Relocating to a new city or country can be a daunting experience, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. Here at Capstone, we’re finding that many property and construction professionals are choosing to make the move to gain new experiences, expand their professional network, and take their careers to the next level.

When it comes to relocation, America is always a desirable choice for our candidates because of the career progression and potential the US offers. New York is especially a popular destination with recent figures stating that there are over 120,000 expats from the UK living in the Big Apple.

In this blog post, we'll be sharing a Q&A with one of our recent candidates who made the move to New York and is now thriving in their new role as a Quantity Surveyor. We talk about the perks of life in the city, what the job hunt was like, and advice to others who are thinking about a move.

\\ How are you finding New York?

I’m loving it. New York is great, it’s busy, very sociable, and there’s something to do every day of the week as there are so many events on. It’s like London but on a huge scale! I love that there's always new things to do.

The nightlife is good, restaurants are great, and New York has a bit of everything. It was quite overwhelming in the first couple of weeks but I think any move to a big city can be.

I was also pleasantly surprised that football is huge over here so that’s great!

\\ Why did you want to move to America?

It’s always been an ambition of mine to live and work in America. I think there’s a lot going on in the UK currently which might spur people to consider a move overseas as well. Quantity surveying is an industry where you can travel so I thought I’d utilize that.

\\ How did you find the job hunt process?

I spoke to Annabel and we went through my situation, what I wanted, and discussed our options. The process itself was really easy and way more chilled than I was expecting. Annabel took all the stress off me and I had the opportunity to speak to different companies and locations to decide what worked best for me.

\\ Please can you tell us about your current role?

I’m working as a cost manager at an enterprising and fast-growing cost consultancy, which I’m really enjoying. I’m working at the client's office 3 times a week doing PMO work. I have now been given two new projects where I will be working as lead cost manager so I have been given great opportunities.

\\ How do things differ from the UK work-wise?

I think it differs for everyone but from my perspective, I've found I have had more responsibility and the pathway here to progress is better, I've only been here a few months but have already had chats with my line manager about promotion.

\\ What was the visa process like for you?

It was all completely new to me to be honest. You have to take time frames into account, I accepted my job and signed the contract in April, my visa appointment was in July, and then I started in August. 

I found the visa interview itself absolutely fine, I think that’s something people get stressed about but it was really relaxed. The lawyers at your new company talk you through everything and give you all the information you need. All you really get asked about is the job you’ll be doing, you definitely don’t need to name every American president or anything like that!

\\ How did you find looking for accommodation?

Accommodation was difficult to find. My company paid for my first month of accommodation, so I was in a hotel initially to help me find my feet. I would advise people to be open to sharing apartments when you first get there until you find something permanent.

\\ What advice would you give to other people considering a USA move?

Go for it. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience a different culture and environment. So far, I’m really enjoying it!

If reading this post has inspired you to consider a move to the USA, please send a copy of your CV to Annabel a.drew@capstone-recruitment.com or check out our New York relocation guide.