Alexandra Ergas, Brand Coordinator
Introduction
Upon my arrival in Boston, as a true West Coaster, I had a realization that this was only the second time I had been to the American East Coast in my life. I thought, what an amazing opportunity to explore a city and region I had never spent time in, as well as make friends and network with the CP Boston office! I couldn’t wait to explore and learn as much as I could.
Getting to Know CP Boston!
After a messy travel journey with a layover in Chicago, I was ready for an exciting day in the office, exploring the beautiful 3-story space and meeting a majority of the friendly faces at CP. I set up one-on-one coffee catch-ups with someone from each department over the course of the month, as this was one of the best ways to learn the team structure within the company. By the end of my month abroad, I came to understand the intricate workings of an advertising agency and the real teamwork it takes to keep the machine running smoothly.
Historic Sightseeing
While in Boston, I took advantage of the rich history the area has to offer, including the Gilbert House Museum and Salem, my two favorite spots. The Gilbert House took me deep into the historic neighborhood of Back Bay, where I had the chance to tour a fully preserved Victorian-era brownstone home, including all rooms and an overview of the Gilbert family history. My other favorite experience was visiting Salem, home of the infamous Salem Witch Trials, where I explored multiple museums and funky, Halloween-themed shops. These experiences are much different than what I’m used to, and have become fond memories. I also explored the Museum of Fine Arts, Harvard University, the North End, the Boston Public Library, and more!
Things I Learned About Myself
During my time in Boston, I was exposed to a much different work environment than I had been accustomed to in my career over the past few years, the majority of which was remote. I came to the realization that I thrive in a social and in-person office environment. I am more of an in-person and hands-on learner and strongly believe I have the ability to learn at twice the speed while surrounded by those who have been working in the role for some time before me. I also learned I have the ability to be far more independent than I had thought previously. Living completely alone in a new city is only as scary as you make it – and it’s easy to fill your days with meeting new people and building your own adventures. I am forever grateful for the wonderful opportunity I had with CP Abroad, and could not recommend it enough to anyone considering this wonderful program!
