I See the Transition from Commercial to Academic as a Challenge, Says New HR Specialist Monika Oswaldová

A new reinforcement HR specialist Monika Oswaldová, who has taken over the management of the HR team as a backup for maternity leave, has been working for us for the last two months. With what experience and visions did she come to the institute? And why does she see the transition from commercial to academic as a challenge?

Monika, please introduce yourself to us - where do you come from, what was your life journey like?

I come from Central Slovakia, specifically from the Tatras. For some time I lived in England, where I also met my husband from Brno, so I live and work here, where I settled.

Professionally, I always knew that I wanted to work with people, and I have managed to do that so far. Why did I come to ICS? For a simple reason. As they say, at the right time, in the right place and at the right institution, there was a well-written advertisement, there was a nice commission sitting at the table, and I knew that I wanted to be a part of ICS.

How did you find out about the possibility of working with us and what attracted you?

I learned about the offer from the advertisement of the Jobs.cz portal, where I was interested in the wider scope of HR. In addition, I perceived the transition from the commercial area to the academic sphere as a challenge, so I knew right away that I wanted to try the opportunity to work at ICS.

„Professionally, I always knew that I wanted to work with people.“

What are your previous work experiences?

My previous work included a lot of similar activities to the current agenda - recruitment, development, evaluation, communication, administration - just everything on a smaller scale than at the Institute.

Is there anything that surprised you at ICS? What did you imagine differently than it actually was after you started?

I think that during the selection process I got a pretty good idea of ​​the HR agenda at ICS as such.

But I must admit that I am still getting used to the university environment, there are certain specifics. People at ICS are not used to some trends that are naturally established in commerce, and there is a certain academic freedom and curiosity, which I welcome. But thanks to willing and cooperating colleagues, everything is going faster and faster.

You are taking over the position after Adéla Jelínková, who is on maternity leave. Is it possible to come up with your own ideas in such a situation, or do you have to "willingly" finish the plans?

Adela did a good job. My intention is, on the one hand, to continue what is running, but primarily to go in a direction that is functional, effective and up-to-date. I got on a "train" that has strategic goals, I see my role in fulfilling them now. And I want to go step by step.

In these beginnings, I mainly want to get to know and listen to employees, department heads, and gradually find out their needs and peculiarities. And then solve them and motivate them to develop themselves. One of my goals will be, for example, to motivate and professionally develop managers, another will be to look for quality employees - and thus support teams.

„But I must admit that I am still getting used to the university environment, there are certain specifics. Thanks to willing and cooperating colleagues, everything is going faster.“

Related to that - what are you currently working on?

In the near future, I want to focus on the process of employee evaluation, the ICS Portal, the organization of events, the implementation of the steps of the HR Award Action Plan and other activities.

One of the topics discussed at the institute was gender-based violence and sexual harassment. Are there any educational activities planned (and breaking the taboo) in this regard?

In the field of gender-based violence, I am currently working on counseling regarding sexual harassment and psychological counseling. It is currently in the development phase, where I am looking for suitable sources of cooperation. At ICS, I plan to focus on education, prevention and support of education in this area. An introductory workshop for the management of the institute on this topic took place in March.

Last question - what do you like to do in your free time when you are not spending your time at ICS?

I like the company of my friends and family, I like to have a glass of good wine, Slovak „korbačíky“. I like wellness, I love dancing - I come from a folklore family... that's probably enough, isn't it? :)