Cristina, where does your Netherlands story begin?
I arrived in summer 2022. Before that, I’d spent two years working in Germany — mostly with Romanian teams — so language wasn’t a big challenge there. The Netherlands was different: English everywhere, new culture, new rules.
Be honest… how much English did you speak on day one?
Just “yes” and “no.” I could understand a little, but speaking? Almost nothing. Going to the shop or talking to colleagues was scary at first.
And yet you chose to stay. Why?
The Dutch mentality. People are direct and honest — they tell you things straight to your face. I appreciate that. It helps you grow.
How did CEVA enter the picture?
I was applying to multiple agencies. CEVA was one of two options I got. People warned me the English level might be tough, but I wanted to try. On the floor there were many Spanish and Polish colleagues, fewer Romanians, so I had to adapt quickly.
If you never try, you’ll never find out if you can do it.
What did you like about the job at CEVA Logistics?
It was very practical. I worked with real products: checking deliveries, counting items, and putting them into the system. The pace was calm, not too much pressure. The team leaders and coordinators were friendly and supportive.
You didn’t stay “entry level” for long. What changed?
I started on a basic station, then supported others (bringing pallets, solving small issues). After six months, because my English improved, they asked if I wanted EPT training. I said yes, got the license, and took on more responsibility.
What’s the real secret to getting noticed for growth?
Don’t hide in your station. Work well, but also communicate. Show interest. Say “I want to learn this.” There can be a hundred people around you — they won’t guess your ambitions unless you speak up.
Then life threw you a curveball — the accident. What happened and how did you cope?
Early the next year, I had a workplace accident with an EPT. Recovery was tough — months at home and a lot of pain at the beginning. The office team stayed in touch the whole time to see how I was doing. After about two months, they came up with an idea: to invite me to the office a few times per week so I wouldn’t feel alone at home and could keep my mind busy.
Was that helpful?
Yes, it kept me busy. And I saw the agency from the inside. Outside, you sometimes think, “Why aren’t they fixing my problem immediately?” Inside, you see the volume, the coordination — it’s challenging work. I became more understanding of both sides.
You somehow ended up in marketing — and learned fast.
I joined twice a week and started helping with creative tasks. I taught myself Adobe Photoshop at night. In a month I felt confident editing visuals and short videos. It was new, hard, and exciting.
Later you moved into an office operations role. First weeks?
Honestly… hard. After two or three weeks I almost told myself, “This isn’t for me.” But then I thought: What’s my alternative? Go home and be stuck again? So I kept going. Now I’m comfortable and proud of how much I’ve learned.
Let’s talk language. How did you really learn English?
Music and movies. I’d watch a film with subtitles, then rewatch it without. When a lyric had a word I didn’t know, I’d translate it and repeat the song. At work I forced myself to speak, even if it wasn’t correct. That’s how it sticks. I’m working toward C1 next.
Looking back, what mindset made the biggest difference?
Curiosity and small daily effort. If there’s an opportunity — a course, a new task, a license — say yes. Take a little extra step every day.
Your message to someone arriving today with minimal English, starting in a warehouse, dreaming of more?
Speak up. Tell your coordinator you want to learn X. Be visible. Help teammates, solve small problems, ask for feedback. Build habits. 20 minutes daily of English from music/movies is enough to start. Say yes to training. Licenses and cross-training open doors. Be patient. Growth feels slow — until one day it looks fast.
Two years ago I was afraid to buy groceries in English. Today I handle office tasks, create visuals, and keep learning. It’s not magic. It’s daily choices. If you try, you find out you can.