Professional Integration HUB

20 Ukrainian specialists have completed paid internships in leading Austrian institutions and organizations as part of the Professional Integration HUB 2.0 program

Prerequisites for continuation of the program

In May 2024, the first round of the Professional Integration HUB paid internship program for Ukrainian specialists in Austria was completed, which clearly demonstrated the demand for this initiative. This is evidenced by the feedback from the participants, for whom the HUB became an opportunity to take a step into the Austrian labour market, and their mentors, representatives of leading Austrian institutions and organizations, who noted the high level of qualification of Ukrainian specialists. Moreover, based on the results of the internship, 35% of interns received offers for further cooperation.

“The Professional Integration HUB creates unique opportunities for both participants and representatives of the institutions and organizations that host internships. According to the supervisors, the interns not only learned from their experience but also shared their own ideas and innovative approaches. The results of the program exceeded the expectations of all participants, and this gave us the motivation to develop the initiative further,” comments Olga Olefirova, co-founder of the European Centre for Freedom and Independence, which implements the program.

Professional Integration HUB 2.0

In June 2024, active preparations for the implementation of the Professional Integration HUB 2.0 began. Key facts about the program:

• Duration of the internship: 3 months, October 15, 2024 – January 15, 2025
• Key activities: internships at leading Austrian institutions and organizations, study visits, joint meetings, German language course
• Geography: Vienna, Salzburg, Graz
• Number of participants: 20
• Number of institutions and organizations that hosted internships: 15
• Scholarship amount: 1200 euros/full-time

On August 1, 2024, the call for applications for the Professional Integration HUB 2.0 program was announced, which lasted until September 8. During the selection process, the team received 175 applications. The selection of participants took place in three stages: technical (checking candidates for compliance with the criteria of the selected institutions and organizations); intermediate (interviews of the program organizers with the candidates); final stage (interviews of the finalists with representatives of the institutions and organizations that hosted the internship).

As a result, 20 Ukrainian professionals were selected to participate in the Professional Integration HUB 2.0 program.

• You can learn more about the participants by following the link.

On October 18, 2024, the official opening of the program took place at ERSTE Foundation office, which became the first joint event that brought together all the participants and organizers of the HUB 2.0.

Internships

This time, the program organizers managed to engage 15 internship partners, thus expanding the geography: Vienna, Graz, Salzburg; and increasing the number of participants to 20.

Our internship partners in HUB 2.0 were: The Federal Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection; The Federal Ministry of Labour and Economy; The Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation, and Technology; Austria Tourism; Vienna University of Economics; KDZ Center for Public Administration Research; L&R Social Research; Impact Hub Vienna; Office Ukraine Vienna; Office Ukraine Graz; MuseumsQuartier Wien; Josephinum Medical Museum; Salzburger Kunstverein; C/O Vienna Magazine; Schenker Salvi Weber Architekten.

The internships included full-time jobs, which provided the participants with a sense of belonging to the team and tasks that matched their qualifications. This allowed them to gain a deeper understanding of the Austrian corporate culture and become part of it. In addition, the interns received a monthly stipend.

“I think it is really an excellent initiative because the Professional Integration HUB aims to increase the chances of Ukrainian professionals to gain employment in the Austrian labour market, and work experience through this 3-month internship is a crucial asset for a job application. Moreover, the interns gain a lot of language skills and networking with colleagues, and gain insights into administration. I think it is also good for us to learn more about Ukraine and to promote cooperation between Austria and Ukraine” – Mr. Andreas SCHALLER, Federal Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection, Department for bilateral relations and international Organizations

The program not only provided participants with access to the European labor market; it also brought valuable contacts that will help them further integrate into the new environment.

“Most of all, I appreciate the incredible support from my manager and colleagues. My supervisor not only assigned me to interesting projects, but also gave me advice on how to find a job in the Austrian labor market after the program. He even wrote a letter of recommendation for me. My colleagues actively helped me by sharing potential job opportunities,” program participant Anastasiia Krasina comments on her internship at the Federal Ministry of Labor and Economic Affairs.

Based on the results of the internship, the participants analyzed and compared approaches in Ukraine and Austria, based on which they prepared reports and recommendations for Ukraine. The organizers expect that the graduates of the program will make every effort to use the experience gained to rebuild Ukraine.

Study visits

In addition to the key part of the program, the participants had a unique opportunity to join 6 study visits and see firsthand how the leading institutions and organizations in Austria work. The study visits were a real highlight of the program, as they provided an additional opportunity to be in a circle of like-minded people and share their impressions of the internship and Austrian corporate culture.

“One of the most significant events for me was the study tour to Graz. It wasn’t just a visit to art galleries or a meeting with the Ukrainian community – it was an experience that showed how professional and cultural integration can coexist harmoniously,” says program participant Hanna Tomyshch.

During the program, the participants visited the Austria Tourism; Vienna City Hall; the Federal Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection; Office Ukraine Graz; Josephinum Medical Museum; Salzburger Kunstverein.

German language course

In parallel with the internship, the program participants had the opportunity to attend a 3-month specialized German language course MATCH, initiated by the European Centre for Freedom and Independence and funded by private sponsors, free of charge. The course is unique in that it combines knowledge of grammar, business German and communication skills. This is the perfect combination for successful integration into Austrian society – both in professional and everyday life.

Community building

In June 2024, we held the first meeting of the Professional Integration HUB community, which became the foundation for the development of professional ties between specialists from Ukraine and Austria. The event was attended by alumni and finalists of the program, as well as representatives of Austrian institutions and organizations.

During the Professional Integration HUB 2.0, 3 joint meetings were initiated to build a community of Ukrainian professionals in Austria. Among the invitees were participants, alumni, and finalists of the program. One of these meetings was a visit to the Austrian Parliament, during which the participants had a unique opportunity to communicate with parliamentarians and discuss the prospects for joint initiatives.

“We have created a space where Ukrainian professionals in Austria receive the necessary support and valuable opportunities for development and networking, including connections with the Austrian professional community, to help them realize their full potential,” said Olena Bekreniova, co-founder of the European Centre for Freedom and Independence.

In addition, a number of webinars and workshops aimed at professional development and integration were held for members of the Professional Integration HUB community. The speakers included European and Ukrainian experts in various fields, including recruiting, communications, project management, fundraising, marketing, cultural diplomacy, and European integration. In the near future, it is planned to exchange professional experience between community members in the format of workshops, where everyone will have the opportunity to initiate an event and share their own cases.

The final conference

On January 21, 2025, the final conference of the Professional Integration HUB 2.0 program was held to celebrate the achievements of the participants. The event brought together the organizers, graduates and their supervisors from hosting institutions and organizations. The feedback from the partner organizations was extremely positive and noted the high professionalism, competence and willingness of the participants to make a meaningful contribution to both the Austrian and Ukrainian contexts.

During the conference, the alumni made inspiring presentations in which they shared their knowledge and skills. Based on their experience, they shared practical recommendations for Ukraine’s reconstruction and European integration, and expressed their sincere gratitude for the opportunity to integrate into the Austrian professional environment.

The event culminated with the solemn presentation of certificates to the program participants.

Impact

The goal of the program is not only to open up employment opportunities. Professional integration is an important part of Ukraine’s European integration process, as it involves the mutual exchange of knowledge and experience between Ukrainian and European professionals. Through internships, study visits, and joint initiatives, the program participants not only gain European experience but also contribute to strengthening cooperation between Ukraine and Austria. This helps to integrate Ukrainian professionals into the European professional environment and forms a solid foundation for the future reconstruction of Ukraine according to European standards.

Stakeholder meeting

The program has actualized the discussion on the migration of professionals and their integration in Austria at the highest level. On November 6, 2024, the Professional Integration HUB in cooperation with ERSTE Foundation hosted a meeting on Perspectives of Ukrainian migrants in Austria and Europe for high-level representatives of public and private sector organizations. The meeting was devoted to identifying challenges and barriers faced by Ukrainian specialists in Austria on the way to professional integration and finding ways to overcome them.

The event brought together leading representatives of ministries, international organizations, NGOs and businesses to discuss the challenges and opportunities for the integration of Ukrainian professionals who moved to Europe because of the war.

“Stakeholder meetings like these are essential for the successful integration of Ukrainian professionals seeking job opportunities into the Austrian labor market. Bringing together all organizations involved allows us to synchronize our efforts, align our strategies, and jointly develop policy recommendations. For us as a foundation, it was especially important to serve as a platform, providing a dedicated space for knowledge exchange and for finding opportunities to reinforce one another’s efforts,” said Yana Barinova, Program Director for European Policies and Ukraine at ERSTE Foundation, the initiator of the program.

Continuation of cooperation

As of now, according to the program results, 25% of the participants have received offers to continue cooperation in various formats – from extending their work contracts or employment in partner organizations to engaging them as guest experts. This number is expected to increase in the near future. In addition, the participants received recommendations from the host institutions and organizations and the European Centre for Freedom and Independence, which will increase their chances on the Austrian labor market.

According to most of the participants, the program not only had a dramatic impact on their professional development, but also improved their psychological state by restoring their professional identity, supporting their professional community, and increasing their circle of contacts with like-minded people.

Exchange of experience and deeper understanding of the Ukrainian context in leading Austrian institutions

The impact of the program on the institutions and organizations that hosted the internships is no less important. By working together with Ukrainian professionals, representatives of Austrian institutions and companies gained a deeper understanding of the Ukrainian context in the context of war, the challenges faced by Ukrainian professionals, and the role of international support in Ukraine’s recovery. Interaction within the program contributed to the exchange of knowledge not only on a professional level, but also in the field of culture and traditions. Many of the mentors emphasized that the cooperation within the framework of the internships helped them to better understand the history and mentality of Ukrainians, as well as to expand their vision of the future partnership between Ukraine and Europe.

Expanding professional ties and integrating Ukrainian professionals into Austrian society

Thanks to the program and the networking it provided, the participants met Austrian professionals, including high-level officials. This became the basis for the development of professional ties and the involvement of Ukrainian women in the international expert community.

One such example is the meeting with Petra Bayr, a member of the National Council, during a visit to the Austrian Parliament. As a result of the dialogue, the participants were invited to take part in the FEMMES GLOBALES debate on the prospects of Ukrainian women in Austria.

Thus, the Professional Integration HUB has become not only a tool for professional integration, but also a platform for intercultural dialogue, strengthening ties between Ukraine and Austria, and raising awareness of Ukraine among European institutions.

Taking into account the demand for both rounds of the program and the prospects that open up for the participants, the organizers decided to extend the program. Professional Integration HUB 3.0 is here to stay! The program is planned to be modernized to expand opportunities for all participants.

 

The Professional Integration HUB program was established in 2023 to facilitate the integration of Ukrainian specialists into the European professional environment. In addition, the experience gained under the program will be a significant contribution to the development of Ukraine and its integration into the EU. The project was initiated by ERSTE Foundation and implemented by the European Centre for Freedom and Independence.

ERSTE Foundation serves as a creative workshop for ideas and innovation, a laboratory for future-oriented topics, and strategically cooperates with networks. As the main shareholder of Erste Group, ERSTE Foundation secures the independent future of one of the largest financial services providers in Central, Eastern, and South Eastern Europe. Committed to serving the common good, the private Austrian savings banks foundation believes in supporting individuals to thrive.

The European Centre for Freedom and Independence is a non-governmental organization registered by Ukrainian women in Vienna in 2022, at the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The projects that the organization implements in the EU countries are related to Ukraine and are aimed at promoting its reconstruction and European integration.

Watch the video to see how the Professional Integration HUB 2.0 program went: