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Behind every profession is a person, a human being with a story. In an ultra-connected world of constant technological change, and especially with the rise of AI, it is essential to remember the importance of the human element. In this series of articles, discover the journeys, choices, and commitment of those who have turned their profession into a true vocation in Luxembourg.
“For me, having a job that is meaningful and has a real impact is essential. At the end of the day, I particularly appreciate taking a moment to reflect and clearly see the impact of my work.” - Marc Blaskovits, Directorate of International Relations, Grand Ducal Police
His early years in California, working in film and fashion
Marc Blaskovits, a Luxembourger born to a French-Italian mother and an Austrian father, was not originally destined for a career in the Police. After completing a Bachelor’s degree in fashion design in Nancy, he moved to Los Angeles in 2008 to continue his studies in computer graphics and pursue the American dream. What was meant to be a two-year experience ultimately lasted ten years...
"I had even made a deal with my mother so I could go and study in the United States. She financed my studies, and I had to make it work once I got there!"
His early days there were not particularly easy. Between the language barrier (which he had not yet fully overcome when he arrived), cultural differences and academic pressure, his first few months were intense: "The first few months were a real challenge. My English wasn’t yet good enough to follow all the classes and projects properly. Moving abroad on my own forced me to adapt quickly and use the language every day, and in the end, I became comfortable quite fast."
And yet, he soon found his place. While still a student in the United States, he entered several competitions and won one for the design of a T-shirt, which was sold for charity in shops across Los Angeles. That achievement opened the door to the professional world. He joined NBC Universal, where he worked on film branding, including for "Despicable Me", before continuing his career for nearly eight years with a Korean clothing brand.
Photo with Lisa Love, West Coast Director of Vogue and Teen Vogue (lady in blue 😉), and a model in white wearing the T-shirt that won him the competition
His time in Los Angeles allowed him to discover a fascinating culture and develop a strong ability to adapt. But behind that success was a more demanding reality: only two weeks of annual leave and the instability of life as a foreign worker, both of which led him to reflect on his priorities and the meaning of his work. As a foreign worker, redundancy could happen very quickly, without access to unemployment benefits. It was also necessary to renew his Green Card regularly, a process that required both time and financial commitment.
He also remembers, with a sense of humour, how little Luxembourg was known. Many people assumed it was a city in Germany, while his French accent earned him the nickname "Frenchy".
His return to Luxembourg in 2018 was motivated by a desire to be closer to his family and regain a more stable way of life. After spending a year working in graphic design in the Grand Duchy, COVID-19 disrupted his plans when he was made redundant for economic reasons, pushing him to reinvent himself professionally. He then decided to move towards a career that was useful, stable and had a tangible impact on society. The birth of his first child further strengthened his desire for job security and greater meaning in his work.
The Grand Ducal Police as an obvious choice
It was in this context that the Grand Ducal Police entered Marc’s life. He wanted to feel useful, contribute to something concrete, and represent a country that had offered great opportunities to his family. His initial goal was to become a police officer, but as he did not yet hold Luxembourgish nationality at the time, he also applied for civilian roles and joined the Directorate of International Relations of the Police in 2021. His role differs from that of officers on the ground, but it is no less strategic or essential. He represents the Luxembourg Police at international meetings, works with various internal departments, and takes part in negotiating agreements with other countries.
Since 2024, he has also worked as a Schengen expert. Each year, he assesses several Member States on police cooperation and helps ensure the proper functioning of the Schengen area.
"International cooperation is essential, especially with neighbouring countries, because a criminal can move from one country to another very easily."
These responsibilities allow him to meet stakeholders at every level and to see very clearly the impact of his work on international security.
Marc during his swearing-in ceremony
The day-to-day life of a civilian within the Police
Being a civilian in the Grand Ducal Police means not wearing a uniform and not intervening directly in the field, while still playing an indispensable role in the smooth running of the institution. Civilian staff carry out a wide range of responsibilities in areas such as human resources, IT, communications, finance, and legal affairs, and they play a vital role in supporting the work of police officers. Today, there is no longer an upper age limit for joining the Police, and positions are allocated according to examination results and ranking.
Within his department, Marc alternates between meetings, analytical work, and travel abroad. He writes detailed reports, follows up on cases involving several directorates, cooperates with the Criminal Investigation Department and the Directorate of Operations, and prepares presentations for international meetings.
When he joined the Police, everything was new to him: "The topics I was dealing with were still unfamiliar to me. Over time, by investing more in the role and training myself, I was able to develop my skills and improve." However, he points out that his background in design and communication remains useful, especially when it comes to presenting information clearly and visually.
His job requires rigour, curiosity and motivation. Every assignment and every report has a concrete impact. Ongoing training and opportunities for progression also allow Marc to continue improving and to discover different aspects of the Police.
How to become a civilian in the Police
Unlike the role of a police officer, Luxembourgish nationality is not always required to work as a civilian. For certain positions, being a citizen of the European Union is sufficient.
Marc also emphasises the human diversity within the institution: "Among our police officers, many are not originally from Luxembourg. They hold Luxembourgish nationality today, but there is a great diversity of cultures and backgrounds, and that is precisely what makes Luxembourg so special."
Selection criteria depend on educational level and skills. Motivation, openness to the international environment and strong communication abilities are all essential.
The Grand Ducal Police has around 3,200 employees, including 700 civilians. It offers many career prospects, thanks to continuous training and the possibility of moving into different departments or specialist fields. Career progression depends on seniority, but can also be accelerated through competitions and examinations.
Interested in applying? Discover all available job opportunities here.
Staying efficient while maintaining a healthy balance
Marc’s role involves regular travel and, at times, an intense pace, particularly during missions to Brussels or other Member States. To manage this, he stresses the importance of good organisation and personal routines. Sport, particularly fitness training, is part of his everyday life and helps him stay effective while also switching off. The Police even offers the possibility of taking part in sporting activities during working hours, which contributes to employees’ balance and wellbeing.
For Marc, job satisfaction comes above all from the feeling of being useful and from the tangible impact of his work. When international cooperation leads to an arrest or an operational success, he knows that his efforts have contributed to the safety and protection of citizens.
"What very few people realise is the true scale of this directorate’s commitment at the international level. Many think these missions are occasional or limited, whereas in reality they are ongoing and highly structured," Marc tells us.
He adds that, like many others, he once had a stereotypical view of the Luxembourg Police himself. He assumed that, given the size of the country, crime would be less present. In reality, it exists just as much as in other countries, simply on the scale of the Grand Duchy.
A career change is always possible
Marc’s journey shows that it is never too late to reinvent yourself. Changing direction is not a waste of time, and the skills acquired in a previous career can prove extremely valuable in a new profession."You shouldn’t force yourself to do a job you don’t enjoy. Life is short." He encourages anyone wishing to explore new paths to take the leap, look for a meaningful profession, and avoid limiting themselves to traditional career routes. Career change is an asset, and Luxembourg offers many opportunities to build a fulfilling professional life.
"Nowadays, changing career paths has become completely normal. In the past, people mainly looked for permanent contracts, whereas today fixed-term contracts are becoming more common and many people no longer hesitate to evolve regularly in their careers."
Today, Marc feels fully aligned with his profession. "I am exactly where I’m meant to be." He remains open to new opportunities, but deeply appreciates his place within the Grand Ducal Police and the very real impact of his work.
Watch Marc’s video testimonial
Did this testimonial inspire you? Share your own story and raise awareness of the often overlooked aspects of your profession! Contact us at communication@moovijob.com.