How many generations of trainees have you mentored? What motivated you to accept the role of mentor? 
Last year was the first generation I mentored. I accepted this role because I saw the positive impact I could have on the professional development of new colleagues, and I was motivated by the desire to contribute to the growth of our team.

What do you consider to be the most rewarding aspect of being a mentor? And the most challenging? 
The most beautiful aspect is seeing the "thirst" for knowledge in a trainee’s eyes and, later, witnessing their progress during the early stages of their career. The most challenging aspect would be identifying, in a short time, the personality, character, and strengths of a person, in order to define a learning plan tailored to each trainee.

What essential values do you promote when guiding your trainee in their career?
I promote values such as integrity, responsibility, collaboration, and the desire for continuous learning. I believe these values are fundamental to a successful career and personal development.

How have you adapted your mentoring style based on the needs and personality of the trainee you are working with now? 
I adapt my mentoring style through active listening and by understanding the trainee’s needs and preferences. For example, if the trainee prefers more direct feedback, I make sure to provide that. If they need more guidance, I am more present and offer additional support.

How do you maintain a balance between providing support and encouraging her autonomy? 
I try to offer support through guidance and resources, but at the same time, I encourage autonomy by setting clear goals and motivating the trainee to take initiative and find solutions on their own.

What motivated you to apply for the TogetherWeGrow – Rompetrol Traineeship program?
I applied for this program because I wanted to start my career in a renowned company in the industry, offering both practical experience and development opportunities. I was about to finish my studies and was highly motivated to apply the theoretical knowledge I gained during my education. The Petromidia Refinery specifically attracted me due to its strong reputation and the advanced technologies used. The traineeship program seemed like an excellent opportunity to get familiar with the industry and learn directly from professionals. The decision turned out to be a great one, especially since I later had the chance to join the team as an employee.

What was your biggest fear when you first joined the company? How did you overcome it?
My biggest fear was whether I would be able to adapt quickly to a new professional environment, considering I was a fresh graduate. I overcame it with the help of my mentor, who guided me and explained the processes, as well as by being actively involved and eager to learn continuously.

What is the biggest advantage of having a mentor at this stage of your career? 
The greatest advantage of having a mentor at this stage of my career is having access to direct guidance from an experienced professional. My mentor helped me better understand the refinery processes, avoid common mistakes, and develop skills more quickly. Their support was essential for my integration into the team and for building confidence in my knowledge.

What is the most important piece of advice/feedback you’ve received from your mentor? 
The most important advice I received from my mentor was not to hesitate to ask questions, no matter how simple they might seem. They emphasized that continuous learning and curiosity are essential for my professional development and for understanding the complex processes within the refinery. This advice helped me overcome my initial insecurities and evolve more quickly.

What skills or competencies would you like to further develop? 
I would like to further develop my technical skills specific to the industry, such as process analysis and optimization, as well as my communication and leadership abilities, to collaborate effectively with the team and manage complex projects in the future.