Paperjam: Please, introduce yourself.

Demba Hamadou Magassi: I’m Demba, I’m Franco-Ivorian and I work in the banking sector, specifically at the Spuerkeess as a quantitative risk analyst on the modelling team.

What motivated you to come to Luxembourg?

Luxembourg is an international financial centre and offers several advantages for quant profiles. The job market is very dynamic, with many vacancies, particularly in finance. It’s also home to many European companies and institutions. Luxembourg is also multicultural and multilingual, with French, English, German and Luxembourgish in common use, making it easy for everyone to fit in. In addition, there is a high quality of life and an advantageous tax situation.

How did you end up working at the Spuerkeess?

I got my current job thanks to the recommendation of a colleague working in the banking sector, who passed on a job offer from the Spuerkeess. I was interested in it and submitted my application, then followed the entire recruitment process.

What were your first impressions of Luxembourg?

When I arrived in Luxembourg, I was pleasantly surprised by how dynamic the job market is and the international nature of the professional environment. I’ve quickly realised that efficiency, rigour and cultural diversity are encouraged. Also the organisation and quality of the infrastructure have made integration easier, especially for cross-border commuters.

On a personal level, I’ve also been struck by the quality of life that Luxembourg offers, particularly in terms of safety, cleanliness and public services. And the free transport helps make everyday life pleasant.

Which aspects of Luxembourgish culture have been surprising or otherwise notable?

On arriving in Luxembourg, several aspects of the local culture caught my eye… the linguistic diversity, habits of discretion and respect, work/life balance, multiculturalism, how people of different nationalities live together.

As far as work and daily life, what’s different about Luxembourg?

The main difference with France in my opinion lies in the relationship with multiculturalism and multilingualism.

At work, the clocking-in system allows for better organisation. Everyone can arrive at work according to their own schedule or personal constraints, and work their own hours during the day.

How did the settling in process go?

I settled in easily and had no problems either with accommodation or social integration, as I’m very sociable myself. As far as the administrative procedures are concerned, they were quick and simple.

No difficulties at all?

Well, the main difficulty I faced was the climate. The temperatures are exceptionally low.

Did you receive any relocation support?

I was allowed two days’ moving leave to make settling in easier. I think this is important for the employee and allows them to take care of the administrative formalities linked to the change of address.

Any pleasant discoveries as far as food and culture go?

I have a few after-work events to my credit already: Paname, Kamakura. In terms of culture, I haven’t had time to do much yet, though I’ve visited the Mudam.

How about the multilingualism so characteristic of the country. Any thoughts?

All my colleagues speak fluent French. Luxembourgers regularly speak Luxembourgish among themselves (and I feel lost!) However, during my traineeship I have a whole range of courses to take, including Luxembourgish. I hope to be able to construct correct sentences before the end of the courses.

And your integration outside of work?

There’s not much to say… Luxembourgers are very personable.

Do you think you’ll be here long-term?

For the time being, I plan to stay as long as possible, and perhaps have my whole career here. Indeed, this is a city with so much diversity, so many advantages--it’ll be difficult to find better.

This interview was originally conducted in French.