Autumn often marks a season of new beginnings, and this year is no different at Cathays Community Centre, where changes are underway. Last week, Andreea Ispas joined the team as the new HR Manager, taking charge of the centre’s HR processes and overseeing staff and operations in the field.
From law to business: A diverse career path leads to HR
Andreea’s career has been anything but conventional, spanning law, business, and HR. Reflecting on her journey, she says, “It all started in my 20s when I launched my own business selling fish. There was no internet back then, so I had to learn everything from scratch.”
Realising the importance of understanding the legal side of business, Andreea pursued a law degree. “I knew that to run a business effectively, I needed a solid grasp of the law,” she explains. “I studied criminal, family, and corporate law, and I was particularly drawn to criminal law. But the level of corruption in Romania at the time made it impossible for me to work in that field.”
Originally from Bucharest, Romania, Andreea worked as a solicitor for several years while searching for her true path. A turning point came when her husband’s business ties brought the family to Cardiff, where she has lived ever since. During the pandemic, Andreea returned to education, earning a Master’s degree in HR Management from the University of South Wales.
Familiar with the Cathays Community Centre from her early days in Cardiff, Andreea says she couldn’t pass up the opportunity to join the team. “I used to pass by the centre every day on my way to work, so when the HR Manager position came up, it felt like the perfect fit,” she says.
A Fresh Perspective on HR
“I’ve only been here a few weeks, but it already feels like much longer,” Andreea says. “There’s always plenty to do and improve in HR. As an HR Manager, you’re at the heart of the business—balancing the needs of the company, its people, and potential candidates. I’m used to working in regulated industries, having worked in banking and IT, but I’m excited to bring a more ‘human-focused’ approach here, introducing new processes and really getting to know the team. Please don’t hesitate to stop by and say hello. I’m very approachable and eager to meet everyone.”
Looking ahead, Andreea aims to enhance the centre’s operations by focusing on service quality, improving human resources practices, and ensuring the HR approach aligns with legal and regulatory standards. “The goal is to align all company policies with best practices in HR,” she concludes.
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