Interviewer: Veronika, thank you for joining us today. Can you start by telling us a bit about yourself and what you do?
Veronika: My name is Veronika Rulli. I am involved in the European-Ukrainian Hub project, my third project at IVÆKST. I began as a project worker, and my responsibilities include system administration of project websites, managing our CRM system, and providing technical and informational support to project participants. Teamwork is a key element of my role, and the diversity of tasks keeps the job both engaging and fulfilling. We are a small team which means that we all have to take responsibility for different tasks which not only has exposed me to lots of different operational activities, but also gives me a sense of accountability and keeps me learning.
Interviewer: Did you have any previous experience working in Ukraine that influenced your current work at IVÆKST?
Veronika Rulli: My experience in real estate sales was certainly valuable, but my work at IVÆKST has opened up entirely new opportunities. I've discovered that my true passion lies in project work and developing my skills in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Further than that, I believe that the work we do at the Ukranian Hub is making a significant difference to the Ukranian community in Denmark which adds true purpose to the work, myself and the rest of the team performs here.
Interviewer: What drove your interest in Artificial Intelligence?
Veronika Rulli: The AI workshops we conducted as part of our project were a major catalyst for my interest. They sparked my self-development, and caused me to go and start exploring trends and tools myself. The biggest realisation for me was that AI is not just the future but very much the present.
Interviewer: How do you balance your professional work with continuous learning?
Veronika: Continuous self-improvement is no longer a virtue, but an absolute necessity. Things are changing so quickly that unless we are able to stay on top of trends, innovation and new ways of working, we risk lagging behind . Outside of work, I am actively engaged in learning formally and on my own. It’s thrilling to see how in relatively short periods of time you can go from being a complete novice to start understanding new concepts and technologies, to becoming fluent in their application. My plans for the future include further development in AI and participating in more exciting projects.
Interviewer: What motivates you most about working at IVÆKST?
Veronika: I'm deeply passionate about the mission of IVÆKST to strengthen Ukrainian refugees' path towards self-sufficiency. The projects inspire me and help me grow both professionally and personally and I regularly feel I am making a difference in the lives of people who have been displaced by the war. Denmark is a country filled with opportunities, especially for hardworking Ukranians.
Interviewer: Thank you, Veronika, for sharing your journey with us. Its inspiring listening to you and your passion and dedication is inspiring.
Veronika: Thank you! I am grateful for the opportunities IVÆKST has provided me and also for the opportunity to speak to you and share a bit of my story.