One of my most remarkable experiences as a project manager is the constant change and the necessity to learn new technologies.
Currently everything is changing in our everyday life due to coronavirus. I feel it is essential to embrace this change, as an exciting new opportunity, not a burden. This is the perfect time to be innovative, creative and to make the world better!
My home is international. I'm an alumnus of the Economic College and the Post-secondary School of Administration, Trade and Foreign Languages, in Warsaw, Poland. My knowledge of foreign languages, advertising, and trade came handy, when I started my first job working for Stanley - Poland, the global leader producing some of the most well known hand tools and storage products in the world. I also had a short stint working as an international tour guide in Italy and Poland. I’ve come out of this part of my life with a better understanding of the world and its cultures, high academic standards, and the ability to communicate in six languages.
After migrating to Australia, I completed three university degrees: Bachelor of Applied Science, Master of Urban and Regional Planning at the University of South Australia and MBA-Graduate Certificate in Management at Chifley Business School. I also completed Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, Diploma of Project Management, Certificate III in Tourism, Certificate III in Fitness and other courses such as PRINCE2, conflict management, contract management, business analysis, creating websites, and digital marketing.
I like to keep myself busy. During my early university years, I had a wide variety of casual jobs ranging from a waitress to a tour guide, Italian and Spanish languages teacher, counselor for Aboriginal youth, professional fitness instructor, recreational therapist, international students' lecturer at the University of Adelaide, and a tour and charter coordinator for the largest coach company in South Australia, Premier Stateliner. All of these experiences taught me to adapt to change with a smile, keep learning, network, enjoy the present moment, seize an opportunity, and act quickly and diligently.
I completed my Master degree, while working full time, as a senior recreation officer and a project manager for South Australia's largest metropolitan council, City of Onkaparinga. This experience alone improved my time management skills, as I had to juggle motherhood, study and a demanding career.
After moving from Adelaide to Brisbane, I changed my career from the recreation, parks, community development and property construction oriented project management to the urban planning and design at Brisbane City Council, This experience helped me to further my career. I was given an opportunity to assist with business analysis and management of a major software upgrade at Brisbane City Council.
Later I managed multi-million construction projects at Ipswich City Council and Economic Development Queensland. I also managed a large scale program and projects for a not-for-profit organisation, Basketball Queensland, as a senior manager reporting to the CEO.
