We are happy to welcome Alina Suprun as our new IT Project Manager. With her extensive experience, Alina brings a wealth of knowledge and passion for driving innovation at Sandsoft.
Alina has gone through a significant career change before she became an IT Project Manager. We asked Alina about this experience, about her role and her advice to people facing or considering a career change.
What motivated you to transition from an HR background to a career in project management and how has your experience in HR influenced your approach to project management?
“Career changes, for me, are like opening doors to unexplored rooms in a vast mansion of professional possibilities, – says Alina. At a certain point, I felt drawn to the idea of working directly with end users, which led me to consider project management. My transition from HR to project management wasn’t a leap into the unknown. My years in HR had equipped me with a Swiss Army knife of skills – from Recruitment Lead to Business Partner Lead. These skills made my transition into project management much smoother than I anticipated. The move felt natural, almost like a dance, with my HR experience providing a solid foundation.
My background in understanding people, managing expectations, and facilitating communication has proven invaluable in my new role. This career shift has been quite an adventure, and I’m thoroughly enjoying this new phase of my professional journey. It’s allowed me to combine my people skills with my passion for delivering tangible results, creating a role that feels both challenging and deeply satisfying.”
Moving from one country to another is a significant change — how has this experience shaped your perspective?
“Moving countries has been an eye-opening experience, especially in terms of work culture. In recent years, I’ve had the privilege of working in a cross-cultural communication team, which has been the most rewarding part of my career so far. Our team was a diverse mix of nationalities, all working towards a common goal. This environment has been incredibly enriching, allowing me to learn something new from each culture. I’ve particularly enjoyed discovering what motivates different nationalities and how to provide feedback in a way that resonates with each individual.
I believe that in our increasingly globalized world, the ability to work seamlessly across cultures is invaluable, and I’m excited to bring this experience to my new role.
In fact, this multicultural aspect was one of the key factors that attracted me to Sandsoft. The company’s diverse environment aligns perfectly with my passion for cross-cultural collaboration. Additionally, the opportunity to build processes from the ground up at Sandsoft was incredibly appealing. It’s not often you get the chance to shape some company’s culture and workflows from scratch, and I find that prospect both exciting and challenging.”
What would be your most important advise to the people who would like to change profession?
Change can be scary – it’s just how our brains are wired. But here’s the thing: life’s too short not to pursue our dreams and ambitions. So, my advice for those looking to change professions:
1. Choose your destination: First, decide where you want to go. What’s that dream job that excites you?
2. Do your homework: Study your chosen field. What skills do you need? What challenges might you face? Being prepared is key.
3. Take baby steps: Start with small, manageable steps to build your experience. It’s about gradual progress, not overnight transformation.
4. Mental preparation: Get your mind ready for the change. It’s not just about skills; it’s about being mentally prepared for a new challenge.
5. Take the leap: When you feel ready, go for it! Apply for that job, start that business, or take that course. Remember, even if you stumble, you’re still moving forward.”
