In less than a year – from a newcomer to an ambassador of the value of drive

Saulė Jasinskaitė, a 22-year-old global marketing student at Vilnius University , who joined the team less than a year ago, has already been nominated as an ambassador of the value of drive. Saulė shares about her first impressions at Vilnius Bread, her fears and a few unexpected facts about herself.

Saulė, you started working at Vilniaus Duona less than a year ago – what is the story of your appearance at Vilniaus Duona?

At first, I wasn't even looking for a job, but I realized that you need to push yourself and overcome your fears – job ads look really scary, especially when you are new to the job market. The position was called Sales Support Specialist, and in the job description I was worried, I was wondering if I would be able to learn everything and integrate into the new position.

But in the end, I filled out the questionnaire and was invited for an interview. Soon I received an answer that I was accepted into Vilniaus Duona. I think that at the right time and in the right place, the job advertisement appeared and was so perfectly arranged that I am here. From the very beginning of the job interview, there was a warm connection with the manager and colleagues.

What was your prejudice about the company? Were you surprised by anything when you started working?

I didn't have a negative or positive opinion about Vilniaus Duona, I just knew that it was a large company and the main producer of Lithuanian bread, which meant there would be something to do.

Now I understand why people dedicate many years to this company, because both managers and colleagues respect and motivate each other very much, appreciate a youthful attitude and encourage growth. I was surprised that they didn't wave their hand at me as a newcomer, because I'm 22 years old.

You were recognized as an ambassador of the value of drive of Vilniaus Duona. What does drive mean to you personally?

To be honest, I really didn't expect to receive this award. For me at the moment, this is the greatest recognition that the company has noticed and appreciated me. Although it may seem that I have left a small trace myself, but when I receive such an award, it is nice to understand that maybe I am doing everything well.

For me, as a young person, the value of drive means climbing over all the fears I face. I have learned not to be afraid to express my opinion and not to be afraid to make mistakes – I always try to tell myself not to make an elephant out of a fly, because mistakes made are not the end of the world. I try to criticize myself less in such situations.

What do others usually misunderstand about you and how would you refute this attitude?

Not only in the work environment, but also when meeting new people, most people note that I look very angry...

Although the reality is the opposite, because I always try to smile and spread positive emotions. But at rest, the face probably looks harsh, so people are afraid to approach. Well, I can't change 🙂 anything

You are currently working on a very important project – BP3. Tell us what this project is and what are you responsible for?

In simple words, these are updated systems that are used by the company's employees to facilitate and simplify our work. In the project itself, I have two roles – the coordinator of the sales department "super user" and "master data".

As soon as we started working on this project, I had to adjust and think about what needs to be updated in the system to make the work easier. I also had to monitor whether all the functions worked, enter the products, etc. There is a lot of work to be done, but I think these system updates will pay off.

You are a global marketing student, but you are working on a project in another field – are you considering changing direction or would you like to continue your career in marketing?

When I was still in school, I dreamed of studying marketing for a long time, I always thought that it was my "engine". After a few months of working in the initial position, i.e. as a sales support specialist, after moving to the position of the BP3 project, I realized that there are other opportunities and areas in which I could realize myself.

Although what I'm doing at the moment is closely related to marketing, I don't know if I'd like to focus solely on marketing. We'll see. So far, I am very happy with the current position.

Would you recommend working at Vilniaus Duona to your peers? Why?

I would highly recommend it. I have worked in much smaller companies, so the size of the companies is very noticeable. As my dad always advised me, and now I understand that for a young person who has just entered the stage of job search, it is better to start with a larger company. Why? Because it is easier to understand and get acquainted with the principles of business management and operation, you simply see how everything should really be.

And Vilniaus Duona is also characterized by a great working environment and culture, people are very pleasant, we get along well with all our colleagues, so there is no fear of going to work. I go with a smile.

What is your best way to relax?

Knitting. I started knitting just before I got a job at Vilniaus Duona. As is typical of grandmothers, mine also says that I am talented in this field, because I just wanted to knit and I learned, I still like it very much ever since. I knit probably every night with the TV on. I think that many colleagues do not even know that I come to work with my own knitted sweaters.

What could you talk about for hours?

My friends say that I can talk non-stop about nature and everything related to it – camping, mountains, forest. Well, about Dora, my dog.

My other half and I have a tradition of looking for an unseen lake in the summer after work or on weekends, walking through the forests. Nature charges me.

What fact would your colleagues be very surprised to learn about you?

I think colleagues would be surprised that I knit, because many people don't know it. But also the fact that I am a language fanatic.

Lithuanian and English are considered my mother tongue, but I understand and can speak Italian and almost fluent French.

Actually, I planned to study fashion marketing in Paris, so I started learning French, but I didn't leave, and my knowledge of the language remained. I would like to speak Italian fluently, because it seems that this is "my" language, although I have also thought about French.

Do you eat bread yourself? What bread is the most delicious for you personally?

Yes, I really like bread. Of course, Dad's recipe is the most delicious – dark bread with butter and salt.

At the moment, I can't stop eating our news "Agotos TYRA" rye bread – extremely delicious for me.

What would be your message or advice to a new employee at Vilniaus Duona?

Don't be afraid. If you have any questions, always contact your colleagues or managers, be curious.

Most of the time, when we come to a new job, we think that we already have to know and know everything in a magical way, but this is impossible. We all make mistakes, and experience is the best teacher.

Prepared by a marketing intern at Vilniaus Duona

Austėja Kuprytė, Global Marketing Student at Vilnius University