk. If you have ever dreamed of working abroad, I would encourage you to apply for the office transfer program. It’s a great chance that few companies can offer.
