Helvijs' International Journey: Latvia to Denmark

When Helvijs was in his early 20s, he reached out to Hanzan Maiznica for an interview. Although they weren't looking for trainees at the time, he managed to secure an intern position in marketing, covering for someone on maternity leave.?

"I may have been just an assistant, but I was given interesting and challenging tasks right from the start," Helvijs emphasizes. He even ended up writing his master’s thesis with Hanzan Maiznica! Although they didn't have a full-time position available in his field, a few months later, he received an offer to be a Merchandiser. He had to balance this role with his studies, but it truly taught him the fundamentals and basics of the business, which he now applies in his everyday work.

From there, Helvijs grew into a Sales Representative, gradually gaining his own set of customers. "It was a constant development. As a sales representative, I took on more responsibility, acquired more customers, and managed more chains," he explains.?

His journey progressed as he transitioned into roles such as HoReCa and Export Sales Manager, eventually leading a team of seven as the Manager of Sales. "I introduced new methodologies, prioritized result measurement, and emphasized innovation," he reflects. "Having the autonomy to make decisions and a supportive manager facilitated my growth and advancement."

While in this role, another opportunity arose: managing an outsourced IT team. "The objective was to align IT with business objectives, leading me to become a Business and IT Development Manager," he explains. Over time, the role expanded from Latvia to the Baltic region. "I thoroughly enjoy the constant expansion, continual improvement, and embracing diverse roles. I strongly believe that cross-functional collaboration is pivotal for any organization's future success," he adds enthusiastically.

Now, he works at Unibake’s headquarters office in Copenhagen. "It all happened so quickly, and I couldn't believe it until the very last moment," he shares. "From a legal standpoint, I work for the same company, but honestly, my roles are always changing, and I'm always growing. I feel comfortable, but at the same time, I'm always being challenged."

With his varied experiences, he is the right person to ask about what he values most about Unibake's way of working.

"I really appreciate their approach of giving people a chance. For instance, in the Graduate Program, participants are required to prepare and present materials. It's great because it really helps them grow. There are so many young individuals out there who are eager to develop, and Unibake is really giving them that opportunity."

For those starting their professional journey:

"Be brave, know your dreams, and believe that anything is possible – that's what I do. And don't worry if you don't have all the skills, just have the right attitude because that matters most. With the right mindset, you can achieve a lot both in your work and personal life."

?See your opportunities https://bit.ly/3IGOvt5