From Erasmus to leadership in Accenture. Meet a Spaniard who fell in love with Poland

Careers in Poland:I believe your journey here in Poland actually started with Erasmus. Was Poland a destination you actively chose, or did destiny just sort of steer you here? What was your very first reaction when you found out you were heading here?

Vicente José López Huertas: You could say it was a bit of both. Poland was one of the Erasmus options available to me, and while it wasn't the most obvious choice for a student from Spain, something about the opportunity intrigued me. My first reaction was a mix of excitement and uncertainty. I knew very little about the country, and moving somewhere so different from what I knew felt like a big leap. Looking back, it was one of the best decisions I've ever made.

CP: Before moving, what kind of picture did you have of Poland in your mind? And how did those early expectations match up with what you actually experienced once you arrived?

VH: To be honest, my knowledge of Poland was quite limited. Like many people in Spain at the time, I associated it with a colder climate, a different language, and a culture I didn't know much about. The beginnings were not easy, but step by step I managed to adapt more to the culture and the people. I met amazing people along the way.

CP: What would you say surprised you the most about the country, the people, or the lifestyle when you first settled in?

VH: The people, without a doubt. Poles can seem reserved at first, but once you get to know them, they are incredibly loyal, supportive, and genuine. I was also surprised by how quickly Poland was evolving and how many opportunities existed for young professionals. The quality of life, safety, and the balance between tradition and modernity were all things I came to appreciate.

CP: I'm really curious about how your story with Accenture began. Were you already living in Poland when you applied, or did you go through the recruitment process back in Spain and relocate specifically for the role?

VH: I was already living in Poland after completing my studies in Economics. As I started looking for career opportunities, Accenture stood out because of its international environment and the possibility to work with people from different countries and cultures. I joined the company as an agent in Finance and Accounting, without imagining where that first role would eventually take me.

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CP: Accenture is a massive global company – how did they support you as an expat when it came to settling into your new role and adjusting to life in Poland?

VH: One of the things that impressed me from the beginning was how international the environment was. I worked alongside people from many different countries, which made the transition easier. The company provided strong onboarding, training, and development opportunities, but most importantly, I found colleagues and leaders who were willing to help and support me. That sense of community made a huge difference.

CP: Could you share a little bit about your professional background? What has your career path within the company looked like so far, and what do you find most rewarding about your current job?

VH: I joined Accenture in Finance and Accounting and gradually took on more responsibilities over the years. My journey has included roles as an agent, Team Lead, Lead, Manager, and now Service Delivery Lead. Today, I have the privilege of leading around 140 talented professionals across Poland, Spain, and the India DC. What I find most rewarding isn't the title — it's seeing people grow. Watching someone develop new skills, gain confidence, earn a promotion, or achieve something they once thought was beyond their reach is incredibly fulfilling. Supporting others in their journey is one of the aspects of leadership I value most.

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CP: For many people in Poland, Spain is all about sunny holidays, amazing food, and a relaxed lifestyle – often seen as the perfect place for a work-life balance. As someone who grew up there, do you think that’s an accurate picture, or is the reality of working in Spain a bit different?

VH: The stereotypes aren't completely wrong — Spain has amazing weather, great food, and a strong social culture. But the reality of professional life is more complex. People work hard, businesses are competitive, and careers require dedication just as they do anywhere else. What I do think is unique is the emphasis many Spaniards place on relationships, family, and enjoying life's moments. That mindset can contribute positively to a work-life balance, but it's certainly not a permanent holiday.

CP: Following up on that, what is the corporate culture like at Accenture here? Did you find it easy to adapt to the work environment, or did you notice any cultural differences?

VH: What struck me most was how international and inclusive the culture is. Because Accenture operates globally, diversity of backgrounds and perspectives is seen as a strength. Of course, there were some cultural differences at first. Communication styles, workplace expectations, and even everyday habits can vary between countries. But those differences became learning opportunities rather than obstacles. In fact, working across different cultures has been one of the most enriching parts of my career.

CP: When you’re not working, how do you like to spend your free time? Do you have any favourite spots or hobbies you've picked up here in Poland?

VH: I enjoy spending time with family and friends, travelling, and exploring new places. Living in Poland has given me the opportunity to discover many beautiful cities and regions that I probably would never have visited otherwise. Warsaw has become home over the years, and I particularly enjoy its combination of history, green spaces, and modern energy. One thing I've learned since moving here is to appreciate all seasons — including winter! Coming from Spain, that definitely took some time to get used to. I love sports (tennis, going to the gym, swimming...), books, nature, and spending time with my little 8-month-old dog.