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Alumni stories: Sebastian Błaszkiewicz

Alumni stories: Sebastian Błaszkiewicz

“Of course, the current pandemic situation has changed a lot in the area of challenges as well. In the initial period, we all tried to protect the company and employees. Now we see this situation also as an opportunity for growth, as digital transformation and the e-commerce market are rapidly moving into a higher gear. (...)”

Name and surname: Sebastian Błaszkiewicz

Place of residence: Cracow, Poland

Position: Sales Director in a company specializing in digital transformation (Unity Group)

Degree subject: Chemistry


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

Dark, totally old-school corridors and laboratories of the former Faculty of Chemistry in Ingarden Street. This building had its own unique atmosphere. I look back on those days with great nostalgia.

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

In the third year of my studies at the chemistry department, I decided to take an additional management course. In the fifth year of my university course, I found my first job to launch myself onto the job market with some experience after graduation. I started working in a small, two-person interactive agency. Those were the days when on-line business was in its infancy. During the first term of the last year of studies, when I was doing research for my Master’s thesis, my typical day was as follows: one week: 8 AM – 2 PM college and then 3 PM – 9 PM work, the other week: the other way round – work in the morning and college in the afternoon. In the second term, I focused only on writing my Master’s thesis and working in the company. After completing my studies and working in the interactive agency for one year, I decided to change my job to be able to develop. Because I’d already gained some experience, this wasn’t a problem and I started working for Agora (radio stations). After working there for 4 years, I was recalled to this interactive agency along with a dozen or so people and given the task of setting up a sales department. 1 October marked my 13th complete year with that company 😊

How has your education contributed to your career development?

I believe that studying science provides great value for business. I really appreciate the fact that we were expected to gain a thorough understanding of problems, to look for solutions rather than learn things by heart. I believe that my studies taught me to think, analyse and smoothly navigate through a huge amount of data.

Sebastian Błaszkiewicz with dogs

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

As a sales director, I work with many people involved in customer contact and relations. I take care of the quality of the sales process, providing customers with the expected value and solving their problems. In addition, I expand the company’s offering. I am involved in various initiatives oriented towards market development and education. For several years I’ve been a lecturer in an Internet-related speciality at one of Cracow’s universities.

What are your biggest challenges right now?

Of course, the current pandemic situation has changed a lot in the area of challenges as well. In the initial period, we all tried to protect the company and employees. Now we see this situation also as an opportunity for growth, as digital transformation and the e-commerce market are rapidly moving into a higher gear. When you’ve been working in the same position, in the same company for 12 years, one of the key and on-going challenges is to look for new challenges 😊 I am talking about tasks that energize you. I really appreciate the fact that my company, though quite large with over 250 people, is not a corporation. I believe this kind of places are great for job stability but also a good opportunity for passing on your knowledge to others, including those who are only just entering the job market.

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

A few years ago I moved from downtown Cracow to its outskirts (several kilometres away). I live in a small house with a garden, still surrounded by relatively wild areas. A perfect place for my three dogs 😊 In my home office, when I’m in the middle of a teleconference, my co-workers often laugh at the roosters crowing outside the house. I also have an office in Cracow. I’m happy to see this city grow and how many serious employers have emerged, how many small businesses have appeared. Infrastructure – in particular urban and suburban transport – remains a great challenge.

What is your definition of success?

Do what you like, surround yourself with people you respect and who respect you. Have time to work, rest and pursue your hobbies. I am really glad that my closest friends are people I met in college. We are a group of friends who talk to each other every day, who can count on each other and spend holidays together.

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

At the beginning of your career, it is a good idea to invest your time to gain practical knowledge and experience. I encourage you to use internship opportunities offered by the university. Many companies are happy to invest time and money in such candidates, hoping that they will join and provide added value.

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

I suppose that, just like me, Jagiellonian University graduates would be happy to share their knowledge through mentoring meetings. It is a good idea to consider regular (e.g. online) meetings with graduates who could talk about what they feel is important on the job market, but also about the specifics of individual professions and industries.

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