The story of Oksana Blesnova is an example of how a Schnuppertag, organized by the Association “Ukraine Switzerland Bern” and the Youth Red Cross of the Canton of Bern, can change a career path and help adapt to new living conditions abroad. Now the woman works as a Pflegefachfrau in a wonderful team, where she finds support and understanding, and also has enough free time to care for her sick mother and a flexible work schedule that allows her to accompany her to the hospital. Another advantage that Oksana highlights is the improvement of the German language, which comes automatically during work. And of course, the opportunity to study and gain career growth, which allows a motivated and ambitious woman to see her future in Switzerland.
Oksana had been facing the issue of employment for the past few months. She was finishing an A2 language course and was planning to look for a job. “I heard from friends that looking for a job requires writing numerous applications (Bewerbungen) and regular reporting to the labor exchange (RAV). But I also have responsibility for my sick mother, so I had to take that into account, and I also wanted to avoid the bureaucratic procedures of submitting a resume,” says Oksana.
Despite the fact that the woman had experience running her own business in the clearing sector in the city of Dnipro in Ukraine, fate decided otherwise. Thanks to the Association “Ukraine-Switzerland Bern”, she had the opportunity to undergo a trial day (Schnuppertag) in the field of elderly care. “At first, I doubted whether it was worth going, because I had heard about the difficulties of this work. However, a friend who informed me about this opportunity insisted that it was worth trying, especially since the location was convenient,” says Oksana.
During the Schnuppertag, the woman worked with an experienced colleague who showed her the main responsibilities. She quickly got involved in the process, because she understood: watching work is boring, but working is more interesting. And on the first day, the woman was performing small tasks. Her initiative did not go unnoticed - after the Schnuppertag, she was invited for an interview, where she was told about the possibility of a three-month internship.
“This offer is a joint effort between my employer and the Swiss Red Cross,” says Oksana. She works on a 60% employment, as an intern, which allows her to take care of her mother and have time to accompany her to medical examinations. When she receives a B1 language certificate, Oksana will be officially contacted for full-time employment. According to the woman, work in the care sector has its difficulties, in particular, it requires patience, but at the same time it is well paid and in demand.
“It is important for me to work in a team where there is mutual respect and a desire to help each other,” says the woman. “I would also like to emphasize: you should not be afraid of the language barrier due to the lack of the necessary language level. Here they are understanding that we are foreigners and at first it is only important for us to understand each other. While working, we can improve our language level: some automatically, some by attending language courses.”
Thanks to the Association “Ukraine Switzerland Bern”, Oksana got a chance not only to find a job, but also to get a professional education. “The Schnuppertag organized so quickly gave me the opportunity to avoid lengthy correspondence, fear of talking to employers and waiting for a response. Inspired by my example, now Ukrainian acquaintances ask if the Association will organize another trial day. I admit, the demand for the Pflegefachfrau profession among Ukrainian refugees is considerable. And my example shows how important trial days can be for the adaptation of migrants in a new country, and initiative and proper support from organizations can open up new opportunities even in difficult life situations,” adds Oksana.
USB supports the employment of Ukrainian women with financial support
support of the Zonta Women's Association Bern and the Reformed Church
Bern-Jura-Solothurn
