Pictured above: Sebastian Chrzan
Former semi-professional Polish footballer Sebastian Chrzan is
tackling a new role at lettings firm Lighthouse Property Services
after moving to Lincoln in search of work.
Student Lettings Assistant Sebastian (25) relocated to the UK in
April from Gorlice in Poland where he had a varied career, working
in the Polish army, at a mining machinery plant and as a
professional English League Two-equivalent football player.
Sebastian, who could only say two words in English when he
arrived in the city, is now working at Lighthouse after being
appointed full-time in September.
He is responsible along with two other colleagues for carrying
out student property inspections and inventories, organising
furnishings and ensuring students are happy with their
accommodation.
Sebastian found out about the position at Lighthouse through
Alicja Kaplon who also works for the property company as its
Polish-speaking lettings negotiator.
"I'm very happy working at Lighthouse," said Sebastian. "Every
day there are new tenants and we've been really busy over the last
few weeks.
"I'm a good worker and all the people in the office have really
helped me settle in and improve my English."
Lighthouse Student Lettings Manager Ian Thornton added:
"Sebastian has become a key member of our team and we're really
pleased to see that his English skills have developed so
quickly.
"He's gaining more confidence by the day and as time goes on we
hope he will continue to help with the student lettings aspects of
the business but will also provide support to Alicja with our
Polish lettings market.
"Although there have been various reports of the Polish
community returning home, we have found that those who have secure
jobs in Lincoln are choosing to stay."
Along with developing his career at Lighthouse, Sebastian is
keen to continue with his football and has already had a trial with
Lincoln City Football Club.
"I love football and played for GKS Glinik Gorlice in Poland,"
said Sebastian. "I'm currently looking for a team to play for here
and have written letters to several clubs in the hope they are
looking for players."