Success stories
Marcela Carrasco Saucedo: “I no longer feel like I'm rowing alone”
Supported by the Talent Workshop, Marcela shares how hard it is to find a job in Switzerland, despite experience and qualifications.
Alter Start is supporting Marcela Carrasco Saucedo in her job search and in connecting with companies in French-speaking Switzerland. Here she shares how hard it can be to find a position despite experience and qualifications, and how important it is to find support that matches your needs.
Her story
“Seven months ago, I officially started looking for a job in Switzerland. ‘With the work experience you have, it won't be that hard’… ‘After you finish your master's degree, it'll be easier’… ‘You speak three languages, you're good at getting by — something will come along soon’… they said. But no, the truth is that this process hasn't been easy at all. Because job hunting is a situation where all our vulnerabilities and insecurities come to the surface… and it's very easy to downplay the achievements we've had in our professional lives.”
“However, my resilient self came to my rescue once again, shaking me up and making me realise that I'm the one who has to make waves to keep moving forward. So I did something very humbly human: I started looking for help.”
“And that's how I now find myself meeting wonderful people who, thanks to their advice and experience, are lighting the way for me, and I no longer feel like I'm rowing alone. I'm learning to better understand how to navigate my career in a country so different from my own, and how to speak confidently in languages that aren't my native tongue. And honestly, I'm really enjoying this process! ✨”
“Thank you to Alter Start for letting me be part of their employment programme. Special thanks to Ksenia Lagunovskaya, MBA, my mentor, with whom I've connected so naturally that she's helping me bring out the best in myself. And thank you also to CoworkHer for giving me a platform to connect with incredible women who are committed to supporting other women.”
The Talent Workshop
With the Talent Workshop, Alter Start offers a proactive approach that builds independence, with weekly one-to-one mentoring and group training. 📢 This support is strengthened by close relationships with companies, which open their doors so participants can put their skills into practice, through work placements and internships.
A first experience in Switzerland is built together 🤝 Thank you Marcela, and every success with your plans! 🙌 🌳
