“As an expat, I am even more appreciative of how important inclusion is in a work environment.”

Joined Capco: 2021
Role: Senior Consultant
Primary skills: Insurance, Digital, Business Analysis
Interests: Dance, Hiking, Nature, Travel, Personal Development

I grew up in the Romanian countryside (where my love for nature and outdoors comes from) until I moved to Bucharest to study languages (French and English). My first job was in a commercial department of a French company. In a few years’ time I had an opportunity to move to Belgium and I didn’t hesitate as I had a young son by then and wanted him to have access to good education. Starting from scratch in a new country, with a three-year-old, I spent my first six years working for an insurance company where I had various roles, from subject matter expert to onboarding specialist and client delivery manager. I learned a lot about health insurance and was fortunate to work with people from all over the world. I love discovering new cultures and getting to know people from diverse backgrounds, and such international experience was very enriching from that perspective.

However, last year, I found myself craving a new challenge. Having seen a vacancy on LinkedIn shared by one of my ex-colleagues who was working at Capco at the time, I got curious about the opportunity, even though I had never thought about getting into consultancy. Her enthusiasm for the company and its culture and her excitement about her projects convinced me to apply.

A few months later I started a new chapter as a Senior Consultant within the insurance tribe at Capco. The onboarding process went extremely smoothly. On my first day everything was ready (phone, car, email address). And two days later, I started my first assignment. Before joining, I read about the company and its ‘be yourself at work’ culture, and that was an important factor for me when deciding to join as someone who believes in authenticity and diversity. As an expat, I am even more appreciative of how important inclusion is in a work environment.

Another reason why I chose consultancy was because of the variety of projects. I am the type of person who always wants to learn and push her limits, and consultancy offers that. My first project was within an insurance company as a salesforce test manager. The role was new to me, however I was given a comprehensive introduction by a highly experienced colleague and am now confident about working in an area of insurance which was almost unknown to me when I joined. And although I've only been around for a few months, I'm very proud that I've managed to secure two projects for a colleague at the same client.

As for balancing life and work, it is sometimes difficult to manage as a single parent, but I am used to juggling many tasks. What is different now is that Capco supports me when I’ve got too much on, reminding me of the importance of a healthy balance (which I sometimes forget).

In terms of culture, having been at Capco for a few months, I know that ‘be yourself at work’ is not just a promotional slogan. I feel part of the Capco family, and I know that my colleagues ‘have my back’ whenever I need it. It is reassuring to know that there is always someone to advise on a topic I am not familiar with or someone to rely on when I face challenges. It is amazing to be part of a community where I know I’m appreciated for who I am and where I feel at ease being myself.

I devote a lot of my free time to activities with my son. Occasionally we plan a movie or a playdate and I earned a ‘cool mom’ title from my soon-to-be teenager, which I am very proud of. I also love travelling, going to concerts and spending as much time as possible outdoors. I like hiking as I love nature and never stop being amazed by it. Since last year, we have a Jack Russell in the family, which is a good excuse for me to go for walks daily. Last year I also started taking kizomba lessons and never miss an opportunity to dance. My partner is a dance teacher and whenever we have a bit of time, we practice at home together.