Klaudia&Luke Jarych: Iwona, you are one of the people we supported during your career transition to an IT Project Manager as part of our flagship program. You demonstrated a very open mind, and despite many obstacles and skeptics around you, you successfully transitioned from a teacher to an IT Project Manager within 5 months.
Iwona Sukienik: Yes, that’s true. I managed to do it, and I still can’t believe it (laughs). It happened much faster than I expected…
K&L: Why did you decide to change careers, and why did you choose to become a Project Manager in IT specifically?
Iwona: I had been thinking about making a change for a while, but not necessarily changing industries. Over time, with more experience, you become more aware of your own needs. I also believe that nothing in life is accidental, and what we experience teaches us to see reality—and ourselves, our potential—from a different perspective.
I needed a change mainly to be able to spend more time with my family. On the other hand, I wanted to test my capabilities and further develop my skills. I’m a multitasker by nature. I handle stressful situations well, and I know how to organize my work time. This discipline and organization came from my early responsibilities—attending two schools at once as a child—then during university, where I pursued three fields of study, and later in family life with my husband and two children (laughs). This package of so-called ‘soft skills’ is a perfect fit for a Project Manager role. The idea for this role came from one of my mentors during my transition, for which I’m very grateful.
K&L: If you had to name the three things that helped you the most in your career change, what would they be?
Iwona: I think education and skill development: investing time in acquiring new skills and knowledge was crucial in the initial stage.
Besides that, networking and mentoring: building a network in the new industry was extremely important. LinkedIn played a big role here, significantly expanding my network of industry contacts. I also managed to have direct conversations with a few recruiters. Adapting my CV and portfolio: effectively transforming my CV into a functional format that highlighted my skills and experiences relevant to the new industry.
K&L: In our program for career shifters we mention that the second step in this process is finding a mentor who will be both a partner in your change, an inspiration, and someone who can give insights into the specifics of working in a given industry. Tell us, did you have a mentor, and what value did they bring to your career transition process? Or maybe our mental and spiritual support (throughout the entire transition process from A to Z, with Łukasz supporting you from our side) helped as well? 🙂
Iwona: Yes, of course, you helped me a lot by supporting me at every step of the process. I had a mentor, or actually several (smiles). In my opinion, this is essential when going through a change, which in my case (I can confidently say) was quite extreme! It’s a bit like bungee jumping—you know nothing will happen to you, but you’re still scared, so the person behind you mentally prepares you and gives you the encouragement to go for it. It’s an important step. I don’t think I could have managed without the support of others. Besides inspiration and motivation, these are people who know the industry, observe the market, and have extensive knowledge, both theoretical and technical. To this day, I thank my close family, especially my wonderful cousin Beata, friends who cheered me on, as well as all of you, and Krzysiek Kołtan (LINK), whom most of you probably know from your interview with him, and with whom I spent long hours discussing my career transition…
K&L: Career transition is a process that requires consistency and proper time management. Tell us how you prepared to acquire substantive knowledge (e.g., the tools you used).
Iwona: Yes, it is a process. Like any project, it requires preparation and time management. My plan got a bit off track due to the faster pace of events. I started by browsing information online, signed up for a few courses, and then I found you. The best tool turned out to be LinkedIn, as well as my activity on that platform.
K&L: Iwona, did you find information about LinkedIn in our program? How was it helpful?
Iwona: Yes, I found it. The tips on building a personal brand on LinkedIn were very helpful. It’s an essential process that requires a strategic approach and ongoing engagement. First and foremost, it’s important that our profile is complete and professionally done. This means we should take care of a high-quality profile picture, an attractive background photo, and a well-crafted description that clearly defines our professional mission and the unique value we bring. It seems so obvious, yet not everyone remembers this. Another key element is regularly publishing valuable content. Equally important is establishing and nurturing relationships with other professionals. This information was very useful to me and significantly ‘pushed’ the process of my career transition forward. LinkedIn is a great tool for business people, but also for beginners or those entering a new industry!
K&L: Step 4 is turning knowledge into practice to enter a new industry. You previously worked as a teacher. What allowed you to stand out in the pool of candidates?
Iwona: Besides working at the school, I gained experience in NGOs. In recent years, I coordinated events and projects, collaborating with many partners. For the past three years, I have also been running my own organization. This has many parallels to what I do now; only the context and tools have changed. I believe that my experience in the NGO sector helped me stand out from other candidates, along with the skills that are sought after for this position.
K&L: At a certain stage of your career transition, a CV is needed. In the case of a career change, it is much more beneficial to present your experiences in a functional CV. How did this type of CV work for you?
Iwona: Yes, a functional CV is an important and effective tool when transitioning careers. Unlike a chronological CV, a functional CV focuses on the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the new career path, regardless of when and where they were acquired. I was able to effectively present my skills and experiences in the context of my new career path, demonstrating how my previous achievements can translate into success in the new industry.
K&L: In the process of career transition, networking is of great importance. We also activated our contacts for you. What was a turning point for you in your career transition?
Iwona: A turning point for me was the opportunity to leverage the network I had built and the support I received from industry professionals. Thanks to my activity on LinkedIn, I was able to connect with recruiters, potential employers, and others who had gone through a similar career transition. These efforts collectively created a solid foundation that helped me smoothly transition into the new industry, build credibility, and gain access to new job opportunities. Networking not only opened doors to new contacts but also provided inspiration and motivation for further development.
K&L: Iwona’s golden advice for those considering a career transition is…
Iwona: Everything is possible at any moment and at every stage of life. Don’t be afraid to invest in yourself and seek help from others. Find a mentor, develop new skills, and take action actively. Remember that no change is easy. It’s a process that requires time, determination, and openness to new experiences.