Moving to Europe: A Life-Changing Decision

This article tells the story of a man who moved to Europe to chase his dreams and how this move drastically changed his life. The article emphasizes the power of persistence and the ability to impact other people’s lives. It encourages readers to pay it forward by supporting entrepreneurs, helping others in their career journeys, and being a positive force in their communities. The article’s main character, Mark, decided to move to Europe after being inspired by his father’s heritage, a close friend's experiences, and a family trip to Paris.

• Mark's childhood exposure to technology sparked his passion for the field, leading him to work as a software developer at Andersen Consulting.
• Mark’s desire to live in Europe stemmed from his father's South American heritage, his friend's transformative experience studying abroad, and his own trip to Paris and Israel.
• His desire to move to Europe deepened, transitioning from a desire for a short vacation to wanting to immerse himself in the culture and work there.

Persistence and the Power of Networking

Mark's journey to Europe involved extensive networking and persistence. He reached out to colleagues and superiors, seeking opportunities and advocating for his dream. He tirelessly pursued his goals, even traveling to San Francisco multiple times to meet with potential mentors.

• He met Valentijn Bonger, a senior consultant at Andersen, and persistently contacted him over a year to find a way to transfer to Europe.
• Valentijn suggested that Mark speak with the lead partner, Cory Van Wolvelaere, who had the authority to approve transfers to the Europe office.
• Mark's determination led him to book a flight to Chicago just to meet Cory for 30 minutes, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to his goal.

Changing the Trajectory of Someone's Life

Cory Van Wolvelaere, the senior partner at Andersen, initially declined Mark's request to transfer to the Europe office, citing budget constraints. However, Mark's persistence and passion ultimately convinced Cory to take a chance on him.

• Cory initially stated he didn't have the budget to bring Mark to Europe, but Mark's passion and skills impressed him.
• Mark's insistence and determination led Cory to agree to the transfer, changing the course of Mark's life and career.
• Mark's story highlights the power of passion and persistence in achieving one's goals, even in the face of obstacles.

Paying it Forward: Helping Others Reach Their Potential

The article emphasizes the importance of helping others, particularly those aspiring to pursue a career in entrepreneurship. It highlights the power of mentorship and support in making a difference in someone's life. Mark, inspired by the help he received from Cory, committed to paying it forward by supporting other entrepreneurs and professionals.

• Mark's time in Europe inspired him to use his experience to guide others, particularly aspiring entrepreneurs.
• The article encourages readers to support entrepreneurs in their communities, provide mentorship, and share knowledge and experience.
• Mark’s story emphasizes the impact that a single individual can have on another person’s life, encouraging readers to make a difference in their own communities.

The Importance of Giving Back and Creating Opportunities

Mark’s journey to Europe and subsequent career demonstrates the importance of networking, persistence, and the power of helping others. He emphasizes that each person has the potential to create opportunities for others and positively impact their lives.

• Mark encourages readers to provide internships at their companies, support entrepreneurs with their first contracts, and be proactive in offering mentorship and advice.
• The article inspires readers to take action and use their resources and experiences to help others. It concludes by emphasizing the importance of paying it forward and creating a ripple effect of positivity within their communities.