The life of a Project Manager: a kind of love-hate relationship

 From a marketer and finance specialist to a successful Project Manager at Universum, Sabina's journey embraces the role of M.I.C.E Division Manager starting April 2019.

The collaboration between Sabina and Universum started about three years ago. Three years in which some amazingly beautiful projects have been laid the foundations and friendships have been forged that ensure the cool and close-knit atmosphere within the division. We caught up with her right on the threshold of the project, but because such an opportunity couldn't be missed, we took Sabina out for a coffee and talked a bit about how the last few years as Project Manager have been and how she keeps her energy and passion at peak levels.

We started with what M.I.C.E. really means and what's so special about it.

Well, in definition M.I.C.E. stands for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Expo...but beyond that, M.I.C.E. is about people. It's about the experiences you create for the attendees who are at the event, the experience you create for the customer throughout the entire event (from implementation to follow-up). M.I.C.E. is about creativity, lots of creativity and maybe even more attention to detail.

We know that the life of a Project Manager is not exactly simple, that's why we want to know what is it like to organize projects? From the smallest to the biggest.

It's a kind of love-hate relationship:))). There are many moments when you feel that you've reached your limit and that you can't go any further, moments when you say “That's it, I quit!” Then you overcome another difficult situation, implement another great project and want more and more. It may sound extreme, but it's an addiction. The life of a Project Manager gives you an adrenaline rush that you're constantly looking for, and that you miss during the quieter times of the year.

Not infrequently, projects are real challenges, especially because we like to invent new concepts, with ideas that are more and more unique... what are the biggest challenges you have encountered since you have been coordinating projects at Universum Events?

In general, in events, I think the biggest challenges are perfectionists. It's true... those who want to be in absolute control and know absolutely every detail don't necessarily have an easy life :). #viata_la_Universum taught me especially that not everything is up to me, that not everything can be controlled and that trusting the people around you is the best thing you can bring to a project. I think that's the biggest challenge I had (and still have sometimes) - to relax and trust the team.

Sabina, how do you cope with the whirlwind of daily activity? ?

Hard :)))) Multi tasking is one of the essential qualities a Project Manager must have. There are days when I manage to stick exclusively to the to do list that I make every morning and days when I can't get through it. But prioritizing is important and I never abandon a to do, even if it's not a priority or it's been a few days since I put it on the list. I've learned that you can put off until tomorrow what you can't do today, but get it done!

What are three professional/personal ingredients that have helped you evolve as a professional in organizing large-scale events?

Curiosity, ambition and listening. I have always been curious to understand what happens at events and, more importantly, why. And this has helped me to get involved in a lot of projects, to ask a lot of questions, to sit next to more experienced colleagues and see how they do things and to get involved in all areas of events, without thinking if I can. And I learned that I can :) I also listened a lot - how those around me do, the recommendations and advice I received, the answers to the questions I asked. I listened to customers and attendees so that each new experience I created got better and better.

We know that M.I.C.E. life is dozens of projects a month and hundreds a year. Tell us about your most cherished projects that you have coordinated and that have stayed close to your heart.

There are many :) Very many. There are projects that are dear to my heart because of their complexity and challenges, or where the clients are extremely dear to me. But it's the projects at the end of which I feel like I've grown a little bit, that make me say “I didn't know I could do this!” that I remember best.”

We have been expanding our team considerably over the last few months and the M.I.C.E. projects division is no exception? . Because it's a dynamic and extremely challenging environment, what would be three recommendations you would give to those who want to enter the event planning industry?

Understand that beyond the glamor and fun that is seen on the outside in the back is titanic work. It's a sustained effort every day, because the most dangerous is relaxing. That moment when you think you know it all, that you've thought of every aspect and nothing can surprise you is exactly when this industry comes along and kicks you and shows you that you could have done better. And it matters to realize that there's always room for improvement and that learning is continuous. And be open :) Events are not for those looking for “the easy way”. But I dare say this field builds some of the strongest people. So all that effort is worth it!

We have in place the idea of constantly growing and never stopping learning, of always improving the services we offer and how we act in all circumstances. We know you love to read and some of your reading has certainly influenced you to develop personally and professionally. What would you recommend?

Emotional Intelligence - Daniel Goleman

Event Management: A blooming Industry and and Eventful Career - Ganga Sagar and Devesh Kishore

Thank you Sabina - our M.I.C.E. Division Manager for the great interview :)!

You girl rock! We are preparing super projects together and we invite you to follow their journey on Instagram - @universumevents

#jointheUNIVERSUMexperience