CareerChange2IT: Iwona, you are one of the people we supported during your career transition to an IT Project Manager as part of our flagship program (LINK). You approached it with an open mind, and despite many challenges and skeptics around you, you successfully transitioned from a teacher to an IT Project Manager in just five months.
Iwona Sukienik: Yes, that’s true. I made it, and I still can’t believe it (laughs). It happened much faster than I expected…
CareerChange2IT: Why did you decide to change careers, and why did you choose IT Project Management specifically?
Iwona Sukienik: For a long time, I had been thinking about making a change, but not necessarily switching industries. Over time, as we gain experience, we become more aware of our own needs. I also believe that nothing in life happens by chance—everything we go through teaches us to see reality, ourselves, and our capabilities differently.
The main reason I needed a change was to spend more time with my family. At the same time, I wanted to test my abilities and further develop my skills. I’m a naturally multitasking person. I handle stressful situations well and can effectively organize my work. I developed this discipline and organizational ability from an early age—attending two schools simultaneously as a child, juggling three degree programs in college, and managing family life with a husband and two kids (laughs). This combination of “soft skills” is a perfect fit for a project manager.
As for the idea of pursuing this role, I owe it to one of my career transition mentors, for which I’m very grateful.
CareerChange2IT: If you had to name the three things that helped you the most in your career transition, what would they be?
Iwona Sukienik: I think the three most important factors were:
Education and skill development – Investing time in acquiring new knowledge and skills was crucial in the initial stage.
Networking and mentoring – Building connections in the new industry played a huge role. LinkedIn was especially helpful, as it significantly expanded my network of industry professionals. I also managed to have direct conversations with several recruiters.
- Optimizing my CV and portfolio – Effectively restructuring my CV into a functional format that highlighted my transferable skills and relevant experience for the new industry.
CareerChange2IT: In our programme “3-Months getting into IT Accelerator Programme,” we emphasize that the second step in this process is finding a mentor—someone who not only supports and inspires but also provides insights into the specifics of the industry. Tell us, did you have a mentor, and what value did they bring to your transition process? Or perhaps the mental and emotional support from our side (with Łukasz guiding you through the entire transition from A to Z) played a key role? 🙂
Iwona Sukienik: Yes, of course, you were a huge help by supporting me every step of the way throughout the process. I had a mentor—and even a few (smiles). In my opinion, this is crucial when making such a change, especially one like mine, which I can confidently say was almost extreme! It’s a bit like bungee jumping—you know deep down that nothing will happen, but you’re still scared. The person standing behind you mentally prepares you and encourages you. It’s such an important step. I don’t think I would have managed without the support of others.
Apart from inspiration and motivation, these are people who know the industry, monitor the market, and possess a vast amount of technical and professional knowledge. I’m still very grateful to my closest family, especially my wonderful cousin Beata, and my friends who were cheering me on. Also, a big thanks to you and Krzysiek Kołtan (LINK), who many of you probably know from your interview. I had long conversations with him about the career change…
CareerChange2IT: Career transition is a process that requires consistency and proper time management. Could you share how you prepared yourself to acquire the necessary knowledge (e.g., tools you used)?
Iwona Sukienik: Tak, to jest proces. Jak każdy projekt wymaga przygotowania, rozplanowania w czasie. Mój plan trochę się rozjechał ze względu na szybszy przebieg wydarzeń. Zaczęłam od przeglądania informacji w internecie, zapisałam się na kilka kursów, trafiłam na Was. Najlepszym narzędziem okazał się wspomniany już wcześniej LinkedIn i aktywność na tym portalu.
CareerChange2IT: Iwona, did you find information about LinkedIn in our program? How was it helpful to you?
Iwona Sukienik: Yes, I found them. The tips on building a personal brand on LinkedIn were really helpful. It’s a crucial 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 having 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, but not everyone remembers it.
Another key element is regularly posting valuable content. It’s also crucial to build and nurture relationships with other professionals. These insights were incredibly useful and really pushed my career transition process forward. LinkedIn itself is a great tool for businesspeople, but also for beginners or those stepping into a new industry!
CareerChange2IT: What helped you stand out in the job market, especially considering your background as a teacher?
Iwona Sukienik: In addition to my work at the school, I gained experience in the NGO sector. In recent years, I coordinated events and projects, collaborating with many partners. For the past three years, I’ve also been running my own organization. This experience has a lot of overlap with what I’m doing now; it just changes the context and tools. I believe that my background in the NGO sector really helped me stand out among other candidates. Additionally, the skills that are highly valued for this position also played a big role.
CareerChange2IT: At a certain stage of a career transition, having a CV is essential. In the case of a career change, presenting your experience in a functional CV is often much more beneficial. How did this type of CV work for you?
Iwona Sukienik: Yes, the functional CV is an important and effective tool when making a career transition. 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 or where they were acquired. I was able to effectively present my skills and experiences in the context of my new career path, showing how my past achievements could contribute to success in the new industry.
CareerChange2IT: Networking plays a huge role in the career transition process. We also leveraged our contacts to help you. What was the turning point for you in your career transition?
Iwona Sukienik: The turning point for me was the opportunity to tap into the network I had built, along with 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, combined, created a solid foundation that helped me smoothly transition into the new industry, build credibility, and access new professional opportunities. Networking not only opened doors to new contacts but also provided inspiration and motivation for further development.
CareerChange2IT: Iwona’s golden advice for those considering a career change is…
Iwona Sukienik: Everything is possible, at any moment and at any stage of life. Don’t be afraid to invest in yourself and seek help from others. Find a mentor, develop new skills, and take active steps. Remember, no change is easy. It’s a process that requires time, determination, and an openness to new experiences.
