Magazine website - Aartsen - 2023

FRESH TALK
CESAR ROBLES LASTRA
From the States to Hong Kong
After one year of living the American dream as an exchange student
in Montana, it’s time for Cesar to go to university. "I combined two
degrees: business administration & management, and international
trade. In my third year I was finally allowed to study abroad. As an
Erasmus exchange student I studied in Budapest. For my last year of
university I moved back to the US. To finish up university and after the
year abroad in the US, I had to complete my final theses in barely one
month. I think that has been one of the biggest achievement of my
life so far. I’ve never worked so hard as I did during that month and I
spent so much time and effort in it." After obtaining his two bachelor
degrees, Cesar joins a masters program in which he is selected to
represent his region working as an International Trade Advisor. Quite
the opportunity, since only a few students are selected to join the
program. But for Cesar it meant something else: he would finally be
able to travel again. "For me, it was an opportunity to discover a new
part of the world. Because of my background they wanted to send me
to the United States again, but I insisted on going to Hong Kong and
thankfully, I got the position there."
Protest and Covid-19
The arrival in Hong Kong was not entirely pleasant, Cesar tells us.
"Every day, there were riots on the streets and pretty soon after my
arrival the pandemic started. It was difficult to find opportunities,
and possibilities to travel were limited." But then, out of nowhere
an opportunity presented itself: Aartsen was looking for a Spanish
speaking employee. "I started work on December 8th as a International
Trader, which is such a dynamic job. I’m responsible for the import
of Spanish produce, the Indian market, now in transition to Vietnam
and we have just shipped the first container ever from South Africa to
Bangladesh. There’s so much to do!"
With less and less restrictions in place, the job turns out to be
perfect for Cesar. "As a sales person I appreciate this type of work.
Constantly looking for ways to push for more sales, discovering new
markets, and lots of traveling. All the traveling makes this the best job
for me right now! However, what I appreciate equally is the feeling of
being part of a family. I feel so welcome and it is because Aartsen
is a family business. You are important as a person, you’re not just
another employee. It’s not just about numbers, Aartsen truly cares
for you and looks after you. As a newbie I got such a warm welcome.
Everyone was willing to help me out to get started."
Opportunities to grow
It is exactly the work environment that allows Cesar to thrive.
"The business is doing well and that motivates me to work even
harder. Besides, Aartsen gives you all the opportunities to grow,
to develop the skills you need, to move to the next position. While
always considering where your qualities and ambitions lie. Whatever
opportunity they give me, I’ll be here to take it with both hands. It’s
important for me to keep growing and developing myself. Whether it
is to develop a new potential market like Bangladesh, or expanding
the existing ones in Vietnam or India." With his colleagues from all
over the world, Cesar feels at home in Hong Kong. "The secret behind
the company’s success is the diversity of the team. There’s so much
to learn from each other, everyone has a different background and
brings in new knowledge or a different approach. And when you work
this well together, you get the best results."
32 | AMBITION