Ionela T•••

About

On the record

My career journey started at my local McDonald’s, as I had the opportunity to get a part-time job while going to college. This is where my communication skills have developed and helped me get in touch with various character types. I then spent a summer in the U.S, with a J1 visa, working as a hostess in a restaurant. I got to practice my English skills everyday and experienced a whole new culture. It was a validation of my abilities to efficiently communicate in a second language. By the end of the summer, I was offered the Head of Hostesses position, where my critical thinking skills kicked in, as I had to make sure all servers had tables, but at the same time to make sure they had enough time to attend all of them. It was also an important part for the customers, as the waiting time had to still be convenient. I went back to Romania where the McDonald’s store manager made and offer for a hostess position. I had to organize and entertain kids birthday parties. I had the chance to work with kids as well, where patience and creativity had a major impact. I wanted more, so I got a job at the mall, at a sports store. I was looking for a part-time position, but they only had full-time positions. Here, my communication skills convinced the store manager to open a part-time role which I was then offered. The pandemic hit one year later, giving me the necessary boost to upgrade. I then found an awesome opportunity, as a customer service representative at HKR. I was offered the job after the interview, and met the most amazing team and management. The company also works with an U.S. based company, so I got once again to actively strengthen my English. After a year, I was promoted to Customer Service Associate, while taking over more tasks, including Social Media, reviews, and chargebacks. They are all tied together, as I had to make sure the customers get a positive resolution, while the company maintains a stable position.