Johana had always dreamed of working in the hotel business. However, when she arrived in Switzerland, her dream seemed out of reach. The young woman was soon confronted with reality, and finding a job proved to be very difficult.
But not impossible.
A year after starting her apprenticeship at the Lake Geneva Hotel in Versoix, Yojoa spoke to Johana and her manager and trainer Amandine, to take stock of the obstacles overcome, the progress made and the ambitions that continue to guide the young woman today.
Of Eritrean origin, Johana was born in Saudi Arabia, where she gained six years' experience as a receptionist in a Jeddah hotel. Despite this solid experience and her mastery of several languages (Tigrigna, Arabic and English), when she arrived in Switzerland she came up against some major obstacles: the French language and the lack of recognized qualifications.
"It was really difficult," confides Johana.
While struggling to find a job, Johana, referred by Hospice Général, was put in touch with Yojoa. Through Yojoa's mentoring program, she receives tailor-made support to help her improve her CV, carry out job searches, put her skills to the fore in job interviews, and give her all the tools she needs to decipher and understand the Swiss professional world.
"I love being in contact with customers and making them happy." Johana
In 2023, Yojoa contacts the former manager of the Lake Geneva Hotel to discuss Johana's situation. Interested in the idea of helping a young woman from a migrant background, he tells Amandine, who is in charge of recruitment for the hotel's accommodation department. Johana applied and was called for an interview. She followed a standard recruitment process and convinced Amandine with her motivation, determination and sense of service. After a pre-qualification course, Johana was hired as a receptionist apprentice for three years, and began her training as a hotel specialist. Amandine becomes her manager and trainer.
"What drew us to work with Johana was her motivation and our desire to help her get on in Switzerland. It's hard to find a job without a diploma these days. If no company gives young people the chance to study, it's really hard to start a career. We wanted to give her the chance to stay and live in Switzerland. Amandine, on Johana's recruitment.
Although Johana didn't master French at the start of her apprenticeship, with determination she quickly improved by taking courses alongside her work. Her integration into the team came naturally. Her colleagues gave her a warm welcome and helped her learn the receptionist's trade. In addition to her professionalism, Johana enriches the team with her international experience.
Today, her apprenticeship is going very well. She's very happy.
Yojoa followed Johana's recruitment closely, supporting both parties throughout the process right up to the finalization of the apprenticeship contract. In fact, Yojoa guided Amandine and the hotel's HR department on all issues relating to the recruitment of a person from a migrant background, such as who to contact in the event of specific questions, for example.
"Thanks to your association, we were able to obtain a whole range of additional information, which enabled us to take on Johana for a pre-qualification course and then an apprenticeship. Everything went quickly and easily." Amandine
On the strength of this experience, Amandine encourages companies to dare to give young people from a migrant background a chance, to meet them, talk about their career aspirations and not let themselves be influenced by prejudices linked to foreign origin. "You have to meet them and see their motivation and determination", she stresses, and insists on the importance of these factors, essential in her opinion, in hiring a candidate today.
Faced with the professional difficulties that young people in similar situations may encounter, Johana and Amandine advise them never to give up. Try, persevere and stay positive - these are the keys to overcoming obstacles. Effort will inevitably be rewarded.
"It's great that an association like Yojoa exists to help young people find jobs. It would be great if everyone could meet Manuel* " Johana
A dream come true.
Johana's story is that of a person determined to make her way in the world of Swiss hospitality, despite the obstacles associated with her atypical background. She is a striking example of how individual perseverance combined with support and corporate openness to diversity can turn a dream into reality.
Today, at the end of her first year of apprenticeship, Johana is more motivated than ever to pursue her career in the hotel industry, and plans to continue her studies after the apprenticeship to explore other facets of the field she is so passionate about.
"It's important that your association is widely known among young people, because we can see the help it's given Johana." Amandine
Yojoa is delighted to have been at Johana's side right from the start of her Swiss career, and wishes her a bright future in the hotel business.
*Manuel, young talent coach.
