ZAG is not only a managed services provider (MSP) offering ongoing IT support, but also a company dedicated to helping companies adopt technology as a competitive advantage. Sometimes this looks like individual projects that are executed by the ZAG engineering and solution architect teams. But the reason it all comes together is through dedicated project management.
ZAG’s project managers ensure that multi-faceted – and often complicated – IT projects are done on time, within budget, and correctly to ensure a client’s success. At ZAG, this team is referred to as PMO, which stands for Project Management Office, dedicated to overseeing each project from start to finish.
Project Manager Bianka Malko has been with the ZAG PMO team for two years, but in a previous life, was a teacher. She brings so many of those skills to her role. Here, we learn a little more about her:
How and when did you get your start in the technology industry?
In 2014, my husband established his own IT consulting firm. At that time, I was a teacher. I started to assist him with many simple IT tasks, such as anti-virus installation, exchange and active directory management, workstation setup, and many other tasks. This is when I became motivated to learn and continue my education in project management to pursue a career as an IT project manager.
One of the reasons I’m passionate about working in IT is that it’s an incredibly satisfying industry to work in. You’re working to assist people and create solutions that help people do their jobs as efficiently as possible. IT is rewarding and allows you to forge great relationships with colleagues or clients.
Why did you decide to join ZAG?
When I interviewed with ZAG, I was incredibly “WOWED” by the enthusiasm and willingness of the ZAG team to help the clients. That day I was 100% sure that I wanted to be part of the ZAG family and help clients.
How would you describe your job to a class of kindergartners?
Project management is the profession of planning, organizing, and managing many things, including people and projects.
What do you like most about your job?
Project management is constantly changing and I’ve developed so many skills from managing projects, meeting different clients, and working within the industry, and with other members of the team. There is nothing more satisfying than delivering projects on time, on budget, and with the highest quality standards met. It’s not without challenges but it’s part of the learning process.
What is one piece of professional advice that you’ve received that stuck with you through the years?
“Don’t ever stop learning and growing as a person,” was advice from my first professor when I moved to the United States. He taught me to never give up and to learn as much as I can. The more I learn, the better my life becomes.
And more personal questions…
Do you have any hobbies or interests you’d like to share?
I love cooking! Over the last nine months, I’ve had to change my cooking style significantly since finding out that I have gluten intolerance. While it was a huge shock, I’m finding ways to adapt my lifestyle, and I’m currently working on developing a social media page for gluten-free cooking recipes that I can share with others who are making the transition like me.
I also love luxury cars. I have a small RC Mercedes – AMG G 63 6X6 – (see the photo above) and have been looking everywhere to see a real size car. I happen to see one this year at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance car show.
And finally, I love fashion, jewelry, and make-up.
What’s a fun fact about you that people may not know?
I had a puppet show for kids in my native language. I was well known in my own community among the children and parents. I’ve also done commercials on TV (in the photo below, I’m standing in front of the TV show I was on). Another fun fact about me is I love taking selfies (I have more than 1,000 selfies on my cellphone).
What is your dream travel destination?
I have many places that would love to travel to, including New Zealand, Germany, Dubai, Peru, Argentina, Malaysia, and Japan.
