Marija has been a part of ⋮IWConnect for nearly three years. Her enthusiastic approach and can-do attitude make her an excellent match for our organization. As a Project Manager, Marija is fervent about positive parenting and embraces an agile mom mindset. If you want to know more about Marija’s journey and what drives her to stay optimistic and eager to work at ⋮IWConnect each day, read her entire story.
Hi there! I’m Marija Parnara Samardjiska, and I have been part of the ⋮IWConnect team for nearly three years. Throughout my time here, I have worked as a project manager, business analyst, and Scrum Master, drawing upon over 16 years of experience in these fields.
How I Found My Niche in IT Project Management and Business Analysis and Fulfilled the Quote: Love What You Do, and You Never Need to Work a Day in Your Life?
If you’re considering a career change but you are worried about taking a step backward, remember this: “It is better to lose the past 2 years of progress than to waste the next 20.” – Adam Grant.
True as it can be, is the quote of Adam Grant!
My career started in the art production industry where I worked in various roles, from an assistant to General Manager to becoming General Manager myself. Working in these various roles, learning, and growing in the industry (in the operational and organizational processes of the business), I found myself loving what I do, and I was extremely happy with the outcome of the business and the team that I was responsible for.
Feeling fulfilled and proud of my professional life, it was hard to take the next step in my career and start over again in the new industry of technology. Gravitating from operations, sales, marketing, and project management, it was logical to start in the new technology industry as a Business Development Manager. Shortly after, I found out that I could be the best version of myself again if I pursued a career as a PM/BA by implementing the Scrum methodology. So, the journey began with certification as a Business Analyst, then landing as a Project Manager at ⋮IWConnect with the next two certificates for PM and Scrum Master. I quickly adapted to the new industry and found my skills in project management and business analysis to be highly transferable.
As a project manager, I believe in a collaborative approach, working closely with stakeholders to define project goals and objectives. I also emphasize communication and transparency, keeping everyone on the same page throughout the project lifecycle. I always look for ways to improve processes and deliver projects faster and more effectively.
I believe that effectiveness is greater if we have happy and positive workplaces where everyone can feel themselves and do the best they know how to! As a working mom, I am trying to maintain a work-life balance. I prioritize my family time and make sure to spend quality time with my husband and kids, whether it’s going for walks, hiking, running marathons together, or just having a Friday movie night. I love being a mom and a project manager at the same time and finding nice tips and tricks to apply in both roles. I’m on my journey to make learning a habit and learn something new every day. My deep ocean of seeking motivation is giving myself difficult tasks from other fields that I’m not good at so I can learn and grow. I enjoy organizing projects, setting plans and roadmaps including costs, budgeting, and forecasting.
The agile approach is the mindset that is transferred to almost every project that I am working on and in which I believe. We need to be agile and able to accept, adapt, change (transform), and succeed in everything we do, professionally or personally. If you’re interested in project management, business analysis, or Scrum Master, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I’d love to discuss your project needs and see how I can help you achieve your goals.
