Morning – Starting the Day with Organization

My day begins early, at 6:00 AM. Before leaving for work, I take a few minutes to take care of my cat and have breakfast. Although my mornings start early, this routine gives me a sense of comfort and helps me prepare mentally for the day ahead. I leave home around 6:55 AM to catch the bus from Guimarães to Porto, arriving at the office at approximately 8:30 AM.

Once at the office, I check my emails, follow up on pending matters, and organize my priorities. Starting the day with a clear plan helps me feel focused and ready to take on my responsibilities. I then dedicate my morning to digitizing documents, checking requests, and registering incoming mail, ensuring everything is handled accurately and efficiently.

Afternoon – Attention to Detail and Keeping Things Moving

During the afternoon, I continue processing documents related to visas, nationality applications, and bank account openings. I ensure that all documentation is accurately digitized, registered, and archived according to the lawyers’ requirements, making it easy to retrieve when needed.

My role requires attention to detail, as missing documents or incorrect registrations can cause delays. I also handle unfamiliar documents and support new projects, which allow me to keep learning. Clear communication with colleagues and other teams is essential to prevent errors and ensure that processes run smoothly.

End of Day – Finishing with Everything in Order

My working day usually ends at 5:30 PM, when I leave the office to head to university. Before leaving, I check that my tasks are completed, documents are organized, and pending matters are reviewed to establish priorities for the following day. After university, I return home, have dinner, and spend time with my family before resting. Balancing work and studies can be demanding, but it motivates me to stay organized, manage my time effectively, and make the most of each day.

Why This Work Matters

As a Back Office Specialist in the Digital & Physical Archive, I help ensure that client documentation is accurately processed, registered, and archived, allowing the team to access the information needed to move cases forward. Our work supports areas such as immigration, nationality applications, and investments, contributing to processes that have a real impact on our clients’ lives.

One of the things I value most about working at IAS is my team and the international nature of our work. From my desk in Porto, I handle documentation connected to people and situations worldwide, reminding me that our work extends far beyond the office. I take pride in completing tasks efficiently and accurately while continuing to learn and improve. I believe Back Office is the heart of the team, providing the organization, reliability, and support that enable colleagues to work effectively.

For me, the value of Back Office lies in the details that often go unnoticed but make all the difference. Every document in the right place, every process moving forward, and every colleague that I can support contributes to something bigger. Because even when our work happens behind the scenes, its impact reaches far beyond them.