Top fields of study in Poland: High earning potential for graduates

A new report from Personnel Service has identified the fields of study with the best financial prospects for graduates in Poland, highlighting that earnings in certain disciplines can surpass the national median by as much as two and a half times. Notable fields include IT, medicine, management, and psychology.

According to the report, based on data from the Economic Loss of Graduates of Higher Educational Schools (ELA) monitoring system, the median gross wage in Poland as of April this year was PLN 6,500. However, graduates in high-demand areas can earn significantly more right after completing their studies.

The IT sector continues to see robust demand, particularly in key specializations such as programming, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. For instance, graduates from the University of Wrocław report starting salaries of nearly PLN 16,000 gross, while other universities see average earnings between PLN 9,000 and PLN 12,000. In data analysis, graduates from the Warsaw School of Economics can expect earnings of PLN 8,000 to PLN 10,000 right after graduation.

In corporate finance management and financial analytics, the demand for qualified professionals is also high. Graduates from Kozminski University in Warsaw earn approximately PLN 10,000 gross, while other institutions yield average salaries of PLN 6,000 to PLN 8,000.

Management studies are increasingly valued as companies in Poland invest in technology-driven strategies. Graduates from Jagiellonian University earn up to PLN 9,500 gross, though average salaries from other universities are lower.

The environmental sector is gaining traction, driven by climate change and sustainable development needs. Graduates in environmental protection and renewable energy technologies are finding opportunities in energy companies and research institutions. For example, environmental law graduates from the Higher School of Ecology and Management in Warsaw earn around PLN 6,500 gross, aligning with the national median, while those in environmental engineering at Koszalin University of Technology can expect salaries exceeding PLN 8,200 gross.

The health sector has faced a significant demand for skilled workers, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Medical graduates typically earn around PLN 6,500 gross, while nursing graduates can secure over PLN 10,000 gross, with physiotherapists earning approximately PLN 6,000 gross.

Psychology graduates are also in demand, with opportunities in therapeutic roles, HR departments, and business consultancy. Graduates from SWPS in Warsaw can expect starting salaries of around PLN 7,000 gross.

Krzysztof Inglot, founder of Personnel Service, emphasized the importance of aligning career choices with personal interests and market trends. “Choosing a field of study should consider both passion and the potential for growth. This approach minimizes the risk of employment difficulties after graduation,” he said.

Personnel Service specializes in HR solutions, including recruitment and staffing for IT and medical sectors, focusing on connecting employers with talent from Ukraine.

Source: Personnel Service and ISBnews

immo lab joins PLN 270 million investment land sale in Poland

immo lab, a consulting firm specializing in real estate, is participating in the sale of investment land valued at PLN 270 million. This transaction is part of a busy year for the company, which has already been involved in deals totaling PLN 480 million since the start of 2024.

According to Immo Lab, the finalized and ongoing contracts from this year are expected to generate over PLN 1.5 billion in investments, leading to the creation of nearly 400,000 square meters of new residential and warehouse space.

The company is optimistic about the investment land market in Poland, with particular growth anticipated in the warehouse sector, largely driven by the ongoing expansion of e-commerce. The residential segment and Private Rental Sector (PRS) are also seeing significant activity, with developers actively broadening their portfolios.

Daniel Puchalski, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of immo lab, highlighted the vital role of private equity firms in this year’s transactions. “This will be a good year for Immo Lab and for the entire investment land market. Growth is primarily driven by the warehouse sector, supported by the continuous expansion of e-commerce. A significant group of investors this year are private equity firms, who see opportunities for high returns and are eager to invest in projects with substantial profit potential. Their commitment underscores the promising outlook for the Polish market,” Puchalski stated.

In less than four and a half years of operation, Immo Lab has successfully completed land transactions covering over 1.2 million square meters, with a total value nearing PLN 1.5 billion. These deals span key cities including Warsaw, Kraków, Gdańsk, Wrocław, and Łódź. The firm focuses on regional markets and specializes in managing complex projects that may require changes in purpose or entirely new investment strategies.

Source: immo lab and ISBnews
Photo: Daniel Puchalski, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of immo lab

Polish CEOs’ confidence in global economy declines to 48%, KPMG survey reveals

The confidence of Polish CEOs in the development of the global economy over the next three years has dropped significantly, according to a new KPMG report. The latest edition of the KPMG CEO Outlook 2024 shows that only 48% of Polish business leaders are optimistic about global economic growth, down from 72% in 2023.

The survey, which included responses from top executives in Poland and around the world, also highlighted a shift in hiring plans. While all respondents expressed the intention to increase employment over the next three years, fewer than a quarter of Polish CEOs plan to grow their workforce by 6-10%, a decline of 16 percentage points compared to last year.

New technologies emerged as a top investment priority for Polish CEOs, with 72% of respondents focusing on this area, compared to 59% globally. However, the majority (88%) of Polish leaders believe that artificial intelligence (AI) will have a negative impact on their organizations in the coming years.

The report highlights growing challenges for CEOs, with nearly three-quarters of respondents feeling the pressure to ensure long-term success in a volatile business environment. Globally, executives are most concerned about supply chain disruptions, operational issues, and cybersecurity. In Poland, new technologies, political uncertainty, and cyber threats top the list of concerns.

“Leaders today need to be more resilient, flexible, and innovative than ever before,” said Bill Thomas, KPMG International President and CEO. “Those who adapt to the rapidly changing landscape, invest in relevant technologies, and foster talent will be best positioned for sustainable growth.”

The confidence gap between Polish CEOs and their global counterparts is striking. While just 48% of Polish executives are optimistic about global economic growth, confidence among leaders in 11 key global economies – including the U.S., China, and Germany – declined by only 1 percentage point, remaining relatively stable. However, Polish CEOs showed strong faith in their domestic market, with 92% expecting improvements in Poland’s economy.

To address challenges, Polish CEOs are focusing on building resilience to rising capital costs and inflation. This operational priority has seen a surge, with 52% of leaders highlighting it, up from just 8% last year. Additionally, half of respondents are looking to grow through mergers and acquisitions, while fewer than a quarter aim to achieve organic growth.

Despite the emphasis on new technologies, there is a divergence in attitudes toward AI. Globally, 64% of companies see generative AI as an investment priority, but only 48% of Polish leaders share that view, and 36% do not see AI playing a major role in their strategy. However, 92% of Polish CEOs believe AI will not reduce jobs but instead require employees to upgrade their skills.

Cybersecurity also remains a pressing concern, with 64% of Polish CEOs worried about cyber threats, although only 48% plan to increase investment in this area.

The report also touched on ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) issues, revealing that 40% of Polish companies feel prepared to meet new ESG reporting standards, compared to 76% globally. Additionally, 28% of Polish businesses aim to achieve climate neutrality by 2030, compared to 52% in key economies.

A notable trend emerging from the survey is the shift back to in-office work. 84% of Polish CEOs plan to fully return to traditional office settings within three years, signaling a departure from the hybrid work model, which only 12% of Polish companies continue to embrace.

With an aging workforce and a shortage of qualified replacements, 68% of Polish leaders are committing to invest in local communities to ensure future access to skilled staff. In terms of leadership diversity, 68% of Polish CEOs agree that changes at the senior leadership level are essential to achieving diversity, equality, and inclusion (DEI) goals, closely aligning with global sentiment.

The KPMG survey was conducted in late July and August 2024, targeting CEOs from companies with annual revenues exceeding $500 million across 11 key sectors, including banking, energy, life sciences, and technology. In Poland, 25 CEOs participated, with their responses compared to those from 1,325 leaders in core economies such as the U.S., China, and Germany.

Source: KPMG and ISBnews

BIS Chief: China poses as attractive partner while undermining democracy, warns Koudelka

China is positioning itself as a friendly and appealing partner to Western countries, while simultaneously working to undermine democracies and promote a world order based on the success of totalitarian states, warned Michal Koudelka, Director of the Security Information Service (BIS), during a conference held today in the Czech Chamber of Deputies. The conference focused on the risks of economic and technological dependence on China.

Koudelka highlighted that China’s ultimate goal is to become the dominant global economic power, and that the country subordinates all its actions toward achieving this objective. “China’s strategy relies heavily on maintaining and expanding its international contacts, using these relationships to build its reputation and position,” he stated. These contacts, according to Koudelka, are primarily established through business deals, investments, and by fostering ties with politicians.

“This is a tactic employed across all democratic nations, including the Czech Republic. A prime example is the pro-Chinese policy of former President Miloš Zeman,” Koudelka remarked. Zeman, who was known for his strong pro-China stance, had a strained relationship with BIS and its director, repeatedly refusing to approve the government’s recommendation to promote Koudelka to the rank of general.

Koudelka’s comments come amid growing international concern over China’s influence in global politics, particularly through its economic and technological outreach. Western nations are increasingly wary of the risks associated with becoming too dependent on China, especially in sectors like technology and infrastructure.

The BIS director’s remarks underline the complex and sometimes covert strategies employed by China to gain influence in democratic nations. “While China presents itself as a cooperative partner, its long-term vision is one of dominance, not collaboration,” Koudelka concluded.

The conference also explored the broader implications of China’s global ambitions and how democracies can safeguard their sovereignty while engaging with the economic powerhouse.

Source: CTK
Photo: Michal Koudelka, Director of the Security Information Service (BIS)

Gartner Intertrans moves into 9,900 sqm of logistics space at CTPark Budapest Vecsés

CTP has leased 9,900 sqm of logistics space at CTPark Budapest Vecsés to Gartner Intertrans Hungaria Kft, one of Hungary’s leading international transport companies. Located southeast of Budapest, the park offers ample room for future expansion, with 600,000 sqm of additional land available, providing the potential for a further 260,000 sqm of gross lettable area (GLA).

Gartner Intertrans, which handles supply chain logistics across Europe, has the option to expand its operations at CTPark Budapest Vecsés, a growing logistics hub expected to reach 350,000 sqm of GLA. The deal reflects the strong demand from third-party logistics (3PL) providers in Hungary and Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), as the region continues to emerge as a vital manufacturing base. This surge in demand is fueled by increased infrastructure investments and a growing trend toward nearshoring production from Asia to Europe.

Hungary’s strategic push to boost its manufacturing sector, aiming for 30% of GDP by 2030, is further driving demand for industrial and logistics spaces. The country’s geographic location, coupled with government policies, has attracted significant foreign direct investment (FDI), making it a hub for logistics and manufacturing.

CTPark Budapest Vecsés is a model of sustainable logistics development. It is home to Hungary’s second-ever BREEAM Outstanding In-Use certified building, recognized for its energy efficiency and environmental performance. Sustainability features include heat pumps, high-grade insulation, LED lighting, and rooftops designed for photovoltaic panels. The park also incorporates CTP’s Parkmaker model, transforming it into a vibrant business ecosystem with community hubs, sports facilities, and wellbeing-enhancing amenities.

“We chose CTPark Budapest Vecsés because of its strategic location and outstanding sustainability credentials,” said Bogdán Róbert, Managing Director of Gartner Intertrans. “The park’s flexibility allows us to grow according to our needs while aligning with our commitment to minimizing environmental impact – a priority for both us and our clients.”

Ferenc Gondi, Managing Director of CTP Hungary, welcomed Gartner Intertrans, emphasizing the long-term collaboration potential. “We’re excited to support Gartner Intertrans as they grow. A third of our new leases are with existing clients, reflecting our ability to adapt and meet evolving needs.”

CTPark Budapest Vecsés’ location on the M0 motorway, near Budapest International Airport, provides excellent connectivity to the rest of Europe, making it a prime logistics hub for international businesses.

Hungary’s central location in the CEE region, alongside its favorable business climate and minimal bureaucratic hurdles, continues to make it an attractive destination for investors and logistics operators alike.

Over 82% of employees ready to return to office full-time in Romania

A new survey by Genesis Property reveals that more than 82% of employees in Romania would be willing to return to the office full-time if their employer required it. While some admit it may be challenging to give up remote work, most respondents say they could quickly adapt. The study, which surveyed 1,168 employees across the country, highlights that a better separation between work and personal life (45%) and increased interaction with colleagues (53%) are the top factors encouraging a return to the office.

Despite the widespread adoption of remote work during the pandemic, fewer than 18% of employees would consider resigning or seeking a remote or hybrid job if their employer mandated daily office attendance.

“We have seen a noticeable shift toward pre-pandemic work routines since the start of the year. Employees are returning to more modern and amenity-rich office spaces that support collaboration and a stronger sense of community,” said Marcela Stancu, Community Director at Genesis Property.

However, the survey also highlighted that changes in office environments have been inconsistent. While 60% of employees reported no significant changes to their office space over the past four years, 11% said their office has become smaller, and nearly 8% feel they now have fewer amenities. Additionally, 27% find their current office too small for their team’s needs, and 33% reported inadequate facilities.

Genesis Property’s YUNITY Park project is an example of how office spaces can be transformed to meet the evolving demands of employees. The project includes an outdoor amphitheater with a 1,500-person capacity, pedestrian walkways, water features, and creative meeting spaces designed to enhance the office experience. The second phase of the project, completed last year, followed a EUR 20 million investment.

The survey, conducted via the iVox platform in July-August 2024, offers insight into the changing workplace preferences of Romanian employees. Of the respondents, 49% were women, and 42% reported a net income of over 5,000 lei.

As companies adapt to post-pandemic work trends, the survey indicates that employees are open to returning to the office, provided the spaces offer a modern, collaborative, and engaging environment.

Poland: Are housing developers changing their investment plans

Is the lack of support for home buyers with preferential credit causing companies to change their sales assumptions for this year and their investment plans? What projects have entered the market in 2024? What investments are planned to be built?

Tomasz Kaleta, managing director of sales and marketing at Develia:
Our sales target of 2,900 to 3,100 flats in 2024 remains valid. Develia is one of the few developers who have not reduced their sales plans this year. We also maintain our target related to new investments. This year, we plan to introduce and start construction of 3,500 to 3,700 flats.

Zbigniew Juroszek, CEO of Atal:
We are acting in accordance with the adopted plan. Our goal is to have an offer that will meet the needs of customers from different segments of the primary market, in any period of market prosperity. In the event of an increase in the demand side, we will be ready with our expanded portfolio thanks to our consistent construction and sales launch schedules.

This year, we have launched almost 20 new projects or their subsequent phases, and we will launch several more in the fourth quarter of this year. We have recently launched sales of the second stage of the Atal Apollina project in Gdańsk’s Kowale and the new Akacjowa Wita project in Kraków.

In the Tricity, we also intend to start selling further stages of the investments already underway. We have similar plans, including completely new projects, in the Silesian agglomeration, Krakow, Wroclaw and Poznan.

Joanna Chojecka, sales and marketing director for Warsaw and Wrocław at Robyg Group:
The results of the first half of the year confirm that our targets set for the whole of 2024 are as realistic as possible. Regardless of government programmes, the demand for flats in Poland will continue for the next few years. We have about 3,900 flats under construction, and we are also planning new projects and phases for about 5,000 flats.

We are steadily expanding our land bank; in June we invested in extensive land in Warsaw and Gdansk. Currently, our land bank is one of the largest among developers operating on the Polish market and includes the potential to build more than 25,000 units. We are introducing new investments for sale and want to increase our market share, strengthening our position as one of the leaders among residential developers in Poland.

Andrzej Gutowski, Sales Director of Ronson Development:
Adjustment of sales plans depends on many factors. In the middle of the year we made changes based on the market situation, which was already shaping up at the end of March and the beginning of April this year.
In 2024, we introduced flats in the Zielono Mi development in Warsaw (92 flats), as well as in our key investments: Miasto Moje (2 buildings, 152 flats) and Ursus Centralny (2 buildings, 191 units).

In Szczecin, we started selling the fifth stage of the Nowe Warzymice estate (39 flats) and the Nowa Północ project (89 flats). In Poznań, meanwhile, we introduced units in the Grunwald Między Drzewami II development. Later this year, we plan to add to the sales offer with the second stage of the Zielono Mi development, which will include 106 flats.

Shraga Weisman, CEO of Aurec Home:
Changes in the property market do not affect our plans. With our own financial resources and land bank, we are implementing our projects in line with our strategy for the coming years. We are currently finalising the next stage of construction in the eco-friendly development of Tomorrowland Town – the Lavender Quarter. In March this year, we also started selling flats in the Fabrica Ursus development in Warsaw, which is characterised by its industrial style, with historical elements of the former Ursus factory integrated into the architecture. We plan to launch the second phase, in which we will put 250 flats on sale, in autumn 2024.

Zuzanna Należyta, commercial director at Eco Classic:
Sales in our investments are lower than at the end of 2023 and the beginning of this year, but stable enough to allow us to continue with our investment assumptions. We were supposed to launch two investments this year, but these dates have changed due to prolonged administrative procedures.

Marcin Michalec, CEO of Okam Capital:
For this year we have assumed the construction of units in the medium plus and premium segments in three cities, Warsaw, Łódź and Katowice. Soon, at the end of 2024, we will complete the construction of the first stage of Cityflow (over 330 flats) in Warsaw’s Wola and the first stage of Łódź’s Strefa Progress (nearly 260 units), and we are also conducting their subsequent stages.

Construction work around the Now project (over 300 flats) in Łódź is proceeding according to schedule, as is the construction of the fourth and fifth stages of Inspire (about 190 residential units) in Katowice and the Warzelnia by Bohema lofts (67 units) in Warsaw.

In turn, we recently received the occupancy permit for stages D, E and F of Bohema – Strefa Praga, which we were developing as part of a multi-stage complex in Warsaw. We are actively expanding our land bank. This year we purchased land in the Warsaw agglomeration and a plot in Łódź. We are also planning to expand our operations in Katowice.

Dawid Wrona, Chief Operating Officer at Archicom:
Regardless of market circumstances, we are aiming to achieve our medium-term goal of selling 4,000 flats as early as 2025. The intermediate target for 2024 is to achieve sales of 2,600 units. In recent months, we have focused on expanding our land bank, particularly with advanced permissions. Since the beginning of the year, we have secured plots of land enabling the construction of 4,000 flats in major Polish cities. In the first half of 2024, we launched around 2,500 units in 12 projects, including in Kraków, Warsaw and Wrocław.

We also started the construction of several new projects, among which it is worth mentioning Wita in Kraków, Apartamenty M7 in Warsaw and Powstańców 7D in Wrocław. In the coming months, we will continue with the adopted strategy. The company’s stable financial situation enables us to continue our dynamic development.

Damian Tomasik, CEO of Alter Investment:
The lack of support for buyers with preferential credit has not fundamentally changed our investment assumptions and sales plans. As a land developer, we implement projects for various purposes, not only strictly residential, and moreover, the process of preparing land for construction, which we specialise in, usually takes several years. We do not operate under the influence of short-term fluctuations in the housing market. We consistently pursue our investment strategy based on diversifying our product portfolio and taking into account long-term trends, including in the context of observing the evolution and direction of mature markets in Western Europe.

This year we have started several important projects. One example is the investment at Madalińskiego Street in Gdańsk, where we are developing sites for multi-family housing and PRS in collective housing. Although we are only at the initial stage of its implementation, we are already seeing a lot of interest from potential investors, for whom the temporary lack of preferential mortgages for individual customers is of no significance. We are also continuing our work in the Warmia and Mazury region, where we have designed investments of a diverse nature, including for the construction of a leisure and residential complex. In the near future, we also plan to launch investments in the attractive location of the eastern Sudetenland. Properties with an ideal location for hotel development.

Source: dompress.pl
Photo: Chmielna, BPI

MLP Group accelerates European expansion with successful EUR 300 million Green notes offering

MLP Group S.A. has completed its debut senior green notes offering, raising EUR 300 million (approximately PLN 1.3 billion). The offering saw overwhelming demand from global investors, with the issue being oversubscribed multiple times. Citi and Santander Group served as Global Coordinators and Bookrunners for the transaction.

The senior green notes, which have a 6.125% coupon and a maturity date in 2029, were fully subscribed, underscoring the strong confidence in MLP Group’s growth strategy. The proceeds from the offering will be used to fund environmentally sustainable projects, aligning with the company’s commitment to sustainability and modern urban logistics development.

“This is a milestone for MLP Group. Despite current geopolitical uncertainties, our debut green notes offering was met with substantial interest, demonstrating the trust investors have in our strategy,” said Radosław T. Krochta, President of the Management Board of MLP Group S.A. “The funds raised will accelerate our expansion, particularly in urban logistics and data centers, solidifying our position as the developer of choice in key European markets.”

Monika Dobosz, CFO of MLP Group S.A., emphasized the significance of the oversubscription, with around 125 investors, including major asset managers and pension and insurance funds, participating in the offering. “The green notes will play a vital role in supporting our strategic investments, which focus on delivering measurable environmental benefits and contributing to sustainability goals,” she noted.

MLP Group’s investment properties have surpassed PLN 5 billion (nearly EUR 1.2 billion), with a portfolio that adheres to the highest environmental standards. The company’s projects are certified by BREEAM and DGNB, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability. Currently, MLP Group operates in Poland, Germany, Austria, and Romania, managing over 1 million square meters of certified space. The Group has set a target to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2026.

As part of its growth strategy, MLP Group plans to expand further into the German market, aiming for at least 30% portfolio allocation in Germany by 2028. Additionally, the company will focus on delivering small to medium-sized warehouse units, a sector highly valued by investors.

The senior green notes have been listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange’s Official List and are being traded on the Euro MTF market.

Mayors and Together move closer to signing coalition agreement in Central Bohemia

The political groups Mayors (STAN) and Together (a coalition of ODS, KDU-ČSL, and TOP 09) are on the verge of leading the next parliamentary term in the Central Bohemian Region. The two parties have advanced toward finalizing a coalition agreement, which they will soon sign.

Petra Pecková, the current governor of the region and the top candidate for STAN, confirmed that both groups have agreed on the main points of their future cooperation. Jan Skopeček, the leader of Together, stated that they successfully addressed any outstanding issues between the parties during recent negotiations.

In the proposed structure of the new regional council, which consists of eleven members, STAN is expected to hold five seats, including the governor’s position, while Together would have six seats. Mayors have expressed their desire to retain the portfolios they currently manage within the regional government.

Both groups are set to meet again on Tuesday for further discussions to finalize the details of their collaboration and move forward with governing the region.

Source: CTK

Mayflower Group supports children’s cardiac center with €8,000 donation for young patient

In a heartwarming show of support, Mayflower Group used a brief lull in its busy schedule to con-tribute to an important cause. Together with Eva Tarasovic and Natalia Sarkozi, President of the Mayflower Foundation, the team returned to the Children’s Cardiac Center to offer much-needed assistance to eight-year-old Jakub, a patient facing a challenging medical journey. The donation of €8,000 will provide critical support for Jakub, who has been under care at the Center for over a year.

Jakub’s situation is particularly difficult, as he relies on an external artificial heart—a device de-scribed as a “heart on wheels”—while undergoing treatment. Despite this complex and exhaust-ing battle, Jakub is surrounded by a dedicated team of medical professionals and loving, coura-geous parents who have been by his side every step of the way.

Reflecting on the experience, Mayflower Group shared that these visits are emotionally taxing but deeply rewarding. “Every time we visit, it reaffirms our commitment to giving more. Seeing firsthand the impact of our efforts is truly inspiring and gives us the motivation to continue,” the team said. These moments of giving serve as a reminder of the importance of community support in times of crisis.

In light of the profound experiences they’ve had, the Mayflower Group is now setting even great-er charitable goals. Moving forward, every open project undertaken by the company will incorpo-rate a philanthropic aspect to ensure that more lives can be touched. “We want every project to carry a charitable dimension, so there will be more opportunities for visits like this,” said Natalia Sarkozi.

Before the end of the year, the Mayflower team, led by Andrej Mardiak, plans to return to the Children’s Cardiac Center. This time, they aim to bring even more support, ensuring their visit leaves a lasting positive impact. The entire Mayflower team is dedicated to continuing these ef-forts, contributing both financially and emotionally to those in need.

Their involvement with the Children’s Cardiac Center is part of a broader mission to support the community and help vulnerable individuals through difficult circumstances. By integrating charity into the very fabric of their business, Mayflower Group hopes to make a lasting difference in the lives of many.

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