We spoke to our Senior Relocations Consultant, Ana-Marija Brcic about her experience working for Crown Relocations and her top tips to help you plan your next international move.
How long have you been with Crown? Can you tell us more about your role?
I have been with Crown for almost a year. I joined last year in May. I was lucky that my manager Jason recognized my ability to face different challenges and created a hybrid role for me. My position is adjusted based on the needs of the three brand I support –Relocations, World mobility and Workspace.
What’s the most frequent question clients ask you?
The most popular question I hear from people leaving Dubai is how we pack their valuable things like a wedding gown or a work of art. I always carry a sample book, so I show them our materials and examples of how the team at Crown does the packing. On the other hand, people coming to UAE always have questions about culture, food, lifestyle, where to live and how to obtain an Emirates ID.
What’s the most common mistake clients make when moving abroad?
This would be customers who don’t separate important documents they would need when leaving from items they would like shipped. However, our team are on hand to spot this error early and prevent any issues this may cause a customer down the line.
Have you moved internationally? If so, where did you move from, and what was your experience?
I have moved several times internationally. It has always been a very stressful journey, full of excitement but, at the same time, overthinking if I did everything ok or needed to remember something! I moved from Croatia to Germany, then from Germany to Croatia. My last international move was from Croatia to UAE.
What would be your number one tip for anyone preparing to live and work abroad?
Do your research, connect with people in the country you are moving to and have a good relocation company that will be your ‘partner in crime’ when relocating. And the last tip – don’t be afraid of change! This is just another milestone in your life and another adventure!
What is the most unusual move you have supported?
A move to a small island called Vanuatu. There is a port there; if I can trust the pictures I have seen online, it is heaven on earth.
What moment in your Crown career has made you the proudest?
That feeling that we as a team helped someone in - what I know first-hand - to be one of the most stressful moments in their life makes me proud every single time. Also, when they come back after some time to thank us for our support and making things easy.
What are your favourite things to do outside of work?
I love to travel and explore new cultures. I am also very outgoing, so I love to spend most of my time with my friends and family. Usually, we go on some short trekking trips around UAE, spending the day on a beach etc.
Tell us something that people would never guess about you?
I don’t know how to dance, and my cooking skills are limited.
What’s the most unusual item you have ever helped a client move?
I can’t think of any specific item; more people and their stories are so unique.
If you could move anywhere worldwide, where would it be and why?
I would love to live in Bali or Singapore. After Europe and the Middle East, I would love to spend a few years in Asia. I am fascinated with the culture, food, and way of living.
