A sabbatical in New York

A six-month sabbatical in New York – for Nicolai Peter Siminoff, this was a dream come true. The thirty-year-old works at ERGO in Investment Controlling International. In an interview, he tells us about his experiences during his sabbatical.

Nicolai, you spent a six-month sabbatical in New York. How did that come about?

Back then, I’d completed my training at ERGO while at the same time doing a course in business administration. I wanted to complete the final semester at a university in New York, and from January to June 2016 that’s what I did.

Why did you decide on New York?

A year earlier, I’d visited friends in New York and we’d talked about the possibility of me studying there. Initially, I was still somewhat sceptical. But gradually, the idea began to grow on me. After all, not everyone can have such a stay abroad. Besides, I also wanted to work in the international sphere at some point, and for that my time in New York was an enormous help.

How did your family and friends react to your plans?

My family thought it was a good idea, and my parents were very supportive. I also had the advantage of being unattached and having few commitments. My friends were at first not that enthusiastic. I was, after all, going to be away for a long time.

How did you plan your sabbatical, and how was ERGO able to help you with that?

It was done step by step. First, I asked the university whether it was even possible. At the same time, I talked with my boss in the department where I was then working at ERGO. I was already a bit tense at the time, because of course I didn’t know how he would react. But he thought the idea was really cool and he supported me right away.

ERGO’s Diversity Management unit also gave me great advice the whole time and always encouraged me, which was very important. All in all, I have to say that organising the sabbatical was really easy, and I would recommend everyone to take one. You can trust me on that count.

And then one day it actually started. Can you still remember your first day in New York?

I still remember it vividly: I landed in New York in the morning and initially had a room in a hostel. At the start, I was really overwhelmed by the impressions. First, I took a look around the neighbourhood and then I walked to my university, which was on a side street off Wall Street. That was really impressive. Then two weeks later, I found a flat.

So how was your overall experience of your time in New York?

I felt at home in New York fairly quickly. The fact that I was in a flat-share with a student from Taiwan also helped considerably. I got on very well with her, and we did lots of things together. We also did a lot of sport. For example, we joined a kick-boxing club where we burnt off our energy. We also got to know new people there too. There’s so much cultural diversity in New York as well – that was something that really impressed me. I have to say that the city definitely changed me. It makes you much more open as a person.

What else has stuck in your mind? Were there any special moments?

New York is an incredible city with some fantastic areas but also quiet corners. We were often on the beach in the south of Brooklyn and also did a bit of travelling in the States. Cherry-blossom time in Washington was very beautiful. We also took a look at Miami. What’s special is that you quickly get to know different people and make friends straight away. I’m still in touch with the people I met at that time.

What did you get from your sabbatical?

In terms of my work, I can say that I now have the job that I wanted back then. I’m happy to be working in the area of international investment controlling. I might not have ended up here, if it hadn’t been for my time in New York. My English language skills are now a big help to me, of course.

And at the personal level, my view of the world has changed considerably. In New York, I learnt to think outside the box. I have greater understanding of other cultures, and I’ve certainly also become more feisty.

Interview: Benjamin Esche