Iryna Seleman

I've been interested in the IT industry since my school years. At first, I actually imagined myself becoming a developer. I gave it a try, but eventually realised that sitting in one place and focusing on the same type of work for long periods wasn't really for me. What I did enjoy was the industry itself — the constant change, new technologies, and, most importantly, the people behind them. That realisation pushed me toward management and communication rather than development.

My first job in IT was as a Sales Assistant, which gave me my first real look at how technology companies work and how important communication is in building relationships. Cortance was my next step, and almost two years ago I joined the company as an Engagement Manager. Since then, I've had the opportunity to grow within the role, work with clients and technical specialists from different countries, coordinate projects, and build relationships with both clients and partners.

What I enjoy most about my role is the people side of technology. A big part of my day-to-day work is understanding what a client actually needs, asking the right questions, finding the right specialists, and making sure everyone stays aligned. It's rewarding when a conversation that starts with a simple request turns into a long-term collaboration.

One of the things I'm especially proud of is the feedback I receive from clients. I've had many clients tell me that they enjoy communicating with me, appreciate how well we understand their needs and select specialists, and value how friendly and easy the whole process feels. For me, that matters a lot because good communication isn't just about getting things done, it's about making people feel that they can trust the person they're working with.

Self-development is also something I try to keep as a regular part of my life. I'm naturally curious, so I enjoy learning new things, improving my communication and professional skills, and stepping outside of what I already know. Working in IT makes that especially interesting because there is always something new happening, and I get to learn not only from technology itself but also from the people and cultures I encounter through my work.

Outside of work, I'm a big fan of video games, especially RPGs like Skyrim. I also enjoy online games because they let me spend time with friends scattered around the world. For me, gaming is often less about the game itself and more about staying connected. I also like being active — volleyball and swimming are two of my favourites, though definitely as hobbies rather than professional sports.

And if I hadn't ended up in IT? I'm not entirely sure I would have followed either of my other educational paths — I have both culinary and translation backgrounds. Knowing myself, I'd probably still find my way back to something connected with computers. And knowing how much I enjoy video games, maybe I would have ended up somewhere in the gaming industry.

What I enjoy most, both professionally and personally, is connecting with people and discovering new perspectives. I'm always interested in meeting people who are building something, solving interesting problems, seeking new opportunities to collaborate, or simply have a good story to share. I believe some of the best opportunities — in work and in life — can start with nothing more than a simple conversation.

So if you work in tech, have an interesting project, want to exchange ideas, or just feel like connecting, feel free to reach out. I'm always open to a good conversation and to seeing where it leads.