Polish-Canadian IT professional looking for work in Krakow!

♂

Edited by: lukaszpoznanski Feb 19, 10, 01:49 #1

Although I was born in Krakow, I've spent virtually my entire life in Canada. I visited Poland once about five years ago, and ever since then I've dreamed of living there. I feel a deep connection to my Polish roots, and since I plan to study law in the UK in a couple years, I'm thinking about making the leap to Europe now. One day I'll return to Canada (I live in beautiful Vancouver), but I would love to spend a year or two w Polsce...

I'm posting this in the hopes of getting some advice, and maybe even networking with some people who might help me find work. I have a Bachelor's degree in IT, specializing in network management. I have a pretty diverse CV however; I've worked as an operations manager for a recycling company, I was an officer in the Canadian military, and I've done a lot of volunteering in the areas of fundraising, project management even tutoring kids.

I'm pretty open-minded about job opportunities - I'm willing to do almost anything to live in Polska! I do have some financial responsibilities here (I'm still repaying student loans), but fortunately I have a free place to stay in Krakow until I get established. I would be willing to teach English, and although I don't have any TEFL certifications, I have an exceptional understanding of the English language (at least by Canadian and American standards) and I love teaching in general.

However, my Polish is not great. I can speak reasonably well and I understand everything, but my readnig and writing is mediocre at best. I'm certain that I'd learn very quickly, but I wonder if this will nonetheless be a serious impediment to finding work.

As far as legalities are concerned, I do have a Polish passport and my birth certificate, but I don't know if I require anything else in order to legally work. (In Canada we require a government-issued SIN card to work, similar to the SSN card in the US).

Any feedback guys? Better yet, is anyone interested in hiring a motivated and multifaceted professional? My CV is available on my website (www.lucasp.com), although it needs to be updated. :)

Pozdrawiam Was wszystkich!

delphiandomineThreads: 42 Posts: 9,954 Joined: Nov 25, 08 ♂ [Suspended]	Feb 19, 10, 06:57 #2
lukaszpoznanski: As far as legalities are concerned, I do have a Polish passport Do you have a PESEL number listed in the passport? If so, you're pretty much home free - you'll just have to come here and apply for the ID card and a NIP (tax number) - all very painless and quick.

cuecumber

Feb 19, 10, 10:10 #3

lukaszpoznanski:

However, my Polish is not great. I can speak reasonably well and I understand everything, but my readnig and writing is mediocre at best. I'm certain that I'd learn very quickly, but I wonder if this will nonetheless be a serious impediment to finding work

Your native English is your ruff. You shouldn't have any problems with finding a job in large- or medium-sized IT companies like IBM, Motorola, ACS. There are several medium-sized companies focusing on software development: Sabre (my Polish friends work in Sabre and develop software for airlines), Apriso, Metrosoft. They are international companies and need IT professionals with excellent written-English skills to contact with clients from all over the world. So, you should be able to get quickly a manager position with a much better wage. If you want.
Good luck!

♂

Feb 22, 10, 21:37 #4

delphiandomine:

Do you have a PESEL number listed in the passport?

I just checked my paszport, and indeed I do!

cuecumber:

Your native English is your ruff. You shouldn't have any problems with finding a job in large- or medium-sized IT companies like IBM, Motorola, ACS. There are several medium-sized companies focusing on software development: Sabre (my Polish friends work in Sabre and develop software for airlines), Apriso, Metrosoft. They are international companies and need IT professionals with excellent written-English skills to contact with clients from all over the world. So, you should be able to get quickly a manager position with a much better wage. If you want.
Good luck!

Thank you!

delphiandomineThreads: 42 Posts: 9,954 Joined: Nov 25, 08 ♂ [Suspended]	Feb 22, 10, 21:44 #5
lukaszpoznanski: I just checked my paszport, and indeed I do! Even easier then - just come here, apply for a NIP number (tax number) and the ID card and you'll be good to go within a couple of weeks :)

lukaszpoznanskiThreads: 19 Posts: 78 Joined: Mar 24, 08 ♂	Feb 22, 10, 21:54 #6
delphiandomine: Even easier then - just come here, apply for a NIP number (tax number) and the ID card and you'll be good to go within a couple of weeks :) Thanks delphiandomine - I sent you a PM by the way.

POLAND . The Unofficial Guide	Unanswered \| Archives
POLAND . The Unofficial Guide	Welcome to Poland!	Witamy, Guest \| PF Members \| Gold Members

Home \| Unanswered \| Archives \| Random \| Statistics	Time in Poland: 19:22 / May 26
About Us \| Contact Us \| Rules, Privacy \| Poland Advertising	© 2005-12 PolishForums.com