“The concept of getting to know another city as my own was great.”

Ceilidh Meagher is from New York, now living in Los Angeles. She graduated from Stockholm School of Economics in 2016 and currently works as an Asset Manager at The Luzzatto Company, a real estate private equity firm. This is what she thought of her time as a student in Stockholm.

What influenced you in coming to study in Stockholm?
So, this story is a little bit ridiculous… I was in college, University of Southern California, and my parents wouldn’t like me to study a fifth year in communication and I was not ready to finish school and start a job. So, I started looking for grad schools in Europe. My brothers had studied in Scotland and England so I wanted to study in Europe too. I’ve always wanted to go to Sweden for some reason, I don’t really know why, it was just a feeling I had. I felt curious about it. Seeing it on the news, Swedish music… and I knew Stockholm was a safe, clean, beautiful city with beautiful people. I actually only applied to Stockholm School of Economics. And I am so grateful I went, I loved the experience.

What was special about Stockholm?
I loved the islands and the water. I was really happy there! And I have gone back several times. Even though I spent two years there I still feel I haven’t seen everything I need. The concept of getting to know another city as my own was great.

What was your favorite place in Stockholm?
There are so many… Hagaparken, which I lived down the street from. Söder Mälarstrand is beautiful. Anything along the water really. Hammarby sjöstad, a really cool part of town where I could skateboard. Everyone was surprised I rode my skateboard to school. I ran the Stockholm marathon and training for the marathon meant that I ran all over town and discovered so many beautiful places.

What surprised you the most?
Swedish people are so humble. That was the best surprise. I have the most amazing friends from my time there. Swedes can be a bit cold at first but I was taken aback by how kind they are.

What was the best thing about Stockholm?
Oh man, I mean… I’ll give you a couple of things. I really like the architecture. How Sweden combines new and old. I have never seen that in the US and I love Scandinavian design. I also really liked just being outside and walking along the water.

What was the best thing about being a student in Stockholm?
Best part was meeting people from Sweden and from all over the world; the Netherlands, Germany, Brazil… I think also, when people are students you get to know them on a personal level and share experiences together. I liked the fact that people had taken time off from work to go back to school. Everyone in Stockholm has their life and then there is school. Rather than in the US where school is your life.

In what ways has your time in Stockholm influenced you and your career?
A lot! I was really inspired when I was in Sweden. To really make it and have a great career. I started off in institutional investment and I hated that. Now I work in real estate private equity. It’s awesome. We buy old industrial buildings and turn them into the coolest thing you’ve ever seen. In Stockholm everyone is busting their butt off being the best they could be. That has definitely influenced me. To put your head to the ground and really work.

What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about studying in Stockholm?
Do it! And make the most of it. Do everything you can, like go around and get to know people. You are visiting a wonderful country which they are willing to share with you. See the most you can, get the most out of it. Get to know people. They are shy at first but when you get to know them it’s the best thing. You really get to know people and I loved that!