‘So, what's it like working in a Hungarian (or overseas) company?’ That's usually the first question my friends or people around me ask when I mention that I'm currently working at a Hungarian company. It always sparks excitement in me as well because it opens the door to countless stories and experiences.
A little bit of back story
I started working at Aliz in December 2022 as an IT Talent Acquisition Specialist, mainly focusing on Indonesian roles as Aliz began building a new team in Indonesia at that time. I was the first Indonesian employee to join the new Engineering Hub, so I worked closely with the team from Hungary. Working in a Hungarian or foreign company has introduced me to a whole new world, both personally and professionally. It's been an exciting journey filled with unique challenges, cultural immersion, and a fresh perspective on the global workforce. Whenever this question comes up, here are some things I've always wanted to share, hoping to inspire others and shed light on the transformative power of working in an international setting!
First day of work
I remember feeling quite nervous on my very first day. I had a welcome meeting with the entire HR team, and it was my first time meeting them. It marked my first day of working with people outside of Indonesia, which made me a bit anxious. Thoughts like 'What if they don't understand my English? What if it gets awkward?' crossed my mind. But still, I was very excited for most of it. Contrary to my worries, the meeting went really well, and I loved how casual it was. Everyone was very warm, kind, and welcoming, creating a light atmosphere. It left a great impression on me and gave me the assurance, relief, and excitement that I would be working with amazing people.
Adapting to my new work environment
Working remotely across different continents and time zones meant adapting to a few things. Although I have been working remotely for the past two years due to the pandemic, working with colleagues from different countries and time zones is a new challenge. This meant fewer opportunities to meet my colleagues in person and less physical connection. However, it turned out to be a non-issue. I appreciate that at Aliz, we have frequent meetings and effective collaboration. It's different from my experience in Indonesia, where we often didn't turn on our cameras during remote work. At Aliz, everyone opens their camera, and I don’t know how, but it creates engagement and a closer connection for me. Additionally, while it’s more difficult to meet my HR colleagues, I often meet the team from Singapore as they visit Indonesia frequently. Now, as the Indonesian team is growing rapidly, we have opened our office here in Jakarta, providing more opportunities to meet my Indonesian colleagues in person. It's been a great way to feel a sense of belonging to the community!
Another adjustment I made was dealing with the time zone difference. With a 6/5-hour time difference between Indonesia and Hungary, there were times when responses were delayed. However, this has never been a problem. We work in a relaxed environment where respecting each other's working hours is a priority. People from APAC and EMEA can set boundaries for meeting times, and even when we need to meet outside those boundaries, we always make sure that everyone is open and available. It's a considerate environment.
However, I must mention the cultural differences that are important when working in an overseas company. I had to change the way I communicate (including basic things like how to respond in conversations), learn about their customs, and understand their professional rules. It was a bit difficult at first because everything was new, and it took a lot of observation and learning, but it helped me become better at working in a diverse environment. I had to get used to new ways of doing things and behaving, which expanded my skills in working with people from different backgrounds.
What surprised me?
There are numerous significant differences that surprised me compared to when I worked for an Indonesian company. If I had to choose one thing that was very new and different, it would be how open everyone is. By 'being open,' I mean sharing more personal aspects. In Indonesia, it's not common to share personal details, but here, it's the norm. I remember when I met Szati (Tamás Szatmári), the CEO, during my onboarding, he asked me to share about myself. Initially, I shared my professional background, focusing on my career. But Szati wanted to know who I am as a person. I was surprised and unsure of what to say because I wasn't used to it. However, I realized that I could share about my hobbies, how I spend my free time, my personal preferences, whether I have a pet or not. It was a new experience for me. This openness extends to the weekly HR meetings that happen at the start of the week, where everyone shares highlights from the previous week and plans for the coming week, both work-related and personal. Although I was hesitant at first, it has been exciting because my colleagues show genuine interest and respond cheerfully. This collaborative spirit permeates the workplace, emphasizing teamwork and mutual support. While it's not mandatory for everyone to share personal details, I appreciate this culture at Aliz. It has had a positive impact on me, as I discovered the company places great importance on building strong relationships and fostering unity beyond professional boundaries. This creates a supportive and vibrant atmosphere, where ideas flow freely, and collaboration is encouraged.
Another significant difference that I'd like to point out is related to the culture. Here at Aliz, I appreciate how easy it is for anyone to give their opinion, regardless of their position. In Indonesia, it's often challenging for employees in lower-level positions to express their opinions freely or comfortably to higher-level employees. This was also a struggle for me in my previous company. However, at Aliz, it's different. This culture has helped build my confidence as a contributor to the company, and it shows a form of respect for everyone's input.
Current thoughts?
As I continue my journey at Aliz, I am constantly amazed by the opportunities it presents. It has not only expanded my professional network but has also given me a unique perspective on the world. The lessons I've learned and the experiences I've gained have made me a more adaptable and open-minded professional. They have sparked my curiosity to explore new cultures and ways of doing business, and I deeply appreciate the interconnectedness of our global community.
So, the next time someone asks me, 'What's it like to work in a Hungarian (or overseas) company?' I'll have even more stories to share. This incredible journey has taught me that stepping outside one's comfort zone and embracing diverse work environments can lead to immeasurable personal growth and professional fulfillment. It truly has been an adventure of a lifetime, and I'm eager to see what new chapters await as I continue to navigate the vibrant world of international business.
