15-Jun-09 1:00 PM CST

Member Profile - Jess Pincombe

Where did you grow up in Australia?

I grew up in Adelaide and then after spending some time in London moved to Sydney for 2 years before coming to the US.

What brought you to the US? Love - first, but also to gain experience in a culture hub like New York.

How long have you been here?

Since February 09, so only 4 months! When I got off the plane it really hit home that it was about 70 degrees colder than where I had come from!

How long do you plan to stay?

Not sure…

What is your current position and your role?

Whilst I’m unable to work here, I have found a few ways to keep busy. I work as an Online Services & Events Intern with Advance, as well as volunteering with Housing Works, a large not-for-profit here that works to provide housing, healthcare and education for New Yorkers living with HIV & AIDS. I also study a Bachelor of Arts - Communications full time at Griffith University through Open Universities Australia.

What made you decide on this type of work?

The internship with Advance is a great way of building my online communications and web skills. I also really believe in their ethos that networking is crucial in business, particularly for someone outside of their home country. Choosing to volunteer with Housing Works was a no brainer. A large focus for them is national advocacy, as well as running thrift shops, bookstores, cafes, and large scale design events – they’re very diverse and successful.

What is the best part of your job?

The people I work with, and working in a relaxed environment. That was a big draw card for me.

Can you describe some of your most memorable moments/stories?

The pancakes at Veselka, the installations at Dia:Beacon, and the ANZAC Day ceremony on top of the Rockefeller Centre.

What are the challenges and advantages you face in your industry in the US?

Challenges - getting a visa! It’s pretty tough here right now but it is do-able.

Advantages – There are so many people at the top of their game here, it’s a great feeling to be able to tap into that. There are also a heap of affordable writing/editing/web courses run by top industry people constantly.

How has the overseas experience shaped you?

I think like any longer term overseas experience you go through homesickness and feelings of displacement, but it builds your confidence and your understanding of how different people go about their lives. It doesn’t hurt your CV either.

Is there anything you miss about Australia?

My family and friends, (ten-fold!) it feels strange to go from having a network of people close by whom you love and trust, to 15 million strangers. It’s important to reach out to people where you are though and in doing so you can learn a lot about yourself. Other than that - the beach & the seafood are up there.

What suggestions do you have for other Australian’s wanting to follow a similar path?

It can be scary leaving a world that you know, especially as we get older and more attached to things. I lost count of how many people told me I was crazy moving to New York in a recession, but at least the rent is so much cheaper right now! I guess keep positive and keep things in perspective – and don’t be thrown off by how intense New York can get.

Do you plan to return to Australia?

Yes – absolutely!