Irina Simić, IT project manager

Hi Irina, tell us a bit about yourself.

I’m Irina and I work as a manager for IT business systems, essentially an IT project manager. I’ve been with NIS since 2012, so even though I still feel young, I’m already considered one of the long-timers here.😊

What is your job like? What does it involve?

I’m responsible for leading the implementation and development of IT projects, and then for maintaining the systems we introduce. In addition to project design through business analysis, my job includes communication and workshops with business stakeholders and vendors, defining project scope and creating technical requirements, planning and defending the budget, taking part in procurement processes and managing vendor contracts.

As a project manager, I also communicate with different stakeholders during implementation – business, the internal development team and external vendors – so that the entire project is delivered properly and within the agreed deadlines. In my career so far, I’ve worked on projects of various sizes, and one of the biggest was the development of an internal document digitalization system designed to speed up processes and reduce bureaucracy in creating and aligning internal documentation.

Overall, my position requires a high level of seniority and responsibility, but it’s also very interesting and diverse..

Where did you study, and did your studies prepare you for the work you do now?

I graduated from the Faculty of Economics, specializing in business information systems. I completed both my bachelor’s and master’s studies with an average above 9.7, which was important for me because it helped me receive various scholarships during my studies, and I believe it helped with getting hired at NIS. I got a job directly related to my field, and everything I studied gave me a strong foundation to start my career.

What made you apply to NIS? Were you interested in this industry beforehand?

NIS had an early career program running just when I was graduating, which is how I got my first job. NIS is a large organization and was an attractive employer at the time, even though I wasn’t especially interested in this industry beforehand.

If someone in your field were unsure about applying to NIS, what would you tell them?

Working in a large company like NIS requires understanding established processes, involvement in administrative tasks and a healthy respect to the hierarchical structure – which can feel unusual to those coming from smaller companies, so it may take some time to adjust.

But at the same time, even though IT isn’t the company’s core activity, IT in NIS keeps up with new trends and actively contributes to the digital transformation of the entire business. And because of the company’s size, the variety of projects and the possibilities it offers, there is real room for advancement for people who are proactive, show initiative and are willing to learn. Those people are generally recognized and rewarded.

If that same person told you they have a job interview at NIS, what advice would you give to help them succeed?

Honesty and straightforwardness are qualities I value in interviews, of course along with technical knowledge.

What was it like joining NIS?

It was my first job interview out of college, so I was really happy when the HR told me I got the job. I was welcomed by a young team in the newly formed IT department. Because processes were still being set up, the atmosphere was a bit more tense back then than it is today, but overall I look back on that period fondly.

And how did your career develop afterwards?

After starting through the youth program, over the following years I moved from temporary to permanent contract, received two promotions and reached the position I’m in now. I also went on maternity leave twice – with my daughter and my son. 😊

What do you like most about your job?

I like having the opportunity to lead important projects and contribute to improving business processes.

Do you have any work-related anecdotes you’d like to share?

I know many people are happy about our restaurants in Belgrade, Novi Sad, Pančevo and Zrenjanin. This isn’t exactly an anecdote, but it’s another perk at NIS!

I recently became a mentor to a new colleague, so I’ve become familiar with the mentoring program for newcomers at NIS. I really like the way it’s designed, and I think that kind of support at the very beginning will mean a lot to anyone joining the company.