Hristijan Krstevski

1. How do you remember your first day at the company?

My first day at the company, Thursday, May 3, 2001, remains deeply etched in my memory. I started in the Weighing and Preparation Department, and I remember the feeling as a mix of excitement, nervousness, and a great sense of responsibility. It was also particularly meaningful to me because both of my parents worked at Alkaloid, so in a way, I felt that I was continuing a family tradition. Everything seemed new to me, from the processes and procedures to the dynamics of the work. Yet what immediately made an impression on me was the way my colleagues treated me. They were open, willing to help, and ready to explain things, which gave me a sense of security and made me feel that I was in the right place. That support helped me settle in more quickly and start learning.

2. What has changed the most from your early days with the company?

If I compare my beginnings with today, the biggest changes are in technology, organization, and the way we approach our work. Today, the processes are significantly more modernized, with greater automation and much stricter controls at every stage. Standards are higher, documentation is more extensive, and responsibilities are clearly defined and assigned. At the same time, you can see the company itself developing at a much faster pace – growing in capacity and expanding its product portfolio. All of this has also contributed to our development as employees, encouraging us to continuously learn and acquire new knowledge and skills.

3. What has been the proudest moment of your career at Alkaloid?

It is difficult to single out just one moment, but I am most proud of the continuity, of having been part of this system for so many years and of growing alongside it. Every new piece of knowledge gained, every challenge successfully overcome, and every responsibility entrusted to me by my superiors has been a great source of recognition. There is a special feeling when you see the result of your work and know that you have contributed to a process that ensures quality and product safety. I am also proud to have had the opportunity to be part of the opening of the new department, an important milestone and a step forward for the company and me personally. Moments like these confirm that you are part of something that is developing and moving forward. It is more than just a job; it is a source of personal satisfaction.

4. What is the biggest difference between your job today and when you first started?

From a personal perspective, the biggest difference is the experience I have gained and the way I approach my work. In the beginning, I learned step by step, with more insecurity and a greater need for guidance, whereas today I work with much greater confidence and self-assurance. Over the years, it is not only the work that changes, but the person changes as well. You learn to think more responsibly and make decisions with greater maturity. My work today requires greater responsibility and precision, but the experience I have gained helps me handle everyday challenges more easily. In a way, this job has shaped me not only professionally, but also as a person.

5. What motivated you to stay, develop, and grow together with the company?

What motivated me most was the stability and security the company offers, as well as the opportunity to keep learning and progressing. Throughout the years, there has always been room for development, whether through practical experience or by acquiring new knowledge. The work atmosphere and spirit of collegiality have also played an important role. Working in an environment built on respect and support makes it much easier to stay motivated. Feeling that I am part of a reputable and successful company also inspired me to give my best.

6. What has remained unchanged for you throughout all your years at Alkaloid?

Regardless of all the changes, one thing has remained the same: my attitude towards work. From my first day until today, I have always tried to be responsible, committed, and to do my job to the best of my ability. I have also always valued team spirit. Both then and now, good relationships among colleagues are essential to the success of every process. That sense of togetherness does not change easily.

7. What message would you like to share with new employees who are just starting their careers at Alkaloid?

I would advise new employees to be patient and open to learning. At first, everything may seem complicated, but with time, things fall into place. They should not be afraid to ask questions or seek help; this is part of the learning process. It is also important to approach the work with responsibility and seriousness, because these qualities are always noticed and appreciated. Ultimately, the most important thing is to put in the effort, because success does not happen overnight.

8. Is there anything you would do differently or change about your time at Alkaloid?

Looking back over all these years, perhaps I would have devoted even more time to further education earlier in my career. Still, I cannot say that I regret any of my decisions, because every step was part of the learning process. Both the good times and the more difficult moments have shaped me as an employee and as a person. Today, I see it all as a valuable experience that has brought me to where I am now.