In this interview, we have the pleasure of meeting Krystyna, a young professional from Ukraine who has been living in Spain for over 20 years. With a diverse background that includes studies in English philology, international trade, and a flight attendant course, Krystyna has decided to pursue her internship at Rebain International, a trusted company with over 26 years of experience in the chemical products sector.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your academic background before joining Rebain International?
My name is Krystyna, I am from Ukraine, and I have been living in Spain for over twenty years. I have studied English philology, a flight attendant course, and also vocational training in international trade.
What attracted you to the opportunity to do your internship at Rebain International?
What attracted me to Rebain is that it has been established since 2000 in Barcelona, Castelldefels, which means it has over twenty years of experience in the sector. Rebain International is a competitive, trustworthy company offering a wide range of raw materials and chemicals. In my opinion, it is a company where I can learn a lot, thanks to the closeness of the team.
What do you consider to be the most important skills for a salesperson?
I believe the most important skills for a salesperson are several; communication skills, empathy, and of course, sales skills. In addition, it is important to have a positive attitude and know how to listen to customers to understand their needs and thus be able to meet them.
Are there any specific goals you want to achieve during your internship here?
Yes, besides learning and improving my skills during this internship, I am also interested in discovering new ways to apply them in different situations and contexts. Additionally, I am keen on continuing to learn from experts in the field and participating in activities that will allow me to grow and develop as a professional.
Can you share an academic or extracurricular project you have worked on that you believe has prepared you for this experience?
I have been working with the public and in customer service for many years. In my case, this will help me connect with customers.
What has been the biggest challenge you have faced in your academic career, and what did you learn from that experience?
One of the biggest challenges I faced in my academic career was when I had to write my thesis. It was a lengthy and complex project, which required a lot of time, effort, and dedication. During this process, I learned the importance of organization and planning. I also learned how to handle stress and pressure, as there were moments when I felt overwhelmed. I learned to find solutions to the problems that arose and to work as a team with my classmates and professors to overcome the challenges that presented themselves. I am proud of having overcome it and of everything I learned in the process.
What are your passions or interests outside of the academic field?
Outside of academics, I love cinema, the beach, listening to music, and spending time with my family. Music is essential in my life because even the saddest day can be made better by a good song. But most of all, what I enjoy the most is spending time with my family, as they don’t live in Barcelona, so whenever I can, I visit them.
What inspires or motivates you when facing new challenges in your personal or professional life?
I think it is very important to continue training and learning new skills. Nowadays, life moves very quickly, thanks to technology, which is why I believe it is crucial to keep developing and not fall behind.
Finally, is there anything else you would like to share with us about your expectations or interests in this internship?
Yes, I would like to share that besides learning and improving my skills in this internship, I am also interested in discovering new ways to apply them in different situations and contexts. I would like to explore how I can use these skills to contribute positively in my work environment. Additionally, I am eager to keep learning from experts in the field and to participate in activities that will allow me to grow and develop as a professional.
