Meet TrustPay Team: Interview with Marek Žilinský, Product Specialist

What initially caught your attention and made you apply for a job at TrustPay?

I noticed the job advertisement, and initially, what caught my interest was that TrustPay is a FinTech company. Since I wasn’t exactly sure what it was about at that time, I began researching, and it seemed like a very interesting industry to me. I consider English one of my strong suits, and since it was required for this position, it was another reason I decided to submit my resume. Subsequently, I had a very pleasant interview, and it worked out well. 😊

Can you describe your journey at TrustPay from the interview to your current position?

I began as a Due Diligence Assistant in the compliance department, which focuses on adherence to both general legal regulations and internal norms.

I completed several training sessions with the department head alongside other new colleagues. Throughout these sessions, we acquired a wealth of information and had the opportunity to demonstrate our capabilities and interests.

Additionally, we worked on various tasks, leading two of us to be promoted to Senior Compliance Officers. I found the training sessions highly beneficial and enjoyed working on assignments and real cases, presenting them, and receiving feedback.

Since these cases were real, I learned a great deal from them, which I could subsequently apply in my work. Later, the position of Product Specialist became available, which is my current role.

“Working at TrustPay was precisely the opportunity to step out of my comfort zone and give something new a chance.”

What challenges did you face when starting, and how did you overcome them?

There were several challenges because I essentially completely changed my professional life. Previously, I worked in retail, which involved different working hours. Although I spend most of my time in the office, the work is not monotonous, and I even recently went on my first business trip to Barcelona.

My work life has completely changed, which I see as very positive because it’s the kind of change I was actually seeking. I enjoy challenges and like to learn something new continually. Working at TrustPay was precisely the opportunity to step out of my comfort zone and give something new a chance.

Are there any development and educational opportunities within the company?

When I joined the Compliance department, my colleagues provided training, and I acquired a significant amount of information while learning many professional and legal terms. I also familiarized myself with our internal systems. These training sessions provided me with a comprehensive overview, enabling me to apply my knowledge and analytical skills to real-life cases.

In my current role as a Product Specialist, it is essential for me to have a thorough understanding of not only the products TrustPay offers but also their technical aspects. To grasp settings and other technical elements, I spent some time with colleagues in the operations department, where I gained valuable insights.

You are currently in the position of Product Specialist. Could you please tell us more about it?

It all began with training sessions with our Chief Technology Officer (CTO), during which he provided a detailed introduction to the products we offer to clients. I was highly engaged in this training and asked numerous technical questions, which attracted the attention of management. Subsequently, I was offered this position.

As of now, my responsibilities include managing our partnerships, communicating with them, enhancing our product offerings, and exploring new opportunities based on customer needs while continuously monitoring the market.

In this role, I devote significant time to self-study and online research. Additionally, I engage in numerous online meetings with our partners. The role is truly multifaceted.

What does a typical day look like in your position?

What I appreciate about my job is its daily diversity. Some days are spent on phone calls, others sorting through emails or engaging in internal meetings. Over my time with the company, I transitioned from a back-office role focusing on internal matters to a front-office role involving daily interaction with partners. This shift demands greater prioritization and immersion in operational activities. Currently, I collaborate closely with management and the business development department. Given the multidisciplinary nature of my role, I frequently traverse between departments and serve as a conduit for information exchange.

What advice would you give to someone starting within the company?

The key is to stay interested, ask questions, and take notes. This industry is dynamic, meaning that one must remain active to maintain an overview and understand connections.

Today, we all encounter electronic payments on a daily basis, and it’s fascinating to see what lies behind online payments. Only upon joining this company did I realize the varying popularity of payment methods across different countries. For instance, I learned that card payments rank as the second or third preferred option in many European countries. As a payment provider, we must precisely understand these specifics and tailor our products and payment methods accordingly.

TrustPay’s company culture is open, and management values proactive inquiry and assistance. HR regularly organizes engaging team-building activities, team dinners, pizza days, barbecues, and more. I’ve found a supportive community among the young team members, extending beyond the workplace. I’m grateful for the opportunity to dedicate myself to work that I find genuinely enjoyable and fulfilling. 😊