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by Allan Hoffman
[ More Q&As ]
Alison Rizk, 26, works in San Francisco as an account manager for Text 100, a public relations agency. Founded in the UK in 1981, the company's clients include such leading technology industry players as Gateway and Microsoft. Rizk transferred from Text 100's London office to their San Francisco operation, where she has found herself in the heart of the fast-paced world of startups -- and the whole "startup mentality," as she puts it. "A lot of my friends from home think it's like being on vacation, where you meet tons and tons of people," she says. "And it's not, because you're working. It's worth it, but don't underestimate how much of a challenge it will be."
Monster.com: What led to your decision to come to the US?
Alison Rizk: I was working in London for Text 100, and decided that I wanted a new challenge, both personally and professionally. I approached my bosses and told them that I needed something different to do. My original intention was to move to New York, but our company doesn't have a New York office yet. They suggested that I go to San Francisco to see if I liked working over here and to experience the US market. I came here for three months last year, decided I really loved the city and the job, so I transferred.
Mc: How did your job change once you moved to San Francisco?
AR: I'd been doing the job for about four years altogether and obviously knew the British media, which is very important for the job. I didn't know any of the American journalists at all, so I really had to rely on the team to help me with that. I think, as well, there's a different approach over here. Many of the companies we're working for are startups, or have a startup mentality. They're really looking for an Internet perspective and advice, so there's a lot more pressure to perform. You need to know the competitive landscape. In England, I worked for big corporations and things were dictated down to you, whereas here the companies are smaller, and there is less bureaucracy. It was a challenge to learn the industry and understand what's going on in Silicon Valley. Another big thing is that technology is everywhere here. Everyone knows about technology, even if you don't work in that area. It's quite exciting to be in the technology industry and see how much it's growing, and how much buzz there is about it.
Mc: You're thrown into that whole startup world. Is that challenging?
AR: It's challenged me professionally. My clients want me to give them advice on what they should be doing business-wise, like when they should have an IPO, and that means I'm becoming more of a business consultant.
Mc: Has there been any culture shock?
AR: There's been huge culture shock. I think that was the biggest surprise for me. We are so surrounded by American culture in the UK, but British culture doesn't have the same exposure over here.
On a less tangible level, the social interaction is different. Most everyone here shares similar experiences, like popular culture, music, college experiences, etc. When you come from a completely different background, it's difficult to relate. I would go out and wonder how I would interact with people here because they had a completely different point of reference.
But you get used to it, and you get more of an understanding of people's cultural background. Now I don't notice it as much.
Mc: What sort of advice do you have for someone thinking about coming here?
AR: It's definitely a fantastic thing to do, and they should definitely do it. Everything is a challenge. The most ridiculous stuff becomes a complete nightmare -- not knowing how to use the washing machine, or how you pay your bills, for example. But it's definitely well worth doing. Don't underestimate the culture shock that you will have or how much of a challenge it can be. In the end, though, it's worth it.