A Step Further with GROW

For most GROW participants, the opportunity to work for a Bonnier company in a different country for three months is a chance to experience a new place and culture, and then return home full of memories and ideas. For Amy Mangino, who did the GROW program in the summer of 2010 in Stockholm, it was the time when she found a new place to call home.

The 17-year New York City resident traded Brooklyn for Stockholm as a research analyst at Bonnier Tidskrifter for her GROW program stint. "I never thought I'd leave Brooklyn, let alone New York City," says Mangino. But only a few weeks in, she immediately felt at home and intended to make living in Stockholm permanent. "It just seemed like I already had a life here," says Mangino. "I felt like I'd always been here. It just clicked."

Upon returning to New York, where Mangino worked as the group marketing director for Bonnier Corporation's Luxury & Lifestyle Group for three years, she began looking for a way to move back to Stockholm. She informed the human resources department of her decision and credits persistence to her success. "I really became very determined," she says. "It meant that much to me."

After a few months, Mangino finally got the e-mail in her inbox that would eventually make official her move to Stockholm. The subject line read "Sweden Calling" and it was from her current boss, asking Mangino to discuss a possible job opportunity as international licensing manager for Bonnier International Magazines.

But in the long run of an international move, "finding the job was just the first step," says Mangino, in addition to the paperwork, visa forms and apartment hunting in a foreign country. But there was never a moment that she changed her mind. "When things work themselves out somewhat naturally, you know it is the right decision," she says. "I never once doubted this for a second."

Since moving to Stockholm in February, Mangino has settled in, found an apartment and is becoming further integrated into Swedish life and culture. As fortunate as Mangino has been to experience Stockholm in the warm, light summer months, the city's cold, dark winters don't faze her: "I'm determined to make winter fun for myself!" she says.  Intensive language classes will begin soon, and her cat is moving to Stockholm in July, too. "I go to work every day, I pay rent," says Mangino, on the day-to-day life of a Stockholm resident, "but every day, I still can't believe I get to live here."