How did you find your way to ESL, when did you start working and what was your first position?
My ESL experience started a long time ago… almost 8 years! After my studies in tourism and a short internship experience, I was looking for a proper job. At that time, ESL was looking for an LTC (Language Travel Consultant) in Milan, so I sent my CV. However, something funny has to be said: at that time, I didn’t know anything about language stays abroad. My only desire was to find a job in a company that could connect me to one of my passions… travelling! And that job ad was really inspiring. A few days later, they called me for the first interview and I remember that I spent several hours on the website, trying to understand what the company actually did!
I also remember very well the moment I signed the contract: it was a typical freezing day in December and I was on my way home (Domodossola, almost 2 hours from Milan) for some days of rest. I saw a missed call on my phone and I called back, quite annoyed: it was Olivier from ESL and he wanted to do a second interview with me! I immediately got off the train and went back to Milan; the next day I did the interview and finally I was hired. Let’s say that I lost my mother’s juicy lasagne, but I earned the company of my life… not bad at all!
What’s your current position at ESL and how did you get there, which development did you follow?
I’m currently employed as an Area Manager and I supervise three ESL markets: Belgium, Italy and The Netherlands.
My personal development is really interesting and shows how this company invests in its employees. After 3 years as an LTC in Milan, I had the chance to become Office Manager of this great office. I kept this position for 2 years, until Olivier was promoted. At that time, he was the Regional Manager for Italy and he chose me to replace him. Amazing! Almost 3 years have passed and I still cover this great role, but in the last few months, new tasks were added and I turned into an Area Manager, supporting the RM of Belgium and The Netherlands in the development of their markets.
What do you like about working at ESL and what do you think has been key to ESL’s success in the last 20 years?
I don’t “like” ESL… I simply LOVE everything about it!
It’s so beautiful to work in a company where the person comes before the employee. I feel respected, supported and loved… this is something that helps me to perform better and also stamps a huge smile on my face every day! And this attitude is also the secret of our success: there’s always a positive vibe, we care about our colleagues and students, we work as a team but also as a big family. We simply rock!
Giovanni Moretti
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