Iustin Balta Cojocaru Stan, Senior Software Test Engineer

There are a lot a diverse people with different mentalities that are always keen on helping and provide feedback and this coupled with the progressive mindset of the managers makes you  feel like sky is just a step towards limitless skull improvement.

What attracted you to working at Secret Escapes?
To find what is the “Secret” behind Secret Escapes (found it out .. not telling). This and also the huge opportunity to learn more about my trade and improve on it with the full backup of the such a diverse and open minded company. And oh boy did it pay out. There are a lot a diverse people with different mentalities that are always keen on helping and provide feedback and this coupled with the progressive mindset of the managers makes you  feel like sky is just a step towards limitless skull improvement


What did you want to be when you were younger?
A painter.. and I did try to achieve that but I was striving for perfection so much that I became my worst critic. That made me join the “Critics” side (aka the dark side of art). This turned out to be my best choice since being a QA is … in essence .. criticising other peoples work based on documentation and/or requirements. And apparently I am very good at it.


What was your first week at Secret Escapes like?
A bit stiff with the after taste of “corporation” but after the first 2 days of getting setup and socialising with the rest of the tech team, that faded away and was replaced by a the family vibe that is still going strong and makes you feel like you belong.Of course there is the stress of achieving goals (for me was and still is setting up the QA for the tech team) this was never imposed by the team (I stressed myself out). The entire team is very understanding and willing to help you achieve that goal in any way possible.


How did you find the recruitment process at Secret Escapes?
I would say that was the most hectic part. It started with using an app that allowed me to be in touch (video and message-wise) with the secret escapes team which was fine but I was also in a conversation with the Secret escapes recruiter and the dedicated application agent at the same time which were not using the app but were calling me directly. At a point I lost a bit track. The rest of the process was smooth as butter, with fast responses and feedback.


What makes Secret Escapes different to where you have worked before?
The dedication and camaraderie. Secret Escapes is a family and much more than that. They will accept you with open arms and never give up on you, they will never let you down, never turn around or desert you. There is always something happening be it work related or a social event that you can join and feel as part of. You will never get bored.


What has been your favourite holiday destination and why?
Real mind churning question since there are so many awesome place but by by a small margin I would have to say the road tripe I took on “Cinque terre” – which is a string of 5 old cities dotted along the western cost of Italy. It has it all, small coastal road, buildings on big rocks,  delicious sea food and surreal views. You will drive above the clouds and at some points bellow the sea level, from huge 6 lanes highways to 1 lane narrower than your car meant for 2 vehicles and from clean straights of road to almost 45˚ ramps and slopes on serpentine mountain roads. You name it they got it.
Posted in Meet the Escapers