Aggie’s journey as an expat is all about embracing change and seeking growth in unfamiliar territories. She initially worked at the UK Swindon office but currently finds herself in Chicago, where she works for two years as a senior analyst at RWEST. In the third episode of our Global Mobility Series, she shares her journey that is marked by both professional advancement and personal development.
A New Role in Chicago
"There was a need for someone with previous back office experience in the Chicago office," Aggie explains. Upon arriving in Chicago in March 2024, Aggie was happy to be assigned to the newly formed East Contract team until December 2024. And then also to the newly formed Back Office Operations team from January 2025. Aggie welcomed this challenge. "It’s a unique opportunity to help build something from the ground up," Aggie says. This experience offers her new responsibilities, contrasting with her previous role in Swindon, where teams are already established. Her current role encompasses an array of diverse tasks, including managing standard contracts, power purchase agreements (PPAs), and settling green certificates alongside trade amendments. For Aggie, stepping out of her comfort zone in Chicago is rewarding.
Overcoming Early Hesitations
Relocating to another continent is undeniably daunting, and Aggie shares her initial hesitation about the move. "My line manager suggested a secondment as part of my career development. I hesitated, especially since I had already moved from Poland to the UK," Aggie recalls. However, after conversations with her friends, she decided to embrace the opportunity: "Let's go, try it. You can always move."
Starting to settle in, Aggie faced the typical culture shock expected when moving to a new country. "I've never been in the US before, nor experienced American culture," Aggie shares about the initial weeks in Chicago. Despite these hurdles, her colleagues offer invaluable support and advice, further easing her transition. “I also had the opportunity to take my dog with me, which provided me a lot of comfort, too”, she says.
The Global Mobility (GM) Team plays a crucial role, with particular mention to Catherine Edwards, Aggie's case manager, who facilitated practical aspects of the move such as doctor appointments, international health insurance, and housing arrangements. "The GM team was generous with the support they offered, always happy to answer questions," Aggie acknowledges.
Highlights and challenges
For Aggie, leaving her comfort zone in Chicago has been worthwhile. ‘The best thing about my role is being part of a newly formed team and learning all the new processes,’ she says. In addition, the friendships she has made through fitness classes and events for expats enrich her experience. However, the different work culture and unstructured environment require adaptability. ‘Everything is very chaotic in the US, and I've had to learn to deal with that,’ Aggie admits.
Professional Growth
Being part of a newly formed team provides Aggie with an experience she had never encountered in Swindon. This experience not only enhances her self-confidence but also her ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously. Additionally, she improves her public speaking skills: "I'm struggling less talking in front of people now," Aggie says, highlighting further skills she developed.
Future Outlook and Advice
Aggie will continue her journey in Chicago until February 2026, welcoming the opportunity to grow further. To those contemplating a similar path, Aggie's advice is straightforward: "Just go for it. Take opportunities, explore. It's good for your future career, you learn a lot about yourself and dealing with people of different nationalities."
Aggie’s story is a reminder of the enriching experiences that come along with living and working abroad. Her journey as an expat in Chicago is an example of the courage to embrace change and the rewards it brings, both professionally and personally.
