Do you recall your first day in the company? What was your experience like? What did you do?
I remember my first day in the refinery, both as an intern and as a new employee. It’s been 10 years since then, and I feel a bit nostalgic, recalling the emotions I felt then and the desire to learn as much as possible and become an expert in this field. At that time, I was an active observer, jotting down new information day by day, which over time settled down and gained meaning.

Did you have a mentor then? Or who inspired you at the beginning of the path?
During that early time, I can say that I had several mentors because I worked in more distinct units. I had to learn from each one, both for my professional and personal development. 

What was the biggest challenge in your career and how did you get over it? What about the main achievement?
In this industry, challenges arise all the time and it is important to have enough self-control and discipline to be able to turn them into successful experiences. To answer the question, I would pick my first turnaround as Unit Manager as the biggest challenge which, together with the team and proper organization, we managed to complete without incidents. The biggest achievement is that I have the opportunity to work with professionals on a daily basis, and this brings me satisfaction and fulfillment. 

What is the biggest challenge in the department you work in today?
The challenge in the units I manage is to achieve new production records year after year, in safe conditions, and to ensure that every colleague returns home safe and sound after a day of work.

Name three values, skills, or rules necessary for success in this area.
Discipline. Dedication. Perseverance.

What would you like the new generation of colleagues to learn from you, the most experienced in the field, and carry forward?
Empathy and the desire to be a better version of yourself every day.

What do you think is the secret ingredient of a successful mentor? Are you a mentor with straightforward guidance or do you offer more freedom?
The success of a Mentor is reflected in the results of the Trainees they work with, in the way they develop and become good professionals. I am the kind of mentor who encourages trainees to be self-directed, but I am always available to answer questions and offer ongoing guidance.

What are the values/skills you appreciate the most in Mihai?
Mihai's curiosity, seriousness, and persistence are what I appreciate most about him. Furthermore, Mihai always stays calm, bolstering the trust and reliability of his coworkers with whom he efficiently collaborates.

Tell us briefly what made you apply to the Together We Grow - Rompetrol Traineeship program.
I applied for the program following my graduation from university with a degree in Petroleum and Petrochemical Engineering while being interested in seeing how units work in the field, learning how they operate, and connecting the theoretical part with the practical side.

What was your biggest concern when you came to the company? How did you get through it?
My biggest fear was not knowing what it was like to work in a refinery, but with the help of my mentors and coworkers, I conquered that apprehension.

How important is it to have a mentor early on, and what is the most important piece of advice you received from yours? 
A mentor is crucial at the early stages, I could say it's like having a parent who guides and encourages you to grow.

After almost a year here, what do you think is the best part of this job?
After almost a year in the company, I think that the best part of this job is the challenges that oil workers face daily, and since this field is constantly changing, I enjoy learning something new every day.

What skills or competencies would you like to develop more?
I am interested in furthering my education in the field of petroleum refining because I believe that this job will not disappear in the near future.

For better personal and professional development, what would you like Mentor-Trainee collaboration and communication to look like?
Communication between Mentor and Trainee is essential for better personal and professional development, as I had with my Mentor, from whom I have always received support and important advice.

What are the values/skills you appreciate the most in your mentor?
The most important things to me are my Mentor's honesty and integrity, her work history and communication abilities. My Mentor is a role model for me, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank her for the support and time she has given me. Without her support, I would not have made it this far today.