Alina Nikolenko is one of those who remembers Avrora without cash registers, with price tags placed directly on the goods… and even the company’s name was a bit different back then 🙂 Alina has been working at Avrora for 12 years.
How did your journey with Avrora begin?
I joined the company when the chain had only 3 stores. I worked as a promoter and sometimes helped out in the store during peak hours, because there was only one girl working there. After 2 months, I was offered a position as a sales assistant.
At that time, I had just been admitted to university and wasn’t sure I’d be able to balance both, but it all worked out 😌 Later, a vacancy for an administrator opened up, and I moved into that role without hesitation.
What motivated you to move up the career ladder?
I worked as an administrator for some time and started to crave change. At the same time, I really liked how employees were treated at Avrora, and I didn’t want to work for another company — so I realized I needed to look for opportunities within.
I was also very motivated by seeing how the girls around me were growing: one worked in a store and then moved to the office, another followed a similar path… And I started applying for new vacancies within the company.
Were there any challenges in your career path?
Perhaps the only challenges were within myself — my own fears. At the beginning of each new role, I felt shy because there was so much I didn’t know or couldn’t do yet. I was afraid of seeming incompetent. But not a single person ever refused to help me — not one! So those fears quickly disappeared.
Did you consider positions at the Support Office?
Yes, of course! I felt that I had outgrown working in the store and wanted more complex challenges.
What advice would you give to those who want to grow at Avrora?
Don’t be afraid — try! Don’t be afraid to speak about your challenges, your desire for change, and your ambition to grow. Be proactive: take the chance so you won’t regret a missed opportunity later.
Finish the sentence: for me, Avrora is…
A second home! The company helped me discover myself in a new way: I’ve made new friends, started doing sports, and even began running marathons with Avrora. Here, I’m always surrounded by people who try new things, grow, and build their lives.
