As our internal systems continue to evolve, there is always something new to learn. I enjoy keeping up with these changes and sharing my knowledge with others, helping colleagues adapt to new procedures and tools.
What does your role in the European Labour Authority (ELA) involve?
My current role at ELA is in Finance, where I am primarily responsible for managing commitments and payments for both contractors and staff members. This role definitely keeps me engaged as I have to work with various framework contracts and support colleagues with finance-related questions and processes.
As our internal systems continue to evolve, there is always something new to learn. I enjoy keeping up with these changes and sharing my knowledge with others, helping colleagues adapt to new procedures and tools. Since I handle multiple tasks at once, my memory has to be in perfect shape, so nothing important gets overlooked. This is one of the things I value most about my role at ELA, that there is always something new to learn and explore. And I am grateful to have been given the opportunity to join ELA and experience this.
What do you value most about your colleagues and team?
The Finance team is a very close-knit group, and I am incredibly grateful for my colleagues. When I first joined ELA, my more experienced colleagues taught me a great deal and helped me settle into my role. Over time, I became one of the more senior team members myself and had the opportunity to pass on that knowledge to new colleagues. I think this shared experience also helped us to bond very well. We help each other every day, whether it's solving work-related challenges or simply offering support when someone needs it. When we meet in the office, there is always plenty of laughter, which makes it a genuinely enjoyable place to work.
Of course, a great team also needs a great leader. Our Head of Sector plays a key role in bringing us together. She listens to our ideas and concerns, values our input, and always strives to make our work more efficient and rewarding. Her leadership has created an environment where people feel supported and appreciated. I wish everyone could experience the same sense of camaraderie that we have in Finance.
What do you enjoy most about living Bratislava?
I love Bratislava. It is often described as a "little big city," and I think that captures it perfectly. Compared to many other European capitals, Bratislava is relatively small, which makes it easy to explore and enjoy. You can discover the city centre in just a few days, but the different neighbourhoods also have plenty to offer and are well worth visiting. Another advantage is that it is not overwhelmed by tourists, allowing you to experience the city at your own pace.
At the same time, Bratislava feels much bigger than its size would suggest because there is always something happening. Whether it is watching the sunset from Tyršák by the Danube, taking a walk through Železná studnička and enjoying a barbecue in nature, or attending a concert at Bratislava Castle, there is something for everyone.
One of the things I appreciate most is how easy it is to get around. The public transport system is reliable and can take you almost anywhere in the city. For those who prefer a greener way of travelling, there are also several bike-sharing services that make it easy to explore Bratislava on two wheels. For me, Bratislava offers the perfect balance between the convenience of a smaller city and the opportunities and energy of a much larger one.
What advice would you give to newcomers moving to the city?
Come and enjoy Bratislava, it offers wide range of events, activities and cultural experiences. Everyone can find something that will suit their interests. Whether you enjoy concerts, sports, history, or spending time in nature, there is always something to discover.
Bratislava is also an excellent base for travelling, with many beautiful destinations just a short trip away. The people are friendly and helpful, and the local food is definitely worth trying. So, come and embrace the city. And while doing it try the traditional food bryndzové halušky and a glass of Kofola!