Slovak expats returning home want to work in the public sphere. Money is not the problem

In the interview, you can read about:

• What motivates Slovaks who are returning home from abroad to work in state administration

• How much the money matters to home comers

• What are the three main points when expats think about returning

• Whether the state does enough to lure expats home

Viktória Skřivánková is a Slovak who decided to return home after several years living and working abroad. She now runs the Slovak Professional Abroad programme of the non-governmental organisation LEAF, aiming to inform Slovaks living abroad about career opportunities back home, network people and create contacts.

The Slovak Spectator (TSS): Does it make sense for Slovak expats to return to Slovakia?

Viktória Skřivánková (VS): I think it makes sense, especially for a person who is able to find professional employment and so it makes sense in professional terms. There are many opportunities when even a young person gets the chance to grow professionally and work on interesting topics and spheres.

TSS: Can you be more specific about the opportunities?

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VS: Of course. I see it in LEAF’s Slovak Professionals Abroad programme. Through the programme we also inform Slovaks abroad about interesting opportunities back home. The state administration is a great example. We see a huge interest not only from university students, but also senior professionals who often work in interesting positions, for example in Silicon Valley or London.

They see that in this sphere they can have an impact, that they can influence what is happening in the country. In state administration, they prefer analytical sections that deliver material when making important decisions. The digital transformation of the country is an interesting topic, many people see room for self-realisation there. In the private sphere, it is digital business again, start-ups, as well as corporations working on innovations and bringing novelties to the market.

TSS: The private and public sector cannot be compared in Slovakia when it comes to salaries. Do Slovak returnees mind the gap?