Nícolas Guerra’s career path is a story of dedication, persistence, and the power of setting clear goals. A graduate of Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE), Guerra completed a Master’s in Ethnic and Minority Politics, studying minority rights, migration, identity politics, and social integration with a focus on Central and Eastern Europe. The program strengthened his understanding of intersectionality and social justice, equipping him with analytical skills to design inclusive policies and equity-driven initiatives—skills that would prove invaluable in his professional life.
Beyond academia, Guerra’s personal journey is equally remarkable. Determined to live and work in France, he set out to master French, a language spoken by only 0.4% of Brazilians. Arriving in Paris in 2018 with an A1 level, he began working as a night receptionist at MAMA SHELTER Paris Est. Learning the language while managing check-ins, reports, and guest interactions was grueling, but six months of persistence turned him fluent. “Guests would ask, ‘Tu viens d’où ? T’es de quelle origine ?’ right after I greeted them with my Brazilian-accented French,” he recalls. By the end of the year, he was fully confident, using French daily in both professional and personal life.
This combination of academic expertise, intercultural experience, and language mastery laid the foundation for Guerra’s career in human resources. He joined Sanofi, where he specialized in employee lifecycle management, HR operations, and global, multicultural support. His dedication and leadership recently earned him a promotion to Team Lead in the People Services team in France. Guerra credits his colleagues and managers for their guidance, emphasizing that collaboration and mentorship were key to his growth.
Guerra’s story illustrates how interdisciplinary education, persistence, and cross-cultural experience can converge to shape a unique professional trajectory. From mastering social justice at ELTE to learning French in Paris, and now leading HR initiatives at a global company, his journey demonstrates that ambition, hard work, and dedication to continuous learning can turn challenges into opportunities.
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