Kristina Vasileva
Contact center Operator/ Trainer / Training Coordinator for TRAM project
When did your professional life with Sofica start?
My first experience with Sofica was interesting. I started almost accidentally (although nothing happens by accident) in February of 2006. My first encounter with the company was via a job interview for a project with an international company. I passed two out of three rounds of interviews, when my employer to be decided my computer skills were insufficient for the position :) This is how I met with the Contact Center Manager of Sofica. We discussed breafly an opportunity to start as a call center operator in the near future and eventually I contacted him and got hired. At the time I regretted the fact that I didn't start in the other company, but as I look back now I realize things actually turned out for the better. Now I know that you should never have any regrets looking back, as every experience is a lesson learned.
How did Sofica win you over?
Everyone was very accepting, tolerant, young and enthusiastic. When your hair is dyed bright red and you lack professional experience, it's extremely valuable to be accepted and given a chance. Many companies reject a lot of their employees to-be, because of their "inappropriate" look. I really appreciate the opportunity to prove what I can do and learn new things as I work.
How did your career with the company develop so far?
Anything you could imagine! :) Only a person, who's never worked in a contact center doesn't realize how dynamic it can be. On one hand things are happening at an incredible pace, on the other working like that is a little bit tiresome. Luckily 6 months after I started working in Sofica I got promoted to a team leader, which happened before I got tired of talking on the phone. The chance to grow motivated me even more to work harder and about an year and a half later I became Sofica's first trainer. At the beginning I was developing training modules for the contact center, later for Sofica Academy, where I have to chance meet other colleagues from the different "branches" of the company.
Which is your biggest success in Sofica so far?
I don't think I've reached my greatest success or achievement. With every training module finished, or new thing learned I get even more motivated and enthusiastic. The strife for finding new ways to improve my work is an ongoing process, and things are getting better every time. If you think you've achieved the greatest success in your work, you either overrate yourself, or you're gotten so good, that you'd just have to quit. All in all, I consider a great success the fact I can honestly say I love my work. As cheesy, as it may sound, I don't hear that every day.
Which is the most valuable thing you have learned?
What Sofica' taught me, cannot be described in a word. Most of all I learned to generate ideas and to create, instead of work. There might be a hundred people who wouldn't appreciate what you do but there will be that 101-st, who would appreciate it. Being appreciated is incredible!
In your opinion what makes Sofica a good work place?
The fact that here there are literally hundreds of young people, and each and every one is a walking think-tank. Oddly, not very many people actually speak up and share their ideas.
What is your message to your future colleagues?
Not wanting to sound like being 150-years-old - don't give up, look for meaning in what you do, because we are taught invaluable lessons every day. Never be afraid to think and stand firmly behind your ideas. Don't be quitters. Fortune favours the bold!