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'Love brought me to Austria'

Staff reporter
Staff reporter - [email protected]
'Love brought me to Austria'
Photo: Juliana Rocha

Ryoko Krivanec, 36-years-old, is a Brazilian Office Manager who has been living and working in Vienna for more than ten years. The Local talked to her about life and work in Austria.

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Where are you located and what do you do?

I live in Vienna and work as an Office Manager at the Austrian base of Odebrecht Oil & Gas GmbH. Odebrecht Oil & Gas is a Brazilian organization that explores oil and gas fields, operates rigs and provides several other services for companies from the energy sector.

What brought you to Austria and how long have you been here? 

Love brought me to Austria some 12 years ago.

How did you land your job and do you have any tips for someone looking for similar work? 

I got this job through a friend who is also Brazilian. She told the recruiter I would be a good fit for Odebrecht Oil & Gas and recommended me for the open position. As networking is still the best way to land a job, my advice for those looking for work in Austria is to always remain open to all kinds of people.

Is it important for you to speak German in your position? 

Yes, it is. I have to solve lots of daily issues in German. I also use Portuguese and English, so the more languages one knows, the better.

What are the best and worst parts of working in Austria? 

The best thing about working in Austria is that the company must respect the employees' rights. A mother, for example, can stay up to three years at home to take care of her child without losing her job. The worst part if you work in an Austrian company, and most of the employees are natives, is getting used to a different work ethos. Austrians don't like to mix their private and work spheres as Brazilians tend to do. As a Brazilian, it took me a while getting used to it.

Do you plan on staying?

Yes, at least for the next ten years. My kids were born here and I would like them to finish at least high school before we decide to move somewhere else.

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