16 January 2025
Oleksandra Azizova: “I am deeply impressed by the openness of my team, their willingness to share their knowledge and experience, and their patience with my German”
Oleksandra Azizova, Professional Integration HUB 2.0 Program Participant (Federal Ministry of Labour and Economy)
Intro
- Age: 24 years old
- City in Ukraine where you lived before the full-scale invasion (forced relocation): Kyiv
- Specialization: Law
PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND: why law?
Attending the Museum of Corruption in Ukraine was a decisive experience that inspired me to help my country fight against corruption. Unfortunately, one of the biggest challenges in Ukraine was the bad treatment and underestimation of young professionals.
FORCED EMIGRATION
The war found me at home with my parents. At the time, I was entirely focused on my studies and preparing for one of the most challenging international competitions for law students, scheduled for the 26th of February. I was completely unprepared for the outbreak of the war, which came as a total surprise.
The first country I relocated to was Andorra. A month later, I was fortunate to secure an internship at a Swedish law firm, prompting my move to Stockholm. Uncertain about the possibility of continuing my Master’s degree in Ukraine, I applied to universities that extended their application deadlines for Ukrainian students. Ultimately, I was admitted to the Central European University, which led me to Vienna.
LIFE IN AUSTRIA
Settling in Austria presented several challenges for me. Initially, I didn’t know anyone and lacked clarity on handling essential matters such as documents and employment permits, which led me to navigate multiple authorities. Many officials refused to speak English, and I didn’t know German, making the process even more difficult. During my first months, I also encountered many rude and harsh individuals, which added to the struggle of adaptation.
Despite these challenges, I worked in my field, spending a year and a half at an Austrian law firm. However, I also faced stereotypes about Ukraine, such as the assumptions that Ukrainians don’t speak good English and that everything in Ukraine is entirely corrupt.
In terms of integrating into a new country, I believe one common misconception is expecting the official system to function similarly to that of one’s home country. Another significant mistake is moving without basic knowledge of the local language, which can hinder communication and integration.
Professional Integration HUB
The Professional Integration HUB serves as a vital bridge between Ukrainians and Austria, offering a unique opportunity to connect Ukrainian professionals with local communities that are open and welcoming.
Halfway through my internship, I am deeply impressed by the openness of my team, their willingness to share their knowledge and experience, and their patience with my German. The reality has exceeded my expectations.
One surprising aspect of Austrian corporate culture is the habit of greeting each person individually and sometimes even greeting them twice in one encounter.
A standout moment during my internship was the meetings at the Bundeskanzleramt, particularly my presentation for the Head of the Section, which left a lasting impression.
My greatest achievements within the program include proving to myself that I can work effectively in a fully German-speaking environment, gaining a better understanding of the EU’s functioning, and acquiring valuable experience in policy-making.
PLANS AFTER PARTICIPATING IN THE PROGRAM
After participating in the project, my professional dream is to one day represent Ukrainian interests at a major international forum. This is a goal that feels ambitious but continues to inspire me.
Over the course of the program, I have also made substantial progress in becoming part of the Austrian professional community, achieving more in these three months than in the previous two years.
Photos: Valerie Loudon