Okay so first things first, I am absolutely OBSESSED with Stockholm. Like genuinely did not expect to fall in love with a city this fast. Everything here just looks like a postcard, especially with all the water weaving through the city and connecting all these little islands together. It’s wild how a capital city can feel so calm and so beautiful at the same time. Gamla Stan (the old town) has been my favorite spot so far, all those narrow cobblestone streets, the colorful old buildings stacked together, the little shops tucked into corners, it just hits different. I could honestly spend a whole afternoon just wandering around there with no destination in mind and be totally happy.

I’ve also gotten really into the fika culture here, which honestly might be one of my favorite things about Swedish life so far. Just sitting down with a coffee and a cinnamon bun, taking your time, no rush, just chatting or people-watching. It’s such a simple thing but it’s become part of my daily routine now and I genuinely look forward to it. On top of that, people here are way friendlier and more welcoming than I expected going in. I had heard things about Swedes being reserved, but honestly once you actually talk to people, they’re warm, helpful, and curious about you too. And even though Stockholm is a big city, it never feels overwhelming, it’s clean, well organized, and easy to get around, whether you’re walking, biking, or taking public transport. Coming home to this city after a long day genuinely makes everything better, even when work has been a lot.

Now onto the actual work side of things, I’ve been learning the consulting industry lately, and it’s honestly been really good. No two days look the same. One day you’re sitting in on a client meeting trying to absorb everything, the next you’re deep in research on a topic you knew nothing about a week ago, and the day after that you might be helping put together a presentation for people who have way more experience than you. It keeps you on your toes constantly, but in a good way, it never gets boring.

If I had to pick the skills that matter most in this industry, communication would be number one, hands down. You can have the best idea in the world, but if you can’t explain it clearly to a client or to your team, it kind of just dies right there. Nobody can act on an idea they don’t understand. Determination is huge too, because consulting projects don’t always go according to plan. Things shift, clients change their minds, deadlines move, and you need to be the kind of person who just keeps pushing through without getting discouraged. Initiative matters a ton as well, nobody is going to hold your hand and tell you exactly what to do every single step of the way. You have to be proactive, notice what needs doing, and just go do it without waiting to be asked. And then there’s curiosity, which I think ties everything together. The best consultants I’ve come across are just genuinely interested in how things work, why companies operate the way they do, and what could be done better. That curiosity is what pushes you to keep learning even when it’s not strictly required.

Working in Sweden specifically adds its own unique twist to all of this. Communication is still key here, but it’s a little different here. Swedes tend to be quite direct, but also really thoughtful and considerate, so you learn pretty quickly how to communicate in a way that’s clear and to the point without coming across as pushy or aggressive. It’s a balance that takes a bit of getting used to, but once you find it, conversations and meetings flow so much more naturally.

Welcomeness has also stood out to me a lot. People here are genuinely open to including you, even as a complete outsider who barely knows the language or the local customs. That openness made adjusting to a new country and a new work culture way easier than I ever expected. Curiosity goes both ways too, people here are just as curious about your background, where you’re from, and how things work where you grew up, as you are about how things work in their world. It makes for some really fun conversations, both at work and outside of it. And then there’s engagement, which is something that’s really valued and noticed here. Actually showing up, participating in discussions, asking questions in meetings, contributing your perspective even if you’re new, that all genuinely matters and people pick up on it.

Honestly, putting it all together, this whole experience, the work side and the city life side, has been one of the best things I’ve done so far. Between learning so much in the consulting world and falling more in love with Stockholm every single day, I really can’t complain. Excited to see what else this journey has in store, both professionally and personally!