Kyle Wagner, a talent acquisition manager at Condé Nast, relocated from London to New York for work. Moving to New York fulfilled his dream and has enhanced his career by allowing him to specialize in creative recruitment at Condé Nast headquarters. While the cost of living is higher in New York, especially for housing, Wagner has settled in and enjoys exploring the city in his spare time, despite initial apprehension about relocating abroad. He advises future expatriates to move during the summer and open a US bank account in advance.

1. TALENT
Where in the world
TALENT
Where in the world
New YorkHave you ever fantasised about jetting across the pond
and relocating to New York, the city that never sleeps?
Kyle Wagner, talent acquisition manager at Condé Nast,
explains how realising his dream has enhanced his career.
| Emily Sexton-Brown
Why did you move to New
York?
I was transferred from
Condé Nast in London to our
headquarters in Manhattan.
Did you always envision
yourself moving abroad?
I am originally from South Africa,
so the move to London was my
first. Moving to New York was a
dream from a young age.
Has this move enhanced
your career?
Experiencing the same company
on both sides of the ocean is a
great learning curve. In London,
I recruited across the whole
business. In New York, I specialise
in creative recruitment, working
with some of the most inspiring
art directors and editors in the
industry. Money can’t buy that.
How did you feel about
moving abroad?
I was apprehensive, but a year
later, I feel settled and so thankful
for the opportunity.
How do talent practices
compare?
We have a vice president of
talent who oversees eight full-
time recruiters (and freelancers)
Focus
on
What do you do in your
spare time?
You’ll find me drinking red wine,
meeting up with friends (which
probably involves red wine too),
or discovering the gems of this
great city. A good friend once
said that you can live in New
York your whole life and not do
everything… they were so right!
What advice would you give
others moving to New York?
Relocate in the summer (a
New York winter is no joke);
also, fly into JFK airport (cabs
from Newark into the city are
ridiculously expensive). This city
BEST…
RESTAURANT? Marc Forgione for
dinner, Little Park for lunch or
dinner, Harry’s Café & Steak for the
best Saturday brunch
TOURIST ATTRACTION? The 9/11
Memorial and Museum – it is very
moving
ACTIVITY? Running down the West
Side Highway Walk over the
Brooklyn Bridge (the views of
Manhattan are breathtaking) or just
sitting in the park with a glass of
wine, people watching
SHOPPING? Roaming around Soho
or heading to Macy’s
Kyle Wagner
talent acquisition
manager at Conde
Nast
Wagner joined Condé Nast
Publications as recruitment
manager in March 2012,
becoming talent acquisition
manager in September
2014, based in New York
condenast.com
across the Condé brand in the
US. Each recruiter is responsible
for a different business area
within each brand. This creates
structure. I was the sole recruiter
in the London office, thinking on
my feet was a daily occurrence,
as it was very fast paced. I loved
that environment and it taught
me how to be the recruiter I
am today.
How does the cost of living
compare with the UK?
Rents are much higher in
New York than in London. For
example, a studio apartment in
Manhattan will cost the same
to rent as a two-bedroom
apartment in London.
Buying food in grocery stores
is very expensive, however New
Yorkers don’t cook (well, hardly
ever). The subway is practically
free and clothing is slightly
cheaper. Just a reminder to
everyone: you pay tax on top of
the listed price in New York, so
what you see on the label is not
what you pay!
You can live
in New York
City your
whole life and
still not do
everything
is 24/7, take it slowly and give
yourself time to settle in. If you
give the city a chance, it will
eventually give you a chance too.
Try to open a US bank account
through your UK bank before
relocating – this is one of the
hardest things to do.
Do you have any regrets?
Only one – I didn’t drag my
partner onto the plane to
relocate with me.
I miss …
Marks & Spencer – can anyone
tell me where I can buy Percy Pigs
in New York?
I don’t miss …
Non air-conditioned tube
carriages
February – April 2016
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