Establishing a more mobile career path isn’t an easy path but expat partner Maria Arias Pou believes the keys are to keep building up your professional network and always stay positive.
Changed mindset
“After seven years, I have to say that what I initially saw as a problem (what to do with my professional career as an expat partner) was more of a blessing. I have found many new opportunities, both in my own country and the countries where I have lived,” says Maria, a legal advisor, privacy consultant, and professor of law from Madrid. Now based in Buenos Aires, she previously lived in Panama. “I think you have to accept that it will be ‘hit and miss’ when seeking new opportunities as an expat partner. But when it works out it is very special.”
Growing professionally
“As a PhD professor I have connected with professors in Latin America (LATAM), which led to invitations to teach at universities. And as a private consultant I have had opportunities to work with local professionals on projects (bigger than the ones I worked on in Spain). These experiences have helped me to grow professionally and better understand local cultures and legal systems in LATAM.”
Building networks
“Networking has definitely led to opportunities. Quite recently, I was invited to the Meta 2023 Privacy Flyout in San Francisco thanks to Paula Vargas, Director of Privacy and Data Policy Latin America & Canada, who I met after moving to Buenos Aires. The event in San Francisco was wonderful. I met great professionals from all over the world and I learned a lot about how Meta approaches and handles privacy issues,” says Maria, who adds that the openness of Argentineans has made networking easy in Buenos Aires.
Positive thinking
“My personal advice to other expat partners, who might be starting out on a similar journey and wondering if they can develop professionally, is to think positively. Take the time to know your professional field in your host country. Meet and get to know people. Don’t let disappointments put you off. It is not always easy building something new. It will take time. But hopefully there’s a big payoff. It’s not just about developing a career, is it? It’s also about growing as a person. When you live in another country, these professional experiences can be very meaningful. They become a part of you and help you to feel at home, too.”
Photo: Maria (left) at an Asociación Latinoamericana de Privacidad (ALAP) annual event
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