“For me, the transformation really happened when I volunteered for SDCN as Vice-president of the management team in September 2017.”

MEMBER STORY | Written by Ann Wong

As I am transitioning to a new role as Research and Outreach Manager at the newly established House of Innovation of the Stockholm School of Economics, I am looking back on the journey I’ve had in Sweden so far and I realize thatStockholm Dual Career Network (SDCN) has been fundamental to my settling and finding meaningful employment in Stockholm.

I am originally from New Zealand and arrived in Stockholm in June 2016, after experiences in Australia and the US. Stockholm Dual Career Network (SDCN) has been fundamental to my settling and finding meaningful employment. It took me some time to warm up to the support and resources available from SDCN – from Swedish classes, career support group, professional workshops to social networking and events. I ended up joining them all to get myself out of the house. For me, the transformation really happened when I volunteered for SDCN as Vice-president of the management team in September 2017. I found joy in putting my soft and hard skills to use, and, most importantly, I connected with fellow members who were very supportive and were also actively looking for growth and development opportunities in Stockholm.

“I am forever thankful for this wonderful network of people in this exquisite meeting place where we shared experiences and knowledge and tried out new ideas.”

Early this year I had the pleasure of working for Stockholm Academic Forum (Staf), the non-profit organisation that establishes and supports SDCN. Everyone at Staf is generous and genuinely caring! Many SDCN members, myself included, have made new professional connections and friendships. I am forever thankful for this wonderful network of people in this exquisite meeting place where we shared experiences and knowledge and tried out new ideas.

“Follow your intuitions, be kind to yourself, and believe in yourself”

To my fellow SDCN members, follow your intuitions, be kind to yourself, and believe in yourself. Quoting from Carol Fishman Cohen in her TED talk “You are going to have a lot of conversations that don’t go anywhere. Expect that, and don’t be discouraged by it. There will be a handful that ultimately lead to a job opportunity.”

I am now embarking on a new journey with many new challenges. Yet, least I forget my comrades, your supports, tears and laughers – it is not an end but the beginning of something beautiful!

Last updated 2018/10/22