As told to Claire Zimmerman

Scott MacLellan (BA’97)  graduated in 1997 with a BA Combined Honours in Economics and International Development Studies. He moved to New York in 2005, and is now Director and Bond Portfolio Manager for BlackRock Financial Management. His favourite thing about the Big Apple: the diversity of fun and interesting things to do and people to meet.

Best networking spot

In finance I would say joining one of dozens of charitable groups that organize dinners and events, particularly for younger people.

Best volunteer opportunity

There are so many worthy causes in New York, but I’d recommend the New York Road Runners if you want to have a bunch of fun. They host races around the city throughout the year, including the New York Marathon. It’s a great organization for promoting fitness.

Best spot for a lunch meeting

In midtown, where I work, it depends if it’s winter or summer. In summer, sitting outside at Casa Lever on Park Avenue is great. In winter, I would recommend Bill’s, one of the oldest continually operating pubs in New York.

Best place to get some East Coast flavour

One thing I didn’t expect to find when I moved to New York was the amazing beaches. New York’s beaches are underrated. The east coast of Long Island is so beautiful. From Jones beach up to the Hamptons you can find gorgeous stretches of fine white sand.

What it’s like to work and live in NYC

Living in New York is about pushing yourself and trying to excel. If you really strive to earn respect, the city will open itself up to you. And it’s the same way with making friends and getting to know the culture here.

Best place for Friday night fun

I have two little boys so I don’t pretend to be an expert, but among places that I like from time to time are Lavo in midtown, and some of New York’s rooftop bars like the Dream Hotel and the Viceroy Hotel. My favorite low-key restaurant right now is an Israeli place in the West Village called Bar Bolonat.

Best place to eat on a dime

A dim sum experience in Chinatown or Flushing in Queens is a great, inexpensive dining experience. The lively atmosphere in these Chinese restaurants can be very entertaining.

Best local delicacy

Cocktails—go to any one of a hundred great signature cocktail bars in New York. I like Bathtub Gin near the Meatpacking District and Pegu Club on Houston Street.

Best neighbourhood for newcomers

Queens is up and upcoming. There’s a lot of new development but most neighbourhoods retain a real community feel (which you don’t get in much of Manhattan). The commute to the island is easy and the international diversity is terrific.

Photo credit: Soul of the South TV