My name is Iryna. I was born in Ukraine where I have lived almost my entire life. I studied to be a Psychologist and worked in Ukraine as a HR manager for over 7 years. Starting to work as an administrator and assistant manager, I have always had a passion for ensuring that employees and colleagues feel comfortable working in our team and that there is a favorable atmosphere for the professional development of each member of the team. I love helping new colleagues adapt as best as possible to the team. While working in any of the previous companies, I have always treated my work and the company as my own. That is, from the selection of each employee for the appropriate position to the results of the company as a whole, they were interesting and important to me.

I decided to participate in the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs (EYE) programme primarily out of curiosity and a strong desire to gain international experience. I’ve always been interested in understanding how companies operate in different cultural and business contexts, and the idea of living and working abroad has always appealed to me. A close colleague who had previously taken part in the programme also recommended it highly—highlighting how much it helped broaden their professional perspective—so their positive experience definitely influenced my decision.

I believe this experience will contribute significantly to both my human and professional growth. On a personal level, immersing myself in a new environment pushes me out of my comfort zone and helps me become more adaptable, open-minded, and confident when facing new challenges. It’s also an opportunity to improve my communication skills, especially in an international and multicultural context.

Professionally, being part of a recruitment agency during this exchange allows me to observe and learn about new methods of talent acquisition, employer branding, and candidate engagement strategies. I’m particularly interested in how the agency builds strong relationships with both clients and candidates, as well as how it incorporates innovation and technology into the selection process. This experience not only enhances my practical knowledge but also gives me inspiration for future projects or even starting my own business. Overall, I see this as a valuable investment in my future.