Serhiy, when and why did you decide to leave Ukraine?

As a risk manager at a bank, I was used to analysing facts. That’s why the events in the days before the outbreak of the war caught my attention: suddenly, civilian flights were suspended and the embassies were evacuated. I decided to leave the country temporarily and go to Poland for a few days. That was on 22 February 2022. Two days later, the war broke out. I have not returned to Ukraine since then.

How did you then end up in Switzerland?

I’m not a refugee in the traditional sense, but I share the same fate as many refugees. I left my apartment in Kyiv, unaware that I wouldn’t return. I didn’t bring any clothes or mementos – just my laptop. When war broke out, I contacted the embassies of various countries. I was looking for protection and a place where I could stay legally. 

To my surprise, Switzerland was the first and only country that explained to me exactly what to do. I arrived at the refugee centre in St. Gallen, where I was warmly welcomed. I’ll never forget that! For the first few months, I lived with a host family in the canton of Grisons. Then I found an apartment, and today I live in Zurich. 

How did you find your way to Capacity and the Access Fast Track job market integration programme?

I didn’t want to be a burden on anyone in Switzerland, so for the first few months, I worked for my former employer, a Ukrainian bank. But that became impossible over time. The regional employment office then referred me to Capacity, where I participated in a three-month job market integration programme. This helped me a lot in developing the right strategy for my job search and understanding the mentality of the people here: how to correctly interpret job postings, tailor your CV and how to behave in interviews. 

How did your job search go?

The search for an employer took more than two and a half years. It was frustrating: I was often told that my experience was valuable – but still, no one wanted to hire me. However, I had no choice and was confident that it would work out in the end. I worked hard on my German and improved my English. Finally, a few months ago, a Swiss bank offered me a position as a risk analyst. My field of work and responsibilities are narrower than before, but I’m still very happy.

How has being offered a job changed your life?

My life here has taken a new turn as a result. I’m grateful to be able to have a regular daily routine and a professional social life again. I feel valued and have a sense of belonging – and it’s great to do something that benefits society. 

Our foundation The Human Safety Net is based on people helping other people. How important is this human safety net in a foreign country?

This helping hand in the form of the Capacity programme was very important to me. During the two and a half years I spent looking for a job, Capacity gave me back the self-confidence I had lost along the way. I learned that I am valuable to society. I still go to the Capacity workshops today: I love meeting new, like-minded people.

Do you feel at home in Switzerland?

I am and will remain Ukrainian, but Switzerland really is my homeland now. I’m happy here, I feel at home and I’m glad that, as an employee, I can give something back to the country that welcomed me so warmly. Martial law is in force in Ukraine; men between 18 and 60 are allowed to enter the country, but they’re no longer allowed to leave. Much has been destroyed and people are not doing well. That’s why I no longer have a future in my old homeland.