Portrait of Doriana Kostic (Class of STU 2007) Director of Process and Quality for Local Services at Plaine Commune Habitat

However, after two years at Nexity, Doriana wishes to change fields and find a more "operational" job. Going through a period of uncertainty regarding her career choices, she applies for several positions in different sectors. Thanks to her Sciences Po background combined with solid associative experience, she ultimately secures a role within the Social Housing Enterprise for Île-de-France. She is responsible for setting up animation and social development projects to build connections with residents. The first aspect of her work involves organising consultation workshops on urban renovation projects. The second aspect consists of supporting local projects and initiatives, organising awareness campaigns for residents about their living environment, developing reintegration programmes, considering adaptations for elderly housing, etc. Doriana also works on the relocation of DALO individuals by managing allocation files. The workload to juggle all these tasks is substantial, and the pressure is high.

Doriana wishes to change again. This time she has a very clear idea of what she is looking for: to continue in social housing, with an urban project dimension, and in Seine-Saint-Denis. She applies for a job offer at Plaine Commune Habitat to lead urban renovation and consultation projects. Five months later, she obtains the position of urban renewal project manager. Despite the inertia of the projects (due to the difficulty of reconciling everyone's expectations) and organisational dysfunctions, Doriana greatly appreciates the team and finds the challenges stimulating as they involve tackling colossal issues with very limited resources.

Only a year later, an opportunity for advancement within Plaine Commune Habitat arises. Doriana is then assigned to the proximity restructuring project aimed at improving service quality for tenants. Doriana must understand how the caretaker role operates, what the dysfunctions are, and what feasible solutions are suitable for Plaine Commune Habitat's capabilities. She addresses the cleanliness issue by renewing caretakers' work tools, clarifying everyone's tasks, reorganising management, etc. The challenge is to manage daily emergencies without losing sight of the "management" aspect and long-term vision. After a year, Doriana can already see the positive effects of her work, which is very motivating. By initiating small victories, the teams begin to engage with the project, which is reflected in terms of atmosphere and efficiency. She, who wanted to work in urban projects, realises that management is equally essential. It requires genuine skills (listening, adaptability, and firmness). One must always persuade, untangle complex situations and strive to anticipate problems, as nothing ever goes as planned.

Doriana's Advice

• “One must always remain open to opportunities. During job interviews, the feeling is very important; one needs to resonate with the company's values.”
  
• “You learn a lot on the job. The key is to have a structured mindset and be capable of untangling complex situations.”