Your monthly blog feature is back and for this first portrait of the year we're discussing career change. Dragan, currently a trainee in the Sourcing team at Moovijob.com, has decided to go back to school after ten years' experience in the hotel and catering industry.
From Catering to HR
Originally from Paris and aged 32, Dragan completed his “Bac Littérraire” in France in 2010. It was at this time that he began his career in the restaurant business, taking advantage of weekends and school holidays to earn a little pocket money.
“When I was 18, people asked me what I wanted to study or what I wanted to do as a job, I had no idea. As I already had one foot in the restaurant business and really enjoyed it, I naturally continued along that path.”
After working for over 4 years in a small Italian restaurant in Paris, Dragan decided to leave the capital and move to the Moselle region. As soon as he arrived, he took the initiative and got his driving licence, so that he would soon be able to travel independently and find a job.
He went on to accumulate a wide range of experience, both in the positions he held and in the establishments in which he worked: small restaurants, bars, hotels (one of which was 5-star), etc. When he decided to go back to school to change career path, he became a waiter and head waiter for breakfasts, banquets and restaurants in the hotel industry.
“At the time, when I started working, I couldn't wait to stop studying so that I could have a full-time job as soon as possible. Looking back, I regret having stopped so early.”
The idea of a career change was slowly taking shape in Dragan's mind, although he didn't yet know what field he wanted to go into. It was the similarities and values shared by the restaurant industry that led Dragan to human resources. “In HR, similarly to the restaurant business, you need to be rigorous, have an interest in everything, curious and responsive”. He also mentions the human connection that he wanted to find in his new job, but without the customer relations aspect.
“I'm someone who likes to do lots of things at once, and the world of HR is so vast that I think I can wear many hats in a single day.”
Embracing the challenge with motivation: back to school at 32
If Dragan found it hard to see himself going back to school, it was partly due to the generational gap with other students. When you've been working for a number of years, it can be difficult to integrate and acclimatise to a school environment.
But Dragan decided to turn this challenge into an opportunity. He feels much more motivated and committed to his studies than he did when he was 18. It's a carefully considered choice, not one taken lightly or by default.
Dragan's determination to succeed is also based on financial considerations. He is financing his studies himself, unlike his classmates, most of whom receive grants or still live with their parents.
“You have to completely rethink the way you spend your money. Fortunately, a work-study contract is a good way for me to keep up with my studies while still earning a wage and getting a foot in the professional world.”
Finally, Dragan emphasises the impact of his previous professional experiences, which have taught him a sense of priority and organisation, as well as how to set realistic objectives: solid skills that he is putting to good use as part of his bachelor's degree in human resources at the EIEBS (European Institute of Excellence Business School) in Luxembourg.
Career change: a very serious choice
As you can imagine, a career change is a decision that needs to be thoroughly thought through. Not that it's difficult, but it does require a certain commitment and organisational rigour. You have to want to see it through to the end.
The first step of the process is to choose the profession or sector you would like to pursue and move into. To do this, do not hesitate to talk to people you know or to guidance counsellors. Then find out about the options available: the different courses, the duration, the speed, whether or not it's a work-study program... You need to know what you're getting into so that you don't give up later and find yourself demotivated, with no goals for the future.
Dragan's advice: “It's better to postpone the project for a year and take the time to properly assess all the options and possibilities, rather than jump in too quickly and risk finding yourself in a situation, financial or otherwise, that forces you to give up halfway through.”
Are you looking for an internship or a work-study contract to help you retrain in Luxembourg? Discover all of our offers on Moovijob.com
