Ana-Maria Popa

• Handled daily cash transactions and reconciliations, ensuring financial integrity and compliance with store procedures
• Assumed managerial responsibilities: opening/closing store, delegating tasks, aligning team with operational targets
• Delivered expert product knowledge in tech and electronics, enabling informed purchases and boosting sales
• Streamlined checkout process, reduced wait times, and enhanced customer experience
• Maintained visual merchandising standards, implemented planograms and seasonal displays to drive revenue
• Trained and supported new staff, promoting collaboration and team development
• Enforced company policies while upholding professionalism with customers and colleagues
• Held key holder duties: store security, alarm systems, and safe access, demonstrating trust and accountability

• Designed and developed a personal website using Ruby and Ruby on Rails, demonstrating ability to self-learn and apply new programming languages to real-world projects.
• Applied industry-standard coding practices and development workflows including research, planning, and documentation to ensure scalable and maintainable code.
• Integrated HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create responsive and interactive front-end designs, building on prior experience with Adobe Dreamweaver in IT coursework.
• Conducted cross-browser testing and debugging to ensure website compatibility and functionality across various platforms.
• Gained hands-on experience with framework integration to streamline web application development and improve performance.
• Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills and adaptability by rapidly learning new tech stacks and debugging software issues during the development process.
• Practiced quality assurance through thorough testing of software components, supporting efficient and bug-free deployment.

• Gained foundational knowledge of cybersecurity principles and digital safety through immersive workshops and real-world exposure to the Met Police's operations.
• Participated in a mock trial and legal case analysis, developing critical thinking and understanding of risk management, compliance, and legal frameworks—skills valuable in fintech and regulatory environments.
• Designed and launched the Safe2Talk strategy, an innovative, tech-enabled community safety solution now active in several London areas designed to help individuals in need, demonstrating entrepreneurial thinking and digital product development.
• Coordinated cross-functional teams and liaised with stakeholders to deliver the Safe2Talk project, strengthening skills in project management, stakeholder engagement, and strategic communication.
• Visited the Met's Command and Control Centre to observe real-time crisis management, gaining insight into high-pressure decision-making and data-driven operations.
• Inspired by public service to pursue ethical technology solutions that enhance safety, transparency, and public trust.

Qualifications & Certifications

• Cambridge Technicals Level 3 in IT – Distinction* – Covered system development, website creation, and cybersecurity principles, with a final project focused on interactive web design and data-driven systems.
• Bloomberg Market Concepts (BMC) – Certified in market mechanics, asset classes, and analytics using Bloomberg Terminal.
• Bloomberg Finance Fundamentals – Developed foundational skills in financial markets and instruments.
• Bloomberg Spreadsheet Analysis – Gained proficiency in Excel-based financial modelling and real-time data integration.

Awards & Recognitions

• Assistant Commissioner's Commendation (Metropolitan Police, 2024) – Honoured for innovation and dedication to community safety , particularly the creation of the Safe2Talk anonymous reporting platform.
• Jack Petchey Award – Recognised for leadership, initiative, and positive impact on local communities.