My name is Gabriel, and I am currently working as a Scientist at Sika Technology AG in the heart of Zurich. Looking back, my international move within Sika was not a sudden leap, but a natural next step in my professional journey that allowed me to grow, broaden my perspective, and deepen my connection with the company.I really started from scratch on, when I joined Sika in February 2019 as an intern in the tooling team within R&D at Sika Advanced Resins in Saint-Ouen l’Aumône, France. From the very beginning, I felt trusted and encouraged to take responsibility. At the end of my internship, I was offered a permanent position and continued working there as a Project Leader until August 2022. Those years were extremely formative for me. I developed strong technical expertise, led local projects, and worked closely with a dedicated team that shaped the way I approach my work today.At the same time, I felt ready for a broader perspective. In France, my work was mainly focused on local projects within the same team. I knew that R&D in Zurich offered a more global vision, with more time dedicated to research and knowledge sharing across the Sika network worldwide. There was also a personal element to this decision. I had previously lived in Switzerland during my studies and had always hoped to return one day. When I came across the internal mobility opportunity at Sika, everything aligned and I decided to take that step.
Since September 2022, I have been working in Zurich as a Scientist specializing in structural adhesives. Nearly three years later, I can say that I truly enjoy working here. The environment is open, international, and highly supportive of research. One of the highlights has been the opportunity to meet and collaborate with Sika colleagues from all over the world. The culture of sharing knowledge and exchanging ideas is very strong, and it has fully met my expectations.Of course, relocating to another country also comes with challenges. Adapting to a new system, handling administrative processes, and learning a new language were all part of the experience. However, I was never alone in this transition. I was fortunate to have supportive colleagues who were always willing to help. Sika also provides concrete support, such as language courses, which makes the adaptation process much smoother and reinforces the feeling of continuity.What I miss most from France is my family and, I must admit, some of my former colleagues as well. Fortunately, staying connected is easy thanks to direct train connections between France and Zurich. In addition, I am still involved in cross-border projects, which allows me to continue collaborating with my French colleagues. Living in Switzerland has also brought new joys. It is the perfect country for hiking and biking in the mountains, and even though Zurich is a large city, nature is always just a short and punctual train ride away.If someone hesitates about taking a similar step, my advice would be simple. An international move is a powerful opportunity to open your mind, discover new cultures, and expand your professional horizons. There will always be some adaptation challenges, but with the support of Sika and the continuity of working within the same organization, it is an experience well worth trying.For me, this journey within Sika can ultimately be described in three words that continue to define my experience every day: discovering, meeting, sharing.