16 December 2025
Iuliia Pushko: “Austria can be slow to open up, but once it does, it gives back a lot”
Iuliia Pushko, Professional Integration HUB 3.0 Program Participant.
Intro
- City before moving to Austria: Kyiv, Ukraine
- Professional specialization: Energy efficiency marketing specialist
- Hosting organization: Austrian Energy Agency
- Self-rated integration: 6/10
PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND
Professionally, I specialize as an energy efficiency and sustainability marketing specialist, with more than 10 years of experience in international development projects, communication strategies, stakeholder engagement and donor cooperation.
I hold a Master’s degree in Political Science and worked both in business and in major international organisations.
HOBBIES AND PERSONAL INTERESTS
Among my personal interests are reading and tennis. These activities that help me relax mentally and physically and stay focused.
A book that is particularly meaningful to me is “Drei Kameraden” by Erich Maria Remarque. This is a story about friendship, loyalty, and political instability in the difficult period between the two World Wars. Somehow, this book always reminds me that human connections can support us even in the hardest times.
RELOCATION
The key factor that influenced my decision to leave Ukraine was the war.
My organisation evacuated me and the Kyiv team first to Poland, and later transferred us to Vienna, where the regional headquarters was located. Austria was not my initial choice — it simply became the safest and most practical destination for the continuity of our work.
The first months were very uncertain. We were told to stay for “two or three weeks,” then “maybe two months,” and only by May 2022 I understood that relocation would be long-term. During all that time, I continued working full-time for Ukraine, which gave structure to my life but left little space for settling down or planning.
PROFESSIONAL PATH IN AUSTRIA
I began seriously exploring the Austrian job market in 2024, when it became clear that our Ukrainian team would be reassigned back to Ukraine in early 2025.
Before joining the HUB program, I opened my small Selbständig consultancy, offering marketing and event management services. This experience was important: it showed me that although I had strong professional skills, my knowledge of the Austrian labour market and networking opportunities was extremely limited.
Earlier, I worked mostly in an international environment, where 99% of colleagues were expats. It felt like a separate world, disconnected from the Austrian professional reality.
Only in September 2025 did I truly start my professional journey inside an Austrian organization. This is the Austrian Energy Agency (AEA), where I finally experienced authentic exchange with Austrian colleagues, institutions, and industry experts.
In terms of job market dynamics, I believe that the strongest opportunities in Austria are currently in finance, IT, consulting, and maybe the beauty sector. However, many Ukrainians still face the stereotype that they are suitable only for cleaning or basic care jobs. And this is a perception that clearly needs to change.
EXPERIENCE IN THE PROGRAM
I learned about the Professional Integration HUB program from a colleague and applied for the first time in 2024. My application was not successful then, mainly due to my very limited German skills.
The second time I applied after 10 months of intensive preparation, including studying German for more than 3 hours daily, even while finishing my previous job.
My expectations were humble. I did not believe I would be selected, knowing how many talented Ukrainian professionals were applying. But I worked to prepare the best presentation I could, hoping that my experience in energy efficiency and communications would be relevant.
My first day at the internship was unforgettable. The warmth, respect, and genuine inclusion I felt from the Austrian Energy Agency team were extraordinary. They welcomed me not as “an intern,” but as a full colleague. This was emotionally overwhelming in the best possible way.
The fact that I would be working on topics I deeply understand, and this includes preparing the study tour for Ukrainian government delegation, and the topics I am familiar with, so overall it felt almost unreal. It was a moment of pure professional happiness.
What was the most valuable insight you gained during the program? Around that time, I watched The Pursuit of Happiness for the first time, and one quote stayed in my mind throughout the internship: “Don’t ever let somebody tell you… you can’t do something.” This attitude helped me navigate total chaos with more confidence.
CONTRIBUTIONS TO AEA
During the 3 months, I contributed significantly to: 1) preparing agendas, materials, proposals and communication briefs for my team, 2) event support and coordination in Vienna, 3) drafting reports, strategic notes and outreach materials, 4) providing country expertise for Ukraine-specific topics and 5) helping strengthen the bridge between Austrian and Ukrainian energy institutions
My biggest achievement was understanding how Austrian institutions operate from the inside and being trusted with meaningful tasks.
The moment I truly felt like part of the Austrian team was when colleagues asked me for advice on Ukraine-related policy questions, not because I was “the Ukrainian,” but because they valued my expertise.
INTEGRATION IN AUSTRIA
On a scale from 1 to 10, I would rate my integration at 6. Still beginning to navigate professionally, but still emotionally and mentally in transition.
For me, integration means feeling safe, included, and professionally equal, not just speaking the language. A person is integrated when they can contribute meaningfully, have a network, and feel that their presence is welcome.
My most effective steps toward integration were:
- receiving an opportunity to work an intern due to EUCFI and ERSTE Foundation’s program. Thus joining professional team within the AEA internship
- networking with EU and climate experts
- learning Deutsch intensively, Saturday speaking club with Austrians is clearly needed
- attending HUB events
- building a portfolio
Due to the EUCFI and ERSTE Foundation’s program, my integration clearly accelerated. First time I have been in a Austrian professional team, gained confidence, local contacts, and some understanding of Austrian work culture.
Austrians generally treat Ukrainian displaced people with kindness and respect, though sometimes with a mix of distance and formality. One example is my first encounter with the AEA team: it was incredibly warm, helpful, and genuinely supportive. I was really pleasantly surprised.
PERSPECTIVE
After completing the program, I want to: 1) continue working in the sustainability/energy efficiency field, 2) complete my B2 and maybe C1 German and 3) to build stronger bilateral Austrian-Ukrainian cooperation, especially in terms of the energy efficiency, climate policy and green technologies.
On returning to Ukraine: I would rate the likelihood at around 6 out of 10. A return is quite possible, but only under conditions of safety, and real rebuilding opportunities. The Ukrainian government should support returns through creating safe conditions for work and life.
My dream job would be a position that combines international cooperation, helping Ukraine and Europe with green transition projects, and strategic communication, ideally within an EU-linked or Austrian sustainability organisation, with a team that values creativity, clarity, and integrity.
REFLECTIONS
The most challenging moment in my integration journey was the feeling of fragility and total chaos, building a life while knowing everything can change again.
What is missing for Ukrainian professionals in Austria are stronger professional networks, mentorship, and more visibility for skilled Ukrainian talent.
My advice for newcomers: be patient, invest in German, build networks early, and do not underestimate your strengths. Austria can be slow to open up, but once it does, it gives back a lot.
If I were to describe the HUB in one sentence: “It is a bridge – not only to the Austrian job market, but also to confidence, community, teamwork, and a new professional identity.”
Photos: Valerie Loudon, Ganna Kasych