Our Humans of DreamProIT series continues with the story of Tetiana Reviakina, our Financial Advisor.
In a world that often tries to fit individuals into predefined boxes, it’s refreshing to come across someone like Tetiana, a true embodiment of a multifaceted individual. Her varied passions, from the delicate care of plants to the boldness of driving a tractor, show that we are not limited to just one interest or role.
“I could never really get why success is associated with focusing on one thing or area or sticking to a specific formal image. I think having diverse backgrounds and being curious about new stuff actually contribute far more to success than constantly trying to fit in a box.”
Tetiana’s story begins with her love for greenery. Beyond her role as Financial Advisor, she finds pleasure and joy in nurturing plants. Her apartment is like a little green paradise – filled with all sorts of plants and colorful pots.
“My interest in plants started because my mom really loved having potted greens around the house. Later, I also loved helping out my friends and neighbors with their plants. Eventually, it turned into a real fascination of mine. For me, it’s a chance to do something with my hands: a tactile element and emotional fulfillment. Flowers often mirror your inner state – they either wither when you’re not feeling well, or they bloom when you’re in high spirits.”
While talking, Tetiana was proudly showing me her plants, from tiny and cute ones to bigger and more unusual species. However, Tetiana’s interests don’t stop on plants. She holds a tractor driver’s license, a skill that surprises many.
“My university presented me with a chance to get my tractor-driving license while I was studying for my degree, and it immediately caught my interest. I practiced a bunch and took every opportunity to obtain practical experience driving a tractor, and by 2016 I proudly held a valid tractor-driving license. Eventually, I was even invited to share my expertise with junior students at my university, and I was totally up for it!”
I noticed Tetiana’s eyes glowing, and I could see the true enjoyment from the expression on her face while she shared her experience driving a tractor.
“There are few things in the world that give you the same feeling as driving a tractor. The funny thing is, after spending time driving a tractor, regular cars now feel so tiny and kind of unsafe to me.”
However, Tetiana’s educational journey has offered her more than a tractor-driving license. With a background in both Customs Affairs and Mechanical Engineering, she also explored Administration and Management before embracing the role of a Financial Advisor.
“My academic journey took a few turns. I initially began with studies towards becoming a Customs Officer but eventually switched my focus. Now I have two Master’s degrees under my belt: one in Mechanical Engineering and another in Administration and Management. In every academic decision I made, I followed my gut and took the opportunities that came my way. I’ve never been afraid to explore different paths, because it’s not just the destination that matters, but also the skills and experiences gained along the way.”
The mix of analytical and technical skills gives Tetiana a unique perspective, benefiting her accounting role and her diverse hobbies.
“I guess my current role as a Financial Advisor proves what I’ve said before. It’s clear to me that all the skills, education, and experiences I’ve gathered along the way come together to help me excel in what I do now. Take mechanical engineering, for instance, which became quite handy in my current role. Being an engineer isn’t just about working with machines. It’s about a mindset, analytical skills, and a way of thinking that can be applied in various areas. In my everyday life as a Financial Advisor, I find myself using these skills. When I dive into numbers, it’s not just about the digits; I see the underlying meaning and the story they tell.”
Being curious about how Tetiana eventually became a Financial Advisor, I asked for more details.
“I was offered my first job in accounting while I was still obtaining my degree in Administration and Management. Seeing a chance to gain practical experience, I decided to give it a shot. But just in six months I already had my first independent client. Besides my main job, I started offering personalized financial consultation and assistance. So that’s how it all started.”
The way Tetiana talks about her job reveals that it has more significance for her than just a mere occupation.
“I’ve come to realize that I genuinely enjoy my area of work. I find satisfaction in working with numbers and applying my analytical thinking. Moreover, I like handling the challenges that come with my profession. For instance, ever-changing government and legal standards – I enjoy navigating through these changes and finding a way to make it work for my clients. Additionally, I regularly take courses to improve my skills and do everything to remain well-informed as being a Financial Advisor requires being up-to-date.”
Tetiana blooms in the freedom of exploring what resonates with her as the beauty of life comes from the intersection of our diverse passions.
“If I could offer one piece of advice, it would be this: don’t pursue a single path just for the sake of it, and don’t let it define your entire identity. Our uniqueness lies in our diversity, and we can be passionate about various interests and pursuits.”
Her experiences teach us that life is much more exciting when we embrace what connects with and speaks to us.