From Płońsk to Bludenz, Ola's Taste The Future Journey on New Challenges and Holiday Traditions

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

Tell us about yourself.

My name is Aleksandra, but in Poland, people often call me Ola (which caused some initial confusion with my Austrian colleagues! 😉). I’m currently in my second rotation of the Taste The Future Junior Management Program at the chocolate factory in Bludenz, Austria, where I work as a Vertical Start-Up (VSU) Leader and part of the project team.

In my first rotation at the biscuits factory in Płońsk, Poland, I took on a similar role, contributing to projects like installing new case packer machines, developing a co-packing area, and improving the over overall production processes in the plant.

Relocating to another country is a significant decision. What motivated you to take this step, and how did you professionally and personally prepare?

Working in a different country has always been my personal and professional goal. The program, along with the support of my mentor and manager, helped me turn this ambition into reality.

I was motivated to experience different working styles and cultures and to challenge myself in new and unexpected situations. I also saw this as an opportunity to expand my network and learn a new language. Personally, I couldn't imagine a better place for this journey than Bludenz. I'm a huge fan of mountains, and this region is breathtaking! Plus, its proximity to Italy, Switzerland, France, and Liechtenstein makes every weekend feel like a mini vacation.

To prepare, I took intensive German courses and had several calls with my future managers, which made the transition smooth. I also had an amazing farewell party in Płońsk — my colleagues truly surprised me, and it was such a memorable send-off!

Working across two different countries also means adapting to new ways of thinking and working. What new skills or perspectives have you gained in Bludenz that you hadn’t encountered in your previous rotation?

One of the most valuable things I’ve gained is greater personal and professional confidence. Moving to a new country and working in a different language was challenging, but it taught me to focus on my strengths and learn from my mistakes without overthinking them. This has made me more adaptable and open to new experiences, even across cultural and language differences.

Working in a chocolate factory has also been an incredible experience as a food technologist. The site’s process of producing chocolate mass directly from cocoa beans—a rare practice in the industry—has been truly inspiring, especially in such a historic plant in the heart of the Alps.

Did you experience memorable team moments or local holiday celebrations in Bludenz that made your adjustment easier?

It was Oktoberfest season in Austria, including Vorarlberg, when I first arrived. A new colleague from work invited me to celebrate in Dornbirn, where we enjoyed local drinks, traditional food, and festive outfits. It was a fantastic opportunity to bond with my new team and experience the Austrian culture firsthand.

Another fascinating tradition here is the Krampus parade, where characters dressed as Krampus—a demonic companion of Saint Nicholas—march through the streets to scare and entertain people during the Advent celebrations. Our team is planning to attend one of these shows together, and I’m looking forward to it!

With the holiday season often being a time of reflection, what have you found most rewarding about the Taste the Future Junior Management Program experience so far?

The most fulfilling aspect of the program has been discovering new strengths and realizing my potential. I’ve learned to handle high-pressure situations and take responsibility for key project elements. Contributing to projects at various stages has sharpened my problem-solving skills and highlighted the importance of adaptability.

Visiting suppliers and other plants to share best practices has broadened my technical expertise and provided valuable end-to-end exposure. Networking with professionals from different regions has been another critical benefit, inspiring innovative solutions, and fresh perspectives—essential for continuous improvement.

What advice would you give to other people who might be facing a similar transition?

Be open to new opportunities and trust in your choices. It’s important to clearly understand your goals and communicate them effectively with your managers. For me, discussing expectations for the second-year transition with my manager at the early stage of the program was incredibly helpful in shaping my path and staying aligned with my aspirations.

Benchmarking with other factories was another key part of my development. Observing different roles and work styles broadened my perspective and provided valuable lessons I’ve applied to my career.

And finally, do you have any personal holiday traditions that you brought with you to Austria, or new ones you’ll get back with you to Poland?

I grew up in a small town near Poznań, and one tradition I deeply miss is eating “Rogale Świętomarcińskie” (St. Martin’s croissants) in November. These buttery pastries filled with white poppy seeds are a unique part of Polish culture, and I plan to share them with my colleagues in Austria next year.

From Austria, I’ll take back the tradition of celebrating with a giant pretzel filled with ham, cheese, and vegetables—a tasty and satisfying alternative to sweets, especially in a chocolate factory where they’re everywhere 😊!