Congratulations to Mariia from Ukraine on landing a job offer after her Erasmus internship as a payment specialist! 

Mariia was responsible for coordinating payments, controlling company orders, invoicing partners, and communicating with various departments. This hands-on experience allowed her to gain practical knowledge of financial services. No doubt her persistence in learning and excellent work were rewarded with a job offer.

Mariia highlights the support she received from her mentor and colleagues. “It was incredible and the best support I've ever had across my work experience. My mentor did a great job introducing me to the system of the renting sector and how it works everything inside. I was accepted to ask anything I needed, I felt total support and gentle caring from all my colleagues and managers. It was a warm period of effective and fast negotiation between departments, who did care about each other, so I felt a nice and relaxed atmosphere in the company. I was learning everything rapidly thanks to my mentor and his support throughout my internship period.”

Mariia thrived on overcoming challenges, acquiring new knowledge and adapting to a new environment and culture. “Across my duration in Slovakia, I found that it's very familiar to Ukraine - its culture, natural views, traditional clothes/celebrations and cultural heritage. I was truly surprised by the quantity of castles in this country (more than 5k!!) which excited me by its rich history and beauty. I felt myself here very lively and inspired, as this place has its own soul. I was excited by the level of hospitality in this country. Slovakia is a young and gorgeous country, people there are very kind and tender, so I enjoyed time spent here.”

Mariia also gave our Placement Slovakia program and team a high appreciation for which we are very grateful. “Support from your team was very helpful and strong. I was eternally inspired by their activity and power in dealing with different projects/questions/events. But you were always able to help and support me whenever needed during the integration and adapting, which helped me a lot, and made me feel confident and safe.”

Mariia experienced a great achievement of discovering her inner power “It was pleasant to find myself a confident and responsible person who is dealing with interesting tasks in an international company, it felt like a big step in future. It was pleasant to feel support. Also, a lot of pleasure in travelling, opening new horizons! Development of my language and professional skills, meeting new people.”

Beyond the work, Mariia managed to take the most from her experience. “I think all my free time was spent in the most interesting way. Travelling, visiting museums, hiking, yoga and fitness, badminton with my colleagues, cinema, reading, attending interesting cafes and places around, meditating, gardening. During the summer period, I was attending Pezinok (a beautiful town near Bratislava) to see horse racing, so I also found a way to spend time with animals and nature.”

Mariia is excited to continue working in Slovakia and developing her career in her chosen field. “Now I'm working with the best people, and we have really good relationships, Slovakia turned out for me into a very hospitable country with open-minded and kind people. My Erasmus experience gave me the opportunity to find out what I am capable of, and I intend to reveal my potential. Therefore, I will continue to work in this company in my specialization.”

Mariia advises future trainees to “put all doubts aside, work hard and be open to new experiences and people. Be prepared for the real journey and don’t be afraid to ask for help at the right time. Feel free to move forward and see only the good.”

 We congratulate Mariia and wish her all the best