“In the current crisis, we have all proven that we are doing very well in emergency situations and from the first day of the crisis, business operations have provided services at an unchanged level. Numerous organizations of professionals, the opportunity to share views, to develop as a person, as well as prestigious universities and initiatives related to corporate social responsibility make Cracow a great city not only to start, but also to expand a business career.(...)”

What is your best memory of studying at the Jagiellonian University?

I have many good memories from my studies at the Jagiellonian University. It was a great privilege for me to study at an institution with the kind of history that the Jagiellonian University has. Open-minded lecturers, theoretical classes combined with lectures by business practitioners create an ideal context in which to take the first steps on your own into a career.

How did your career start? What were the turning points?

My career had a typical beginning, but a very important one in retrospect. It started with a student internship in a purchasing department, where I stayed after the internship was over. However, the decisive factor in my career development was my full commitment to being engaged in my duties from the first day. This is well described by the English idiom “go the extra mile”, which means doing more than is expected.

How has your education contributed to your career development?

Education related to the running of a business in general, extensive knowledge of psychology, law, marketing and economics has helped a lot and still helps at every stage of my career. This is a very solid foundation which, combined with the practice of everyday work, allows further professional growth. A very important part of college education is also the social and emotional aspect, which enabled me to develop personality features that are very helpful in my current position.

Source: private archive of the graduate

Tell us about your current job. What are you doing now?

I am responsible for the purchasing department in the aviation industry company – Lufthansa – which currently has almost 70 employees. We support business in the area of strategic purchasing (negotiations with suppliers), operational procurement, logistics, as well as broadly understood project management and data analysis.

What are your biggest challenges right now?

My biggest challenges are related to the current, very difficult situation in the aviation industry. Airlines have been hit hardest by the coronavirus pandemic – retaining talent at work, team motivation, multiple organizational changes, and savings programmes are just some of the challenges for the coming years.

What is life and work like in the city/country where you live?

Cracow offers amazing opportunities for development in international business. In the current crisis, we have all proven that we are doing very well in emergency situations and business operations have, from the very first day of the crisis, provided services at an unchanged level. Numerous organizations of professionals, the opportunity to share their views, to develop as a person, as well as prestigious universities and initiatives related to corporate social responsibility make Cracow a great city not only to start, but also to expand a business career.

What is your definition of success?

Success has many faces. In my role, it is a situation where employees come to work with commitment. When employees are satisfied with their jobs and I can have a direct or indirect influence on their development, then I feel I have achieved success.

What advice/guidance do you have for current students who are just entering the job market?

Start with an internship as early as possible, be open to change and develop your emotional intelligence. It is very important to think outside the box and build relationships. Don't just focus on your area. Getting to know the company and other departments will help in performing your duties, but also allow for future development in the field that is the closest to your expectations.

How do you imagine the cooperation between the Jagiellonian University and its graduates?

Graduates can share knowledge and experience. Many graduates are also looking for staff among students, so the hospitable presence of graduates can help students in their professional development.