METRO

That is where I am trying to pursue a job. No, not the subway system "metro". A store, an organization that is called "Metro Cash and Carry" It's pretty similar to Sam's Club or Costco if you ask me. The only difference is that it's for small businesses who buy in bulk. They are growing super fast. They had 32 stores at the beginning of this year and are shooting to have 40 by the end of the year. They are not present in the US; however, are very known through Europe and now Russia. I am going to be a part of the Project Management team (that is if I get hired). We get to be the ones who look into the market, make business plans, and finally follow up on all the logistics that need to be done to open a new store, implement new systems, whatever needs to be done in the company really. I am not sure exactly what part I would be doing, but if I get a job there, it would be neat. They pay pretty decent, the team seems fun. I just had my 3rd interview with them today and it sounds like they really like me. But I am not hoping for anything until I get a call that tells me that they are ready to make me an offer. I will have to spend about an hour and 20 minutes on getting there, but it's not out of ordinary for Moscow. I was just so spoiled in MN, living within 5 minutes from Graco. But, that is ok, it's good for me. I will get to walk more. The only time it might be a pain is in the summer, our 'metro' subway system has no air conditioning and lots (by lots, I meant MILLIONS) of people. But my office does (that is if I get hired of course :)) have an air condition. Anyway, the company is pretty big. In 2005 their sales in Russia alone were 1.4 billion euros, that's much bigger than Graco, that I will give it :) MetroGroup however in 2006 had sales of 60 billion euros. (Metro Cash and Carry belongs to MetroGroup) If I get hired, I will be hired by MetroGroup. Metro has opened their first store in Russia in 2000. So, 40 stores in 7 years is not bad at all, according to my standards. Now I am just keeping my fingers crossed that I will get hired :)

PS: Ok, I have written the above part about a week ago, did not post it because I did not want everybody to read it until I knew whether I had an offer or not. Well, today, was my last and final interview (interview number 4). I met with administrative director, very nice gentlemen who speaks no Russian. It was fun speaking English with him. Anyway, I am hired. I have a job. I will be a Project Manager. Start on Monday. So, ready or not Metro, here I come :) I think I will be successful there. The company is huge, there is a ton of work, everything is very fast-paced, right up my alley. I will keep you posted of what's new. I believe I will be in charge of the project on opening 3 new stores in Siberia, but I am not certain. I might have to travel to Siberia this coming year :) Fun, fun, fun. I am glad I am done searching for a job, and I am glad that I a found a good one ;) They did not post for a position of Project Manager, they basically created one after they interviewed me and offered it to me instead of the one I actually applied to which was not as high up (don't take me wrong, they have a ton of projects and not enough staff), but I am flattered nonetheless.