Kasia Szkudlarska: New job, new place, new me

Kasia Szkudlarska is a talented marketing specialist who joined the Etteplan team in 2022. Her story shows how determination and openness to change can lead to new, inspiring professional challenges. 

Kasia, a single mother living near Poznań, had long dreamed of moving to Wrocław. The COVID-19 pandemic proved to be a difficult but also a breakthrough moment for her. "Covid brought a lot of bad, but also a lot of good in the form of remote work. I'm a single mother, so I was interested in hybrid work," says Kasia. 

When it was time to change jobs, Kasia sent her CV to companies headquartered in various cities in Poland. She was particularly interested in working in an international environment to be able to use her language skills acquired during her studies in Turkey and work in Brussels. "Unused language slips away. I studied in Turkey and worked in Brussels. I didn't want my communication work to go to waste," she explains. 

Kasia quickly received a response from Teija Rasanen, the current manager. "Even during the first job interview, I felt a flow between us. We understood each other, and had a similar view of marketing and approach to work," Kasia recalls. The second job interview took place in Wrocław, where Kasia had the impression that this was the right place for her. "When I saw the office, I thought it was my place. I didn't want change for change's sake. I wanted to change for the better, to be in the right place." 

The decision to move to Wrocław was not easy. "It was a stressful time - apartment prices were skyrocketing, making it difficult to sell. My son was supposed to start school in September. The budget was also tight. Plus, I didn't live in Wrocław," Kasia recalls. However, she could count on the support of her new colleagues. "I was very impressed by their commitment and support. They made a list of places worth living for me. Zuza (office assistant in Wroclaw) even offered to go see apartments and connect with me through video calls. My manager, even though she was in Finland, also supported me a lot. I could also count on HR and company relocation assistance. Thanks to that, I was able to buy furniture for my son's room." 

Today, after nearly two years of working at Etteplan, Kasia values her colleagues for their warmth, willingness to help, and openness to cooperation. "People are warm, happy to help, even if you don't loudly ask for help. Together, we're looking for even better solutions. We're constantly learning from each other," she says. Working in an international MarCom environment is a true pleasure for her. "We support each other. In different countries, we face similar challenges. Sometimes we feel alone with them, but one call with someone from MarCom and we find understanding, but also a solution." Kasia has received a lot of good from the people in the organization and wants to give a lot of herself. - "I've got involved in EtteplanGO, Happy DEIS, activities run by HR. I believe that what I give comes back to me. That’s why I give 100% of myself," Kasia emphasizes. 

Kasia Szkudlarska is an example of a person who courageously made the decision to change her place of residence and work to fulfill her dreams. Thanks to her determination, openness to new challenges, and the support of the Etteplan team, she was able to open a new, inspiring chapter in her professional life.