Do you remember how your first acquaintance with Avrora happened?
I remember the times when Avrora had just opened in Poltava: always affordable prices and a wide assortment. The stores often came in handy with items that were hard or even impossible to find elsewhere. For example, I sometimes bake cakes, and once I really needed custard. My wife didn’t hesitate — she went to Avrora, and of course, it was there 😊
During my service, I only managed to visit Avrora once. And you know what I bought? Black sunglasses, chocolate-covered peanuts, and an energy drink — my best purchases that day 😊
What influenced your choice in favor of Avrora as an employer?
After finishing my service, I briefly returned to my previous job, but I left quite quickly. My friend was already working at Avrora and knew I was looking for a job. She sent me a link to a vacancy and said, “Give it a try!” I filled out the application, and very quickly a recruiter contacted me — the very next day I was already at the interview.
They gave me a tour of the warehouse — I was impressed that everything was so new, with many interesting technological solutions and the 5S system in place. I was also pleasantly surprised by the number of perks the company offers. In addition to official employment (which was very important to me), there are bonuses, discounts on purchases, bonuses for using the corporate BlaBlaCar, and additional benefits for veterans. By the way, I’ve already used the extra vacation days provided for my veteran status.
Another big plus is the company transport. I live on the other side of the city, so not having to worry about how to get to and from work is a huge advantage!
But the biggest benefit for me personally is the schedule — after military service, you value your free time much more.
You could say I fell in love with Avrora! The decision to work here was instant 😊
Do you remember what you associated the company with at the beginning of your career at Avrora? Has that perception changed now?
I wouldn’t say much has changed… I liked Avrora as a customer, and I liked it as an employee as well. The company truly offers some of the best working conditions — how could you not like that? I was looking for a more physical job with good conditions — and I found it. And I have a great team!
Can you tell us where you served and what your role was in the military?
I graduated from the Military Training Department of Ivan Kozhedub Kharkiv National Air Force University. I was mobilized in March 2023 and was assigned to the 505th Separate Battalion of the 37th Separate Marine Brigade. I’m an officer, so I started with the rank of Junior Lieutenant and was discharged from service as a Senior Lieutenant.
In which areas did you take part in operations, and what weapons did you use?
I was a platoon commander in a mortar battery. Until autumn 2023, we provided fire support in the Donetsk direction, and later we were transferred to the Kherson direction, where we took part in the assault on a bridgehead on the left bank of the Dnipro River. Before my discharge from service, we were moved back to the Donetsk direction.
How difficult or easy was it for you to return to civilian life after your service? Did your job help with that?
At first, it was very difficult. During military service, you get used to living in constant stress — kind of a “cortisol dependency.” In the first few days after returning, it was hard for me to fall asleep, and overall I slept poorly, because it felt strange not to have to rush somewhere, solve something urgently, or react. In that sense, physical routine work at home helped me a lot: doing something in the yard, working on house repairs…
My family also played a huge role in my adaptation — spending time with my wife, finally seeing everyone again, finally being able to truly be with them.
Then came the need to work, and that was essentially the final step in my adaptation. By nature, I’m a workaholic — immersing myself in work is my way of distracting myself from everything.
Now, I’ve fully “returned.” The “echoes of war” haven’t affected me too deeply.
Do you think it’s important to increase the number of veterans in the company, and what should be done for that? What criteria do veterans use when choosing a workplace?
I think the number of veterans will start to grow organically once there are changes at the legislative level. Because right now, there actually aren’t that many veterans in the workforce.
All the benefits that already exist at Avrora are a great fit for someone who is trying to find themselves after the war. And I’d really like more veterans to learn about these opportunities.
How memorable was your introduction to your colleagues after you were hired? Were there any veterans among them?
I joined a fairly young team — my oldest colleague is only 42 (by army standards, that’s almost youth). Everyone has a good sense of humor, is easygoing, and very welcoming. I became quite close with many of the guys — we communicate and stay in touch. In my department, I was the only veteran when I joined. So it was great to meet other veterans from different departments at a gathering organized for us by the Chief Veterans Officer.
What advice would you give to veterans who are planning to join Avrora?
First of all — accept as quickly as possible that the civilian job market is different: salaries are different, and they’re earned in a different way. And at Avrora, for example, there are so many benefits for veterans and such a positive attitude that it makes this adjustment faster and easier.
If you’re looking for a stable and reliable company you can trust — Avrora is the place for you!