Career
The AsstrA international corporate group has undergone many changes during its 26 years of development. Its organizational structure, its approach to work, and its information technology have all evolved. But one thing that has remained constant is its team’s can-do attitude. People are a critical success factor for any business; motivating them and encouraging them to develop are a top priority for every successful business. The heroes of this interview have remained loyal to AsstrA for 20 years.
Elena Galavan, a Forwarding Agent in AsstrA’s Eastern Europe Division, began her story at AsstrA as a part-time Office Manager. She wanted to learn new things and advance her career. From there she transitioned to accounting and expanded her knowledge of logistics document flows. Her diligence, patience, and strong nerves caught the eye of AsstrA management and, seven years after starting her career with the company, Elena joined the Operations Team.
“At AsstrA, team leaders value staff, believe in them, give them opportunities to develop, and support them with initiatives. The most important thing is to love what you do. You can them resolve each issue calmly and responsibly, as your colleagues are like a second family,” Elena Galavan comments.
Like many young people, Minsk Branch Manager Mikhail Khramchenko, was fond of cars as he grew up. At university, he chose to study Transport Management and Organization. At that time, in the late 90s, interest in the logistics industry was growing.
“I remember that I spent my first working day at the company learning how to use a computer correctly. Based on experience, I want to note the importance of communication skills, perseverance in actions, and the desire to work towards a concrete result. Think positively and believe in success.
I believe that the guarantee of long-term work is an unquenchable desire to learn about what you love. Start every day with excitement about new tasks, questions, and meetings. AsstrA has become more than my workplace; it is a second home,” Mihail Khramchenko shares.
Oleg Bykov, Regional Manager for Belarus, began his career working for a transport carrier who partnered closely with AsstrA. Even then, back in 1999, he recognized the company’s positive attitude towards employees and principled approach to business.
“I really wanted to become a part of AsstrA. I called once a week for two months to see if there was a vacancy. In the end, I prevailed! When I was invited for an interview, after which I was offered a position, I was ecstatic. I was so inspired that I did not even ask about my future wages. And when I found out, I was pleasantly surprised.
At work it is important to know foreign languages and how to communicate and negotiate. Be sure to keep your word, whatever the cost. Diligence and, of course, constant creativity will come in handy. Confucius said: ‘Do what you like and you will not work a day in your life.’ This is a motto that I fully believe. For me, the AsstrA team is an exemplary family that I love and that continues to inspire me,” says Oleg Bykov.
Financial Director Mikhail Germanovich’s first day at AsstrA was Monday, June 19 in office 517. The future financial expert was the company’s 28th hire. Today, the Minsk branch employs a team of over 350 experts.
“I remember everyone I met that day. I was trained to register and issue invoices and prepare form mailings. For a long time I have been convinced that to work at AsstrA you need a desire to act and the rest will take care of itself. Experienced colleagues will teach, advise, and help you. A leader who constantly presents new tasks and does not let you get bored is a guarantor of constant development at work. It is nice to know that you are working in a sincere atmosphere where you communicate with your friends,” Mikhail Germanovich summarizes.