caroline | b-side #10

Getting Down to Business

1. What is your job profile?

I work as HR Connect Rep for Amgen’s global service center. Amgen is an R&D based pharmaceutical multinational. In HR Connect we deliver HRIS support to all internal users: HR on all levels, managers, pre-employees and staff

2. Name one professional skill that you are currently trying to develop?

Not trying to take things personally and embracing discussions rather than avoiding them at all times.

3. Are you an early bird or a night owl?

Always been a night owl. It's a family thing. 

4. Who has influenced you most when it comes to how you approach your work?

My fiancé Joost as he's already a bit further in his career. 

5. I like to jump out of bed the moment the alarm goes off and then leave home max 30 mins later. The commuting to work then allows me to chill a bit before work.

I like to jump out of bed the moment the alarm goes off and then leave home max 30 mins later. The commuting to work then allows me to chill a bit before work. 

6. What’s the worst job you’ve ever had, and what did you learn from it?

When I was a student, I worked 6 weeks at a customer service dept but the job itself was pure data input, full time. Also the commuting was far from easy. I learnt that I needed to work hard as a student but also afterwards in order to get myself a better job. 

7. What’s a mistake you made early on in your career, and what did you learn from it?

I didn't believe enough in myself when I was a young graduate as I didn't have relevant working experience for the jobs I was applying to. I learnt now that young graduates can outperform their colleagues who have a lot of experience but just care less about work and the company. 

8. What energizes you at work?

A dedicated and hard-working team that is connected to each other on a personal level as well. 

9. What’s your biggest work pet peeve?

Full time presenteeism instead of teleworking.

10. What drains you at work?

Negativism and people with poor work ethics. 

11. What’s a work-related accomplishment that you’re really proud of?

That I have settled in in my new job (it still feels like a new job after 9 months) as I had to adapt immensely on different levels and sometimes hesitated that I wasn't going to make it. 

Let’s get Personal

12. What advice would you give to your teenage self?

Don't let others determine your mood, your energy level, your path. You do deserve happiness, just don't let others block your way. 

13. What’s a trip that changed you, and why?

When I went to the Cyclades I met the most chilled people. That's where I decided to focus on my own life and own happiness. I started caring less about being the perfect sister, daughter, friend.. Basic,lly about being the perfect person that people wanted me to be. Instead, I started focusing about what makes me happy

14. What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?

People often see a miss perfect in me, someone who simply has it all. I actually went through a lot and would never say that my life has been easy. I still work hard on different levels to live the life I currently have. 

15. What’s something you’ve done, but will never do again?

First thing that pops up into my head is the sledge hammer (animation park attraction of a giant Frisbee type). It was too much for me and I literally cried while I was in there but of course no one heard me. 

16. What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received?

That I'm a good listener. I truly don't understand that there is so few people on this planet that actually listen to others. 

17. What’s something you saw recently that made you smile?

My cat, she's the cutest and craziest. 

18. What’s one thing you’re currently trying to make a habit?

Planning my private life. It's disruptive with my personality but I figured there is just no escaping if I want to accomplish my  goals. 

19. What’s one of your favorite memories from the past year?

Those nights in Antwerp with my group of friends from the Latin dance classes where we used to have drinks after classes and hang out until 1 or 2 AM in the middle of the week and forgot about the time and our duties

20. When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A singer. 

21. If you could trade places with anyone for a day, who would you choose?

I would love to live my cat's life. 

22. What three words would your friends use to describe you?

Honest, Rebel, Authentic.

Time to have fun

23. If you could choose a name for yourself, what would it be?

I would pick a male name that would also look nice on women like “Stef”.

24. If you were the only human left on Earth, what would you do?

Join a pack of apes and bond with them like the jungle book.

25. What’s one item you can’t leave your house or apartment without?

Disinfection spray.

26. What’s one item you want to own that you don’t?

Can it be a person? A sister then. If an item, then my (humble) biggest miss is a weekend house in a sunny country.

27. What’s one song you have completely memorized?

I memorized a lot of songs when I was younger, and I recall impressing you with the lyrics of ‘La Solitudine” from Laura Pausini.

28. What fictional place would you most like to visit?

The speaking tree from Pocahontas.

29. What’s your most hated household chore?

Ironing my man's shirts.

30. What’s one song or artist that you’re embarrassed to admit you like?

I'm never embarrassed to express my opinions as I have my arguments ready. But people criticised me a lot on admiring Enrique Iglesias for his looks and his music.

31. What trend do you hope makes a comeback?

People wanting to have their own (bigger) garden.

32. What book are you reading now?

Still the culture map for work. 

33. What’s one hobby you’d love to get into?

Skiing and snowboarding.

34. Do you think it is important for companies to know that people are more than a job profile?

Yes, I believe fostering personal relations is critical for business outcomes. In order to accomplish that, professionals should be able to put off their masks and show their pure self.