Webhelp Romania: Meet the Industry Ambassadors

My name is Ancuta Gheorghe-Petcu and I’m Director of Operations at Webhelp. With more than 15+ years working in BPO industry and coordinating projects across multiple industries like Fashion, Travel, also, I’m glad I can share with you some of the professional challenges and rewards of my extraordinary journey.How did you start your career? Which were your first steps? How did you envision your career? 
I started my career—or this challenging journey—at Webhelp out of a need that came up in my third year of college. I wanted to stay in Bucharest and at the same time increase my income, so a job as a call centre agent for a French company appeared. And the first step of my career was done. After a period of a love-hate relationship with the specifics of the campaign and because I wanted more time after work and no more evening shifts, I became Team Leader within a Telecom campaign present on the French market.
And by doing that, I wanted more 😊 more knowledge, more visibility, more exposure and so I applied for the Senior Team Leader position, and after that, I accepted the challenge of becoming a Project Manager, which also came with a shift of industry, this time I switched to travel & hospitality (and it was love at first sight 😊).
But looking back and especially in the early days, I definitely wouldn’t have seen myself in the same company for such a long time, and after university, I could see myself owning a translation practice together with my sister.
What were your key career moments?
As I previously mentioned, I really think that switching to a new Business Industry was a defining moment in my career. It made me realize that work can turn into passion. And the moment that made me want more was winning a new logo thanks to my collaboration with that client (an important actor within the travel industry on the French market).
What are the three most valuable career lessons you have learnt?

1. Maintain a Healthy Work-Life Balance (maintaining a healthy work-life balance can play a huge part in our happiness, so we need time to switch off from work)
2. Be a Team Player (group success is what drives businesses forward)
3. Look After Yourself (sacrificing our health for a career isn’t a price that anyone should pay)

 Why did you choose Business Services Industry? What were the top 3 reasons for choosing your company?
Individual Development, People First culture and embracing change and transformation are the top reasons for making Webhelp the right place to design a career.
Being a company driven by strong values, for most of us, Webhelp is a community of enthusiastic people who put the client at the heart and strive to enjoy every day.
Tell us a little bit about your private life: your passions, family. What do you do to relax?
In my free time, I like to travel, dine out, and discover what’s new in terms of restaurants in Bucharest, and after a hectic day at the office, I relax either at home with a delicious dinner prepared by my husband (who is a wonderful “chef”) and a documentary about a travel destination or maybe the wildlife or even about food 😊 and to complete the picture, I have a shopping session either at the mall or online (my middle name being “add to cart”).
My moments of ultimate relaxation also include spending time with my nephew and niece, whom I love to spoil with toys of course, some playtime energy, and home-baked cookies (I enjoy baking as blending ingredients such as sugar, flour, fruits, spices and turning them into edible beauty).
PS: I’m very passionate when it comes to cakes, cookies, sweets, as making them is one of my favourite activities.
If now you were starting your career, knowing the present and near future opportunities, what would you do?
I would totally be open about my career goals and learn/invest in my professional education. And finally, I would find a mentor to learn from their experiences and seek for advice.
What are the top 3 skills that you would develop?

1. COMMUNICATION SKILLS
2. FLEXIBILITY/ADAPTABILITY (it demonstrates one’s commitment and it’s a big advantage)
3. ABILITY TO WEAR MULTIPLE HATS (at the end of the day, employers look for someone willing to try out different things, and wear multiple hats at the same time)

What would you do and what would you avoid doing?—practical advice to young professionals
Good question, but the answer may be long and wide. But to summarise, I would advise staying open to unexpected opportunities, accepting feedback, and not being afraid to ask for help because we are not superhumans. And value your time, as time has become a superpower and it’s essential to manage your time wisely.

See Full Story at ABSL Romania.