Time flies—I can hardly believe it is already nine years since I joined the JVI!
Coming from the private sector, I was awed by the international work environment, with colleagues from so many different countries and cultural backgrounds. From the very first moment, I loved the open atmosphere and the way that the JVI brings people together; not just staff members, but also our course participants from over 30 different countries—and all in the beautiful city of Vienna.
Over the last nine years, many things have evolved at the JVI: constant updates of our curriculum, as well as the creation of new courses, workshops, and more recently webinars. Our training facilities have also been enhanced, including the JVI Residence, which accommodates most of our participants. Moreover, this past year, I have been really impressed by how quickly my colleagues and our partners adapted and embraced the conversion from face-to-face to virtual training in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. A return to conducting in-person courses is, of course, much-anticipated, when it is safe to do so.
I strongly believe in the JVI’s mission, am very proud to be part of the JVI family and very much look forward to the next nine years!
Markus Volderauer, Finance Manager, Joint Vienna Institute