A move, a new city, new circumstances… At times like these, it may seem like you’ll have to start your professional life all over again. But your years of experience, knowledge, and skills don’t just disappear. You can use them as a foundation for a fresh start.
That’s exactly what happened to Olena Popovska.
Due to the war, Olena moved from Kostiantynivka to Sloviansk. In her search for work, she turned to the Sloviansk office of the Kramatorsk branch of the Donetsk Regional Employment Center.
By training, Olena is a technical specialist. Her professional career spans 33 years of practical experience: she worked as a shift supervisor for 5 years, as a shift foreman for 10 years, and as a section foreman at Spetstekhsklo A LLC for 18 years.
But how does one best present this experience to an employer when the city, professional circumstances, and job search focus are changing?
This is where the support of a career counselor became crucial. Together, they identified Olena’s strengths, discussed her preferences, and sought opportunities where her professional experience would truly be in demand.
Olena also joined the “Experience Matters” project, created for people aged 50 and older. Its goal is to help experienced professionals remain active in the labor market, better showcase their professional competencies, and find new employment opportunities.
And such an opportunity was found in Sloviansk.
Today, Olena works as a sales manager at the sole proprietorship of Kostyantyn Pavlovych Sydych.
During their initial meeting, the employer took note not only of her professional experience but also of her personal qualities—the ability to communicate competently and politely, reliability, composure, responsibility, and resilience under stress. Her many years of experience in leadership positions proved to be a significant advantage.
Both Olena and her new employer now work in Sloviansk, a city near the front lines, where it is especially evident just how important it is to have people who continue to work and keep the city going.
Experienced professionals, specialized knowledge, and hard-working hands are needed here every day.
If you’re 50+ and looking for a job—your experience could be exactly the advantage an employer is seeking. Learn more about the project: https://www.dcz.gov.ua/profnavch/navchintern. Call center: 0800219713.