My first impression of working in the USA compared to Russia.
Before moving to the USA I was worried about my ability to secure a quality position within a reputable company. I was particularly concerned with the issue of acceptance from my coworkers and managers due to the fact that I was a foreigner. While living in Russia I had heard a lot about immigration problems in the USA and it did not make me feel optimistic. I sometimes tried to imagine myself as a foreigner in Russia and wondered how we Russians would deal with him/her.
When I started working in the USA I was impressed by the way my managers and colleagues treated me. Everyone was friendly and tried to help in every possible way. I felt I was a member of a team from the very first day. As a result, I look forward to work each morning. I think it’s an advantage that American company’s may have in comparison to Russian.
I can’t speak about all American company’s, but at Onyx individual and professional qualities are more important than a person’s origin. Success, comfort and an individual personality in American companies are integral to achievement and every employee is expected to fulfill this objective for the company.
In Russia if a person is not yet established as a professional he must always be punctual and does never miss any business conferences, trips or obligations. He must also continually expand his knowledge base.In the USA, the business climate seems much more forgiving in many ways, but un-professionalism (as uniquely defined over here) will not be forgiven.
Employees in American company’s seem to be treated respectfully by Bosses. They don’t make people feel humiliated. The workers are equal with them but at the same time everybody knows they are leaders.
In Russia many Bosses are hypocritical. They show a wide variety of detrimental attitudes. Bosses usually have luxury cars, a secretary who arranges everything for the bosses convenience over the employees. Nepotism extremely common in Russia. Family members are often hired even if they do not qualify or are incapable. Their salary’s are normally far higher than non-related employees. It is demoralizing and the employee must accept it quietly. I think those practices do not help to build successful company.
I have been working for Onyx for one month, and today I had my first Russian Customer. It’s the first time my ability to speak Russian has helped me at work!