My Ciklopea Story: Ivana Barišić Oharek

How did you get into the language industry?

I can definitely say that the language industry was the only logical path for me. As soon as I started learning French back in elementary school, I knew that my professional life would have something to do with foreign languages. After finishing a high school for languages, I decided to study French and Croatian language and literature in Zagreb. As a graduate, I had the opportunity to work for Croatian Radiotelevision as a freelance translator and subtitler, then back in 2012 I started my own little language services business, and the rest is history.

How many languages can you speak and/or understand?

I speak French and English, but I also understand Italian and Spanish, and I would like to perfect my knowledge of these two languages. Of course, I also understand all of the languages spoken in our region.

How did you become Vendor & HR Manager at Ciklopea?

I started working at Ciklopea five years ago as a Project Manager after many years of experience in the translation industry and in managing my own language services business. However, I love organizing things, communicating, and working with people, so we all realized early on that I could contribute to the company much more if I became involved in strategic tasks, which primarily included sales and customer care. Then I got the opportunity to transfer to Vendor Management, which also includes employee care. So, I’m happy to say that I’m familiar with and experienced in all aspects of working in the translation industry, from translation, to organization and management of different teams, to employee care.

What is your driving force at work?

Every day I try to seek new challenges and make moves that will enable me to go one step further. This can be a new project, onboarding a new vendor, developing a new service, bringing in a new employee, or teamwork on a more complex project. I love working with people, and the most important thing for me is open, clear, and friendly communication. And, of course, my biggest support is my family.

What is your advice for your younger colleagues?

Be persistent and do what you love. It’s normal to lose motivation for work sometimes, but it’s also important to know how to follow your own path and to be open to new people, situations, and challenges. Openness, optimism, constant willingness to learn, and curiosity are my main motivators, and thanks to that I can achieve great results, which makes me fulfilled and happy.

What is your secret superpower?

I’m a good listener. I’m constantly learning new things, and there’s word going around that I am also a good teacher of the Croatian and French languages and cultures.

Who is your hero and why?

My parents. They are always full of support and understanding. They were both hard workers in their professions and are nowadays still in love and enjoy life and spending time with their family.

What is your motto or favorite quote?

Be yourself and follow your own philosophy of life, but at the same time respect others and accept diversity, because nothing beats the fact that we are all different, but can still be full of mutual respect. I love multiculturalism!

The three things you would take to a desert island?

My favorite photo, a notepad, and a pen.

Describe Ciklopea in one sentence.

A dynamic, successful, and modern company that encourages learning and progress in the language industry.