It's time for another reveal because another friendly face agreed to take part in our interview! Let's see what Andreea, our Panel Incentives & Recruitment, sees as being the most important thing in life or what's her favourite childhood memory!
What does working in the market research industry mean to you?
For me, working in the market research industry means lots of new information, basically a new territory. Since this is my first contact with the research world, I must say there is so much to learn! I find this industry fascinating, as there is always something new to understand, to develop.
From whom in the market research industry have you learned most in your career?
I guess every single person from the marketing team. Starting with our manager, he is always there with the help I need, with new information to share. He really took the time to make me understand and learn lots of things. Then, I have my colleagues, Luana, Dan and Loredana who are so nice! Every time I ask them to help me with the things I need, they are right on time with everything on point.
If you were able to bring someone in our DataDiggers team, who would that person be, and why do you think they'd be great for our company?
I think I would bring Elon Musk. I mean, everything that man invests in, is a sure, yet huge success. Furthermore, I find him a genius, although he may be a controversial character. What I like the most about him is his never-ending source of ideas. I aspire to be like that, creative, and may I say a bit fun?
What was the most important challenge you had to go through in your career?
I would say that the most challenging part is finishing my degree at the same time as working a full-time job. This year, I will graduate from the Faculty of Foreign Languages and Literatures and I hope I will do good in both, career and education. Also, let’s not forget about getting out of the comfort zone. I used to believe that school is demanding, but having also a career is far more complicated than reading some books. I guess now I can say I am a full-grown adult. :)
Thinking about your career, what is the achievement you are most proud of?
I am proud of myself every time I get the job done. I know so much more information now. Not only that, but I used to stay in bed all day, procrastinating, reading what I had to, and now I cannot wait to wake up in the morning and do something to make me proud of. I strongly believe in small victories.
What's the biggest mistake you've ever made in your career?
Not being motivated enough. I get upset sometimes because I know I can do so much more, so much better, but sometimes something is keeping me from going forward. Although, I fought against this, and now I do better. I ask questions, I do things, I come with new ideas. I became proactive and that is something to be proud of.
What does success mean to you?
Buying that expensive pair of shoes! 😂 I am joking. I think success is when you talk with passion about what you do when you are in love with every aspect of your life. Being always in a happy state of mind, that is what I call real success.
What do you do to move forward in the profession you have chosen?
I get educated on a daily basis. I make a lot of research, I google everything, I ask about different things people who are more informed than I am.
How would you describe the market research industry in Romania?
There is so much more that can be done in this field, but I think market research is new and exciting territory for Romania.
Is there something new that you have learned in the last 2-3 years, in your career, or in your daily life, which you find is important?
Considering the last 2 years in my life, I think that heath, happiness and everyday learning are the most important aspects of life. You have to keep improving yourself in order to be happy.
If you were able to meet yourself, at the moment when you first got hired, what advice would you give to your younger self?
Buckle up because you have a lot to learn! I knew so little then, I find it funny and admiring that the manager had so much patience with me. I guess my advice would be, don’t worry so much, everything will come to the right place.
If you were to give advice to one of your former managers, what would that be?
Keep it going, you are doing great! I believe I am lucky to have someone so nice as the manager.
Why did you choose to work in the market research industry?
I find the market research industry so versatile, you can learn so much. That was the most attractive aspect, knowing that I would develop myself on so many different territories.
What advice would you give to someone starting in the market research industry?
Don’t be scared, believe me, it is not that hard! Although, in order to be capable of getting some results, you have to be curious, to learn by yourself a lot of things and to ask as many questions as you need.
What was your ‘dream career’ when you were little?
When I was little, “The Devil wears Prada” changed my life. I always dreamed of being part of a fashion magazine (Vogue is way too utopic, so Elle was just fine!), being surrounded by make-up, shoes and high fashion. A part of me still dreams of it.
What do you think is the most important thing in life?
Without a doubt, love. I am a hopeless romantic, so it is natural that I find love the secret of life. I strongly believe that without love, we are nothing, life is just an endless unfortunate
cycle of hopeless days and nights.
What are you planning to do on your next vacation?
In April, I am going to Tenerife, so for some days, my life will be all about sunshine and Cosmopolitans! 😂 I miss the sun so much, I absolutely hate winter.
What is making you get up from bed even when you have a bad day?
I am a strong optimist. On the rare occasions I get a little blue, I think about the fact that we only get one life, so let’s get the most of it! Also, there is nothing that a good cup of coffee can’t repair.
What are your dearest memories, some that you always think of with joy?
One of my dearest memories is a tradition I had with my father. For 16 years, we would always go on the 1st of January in Cișmigiu Park, just the two of us, to have a cup of coffee or tea, talking about life. That tradition faded away as I got bigger and spent that day with my boyfriend, but I will always cherish it. It was so special, almost magical for me.
If you could change something from the past, make a different decision, what would it be and why?
I don’t believe in mistakes or choices that would lead to a different life. I believe that everything that is now in my life, is exactly as it should be. I am happy with every aspect of my life and I would not change it for anything.
If you could go anywhere in the world, at any time in the past, what would that be and why?
I would go to Moscow for a better understanding of what I study (I have a major in the Russian language). I am in love with Russia’s rich history and I think I would love to visit and why not, live a little bit there to get the full experience.
Can you name one hobby that you really enjoy?
I cannot pick between painting and playing volleyball. I find painting so relaxing and nice, but I love playing volleyball for the team spirit and competition. I was part of the high school volleyball team and that was so fun! I also love buying fashion magazines, I kind of collect them. You know, “food for the soul”.
What’s your favourite book and why?
I absolutely love “The women of Lazarus” by Marina Stepnova. The author is very young, she is in her 40s and the book is simply consuming. If you want to read a good Russian book (besides the classics, of course!) about the destiny of three generations of powerful women, a tormenting love plot, the condition of the Jewish community in the 1900s, you have to buy the book! It’s mind-blowing!