IT Business Management Overview: Raisa Marcucci Pedro

Introduction

My name is Raisa, and I am Brazilian. Since I was a child, I remember always being very curious and having an intense desire for independence.

When I finished high school, I was a bit lost about what to study in college, so I decided to start working at an information technology company until I figured out what I really wanted to study. I began this journey at 18 and worked at this company for 11 years—a lifetime! I started my career in the administrative area as an assistant and earned my place through a lot of hard work, dedication, and a willingness to learn. During this time, I decided to study Law in college. I believe I was influenced by my sister and other family members. I wasn’t completely sure it was what I wanted, but I felt compelled to pursue something. Five years of study went by until I received my degree. At the same time, my career was progressing well, and I transitioned into the sales area, where I am to this day. In sales, I learned and grew a lot—from selling the company’s services and products to managing numbers, targets, client relationships, delegating tasks, and managing teams, among other responsibilities. Balancing college and work demanded a lot from me. Those were challenging and intense years.

By the age of 24, I was already working as an account manager, taking on significant responsibilities. I started working with major clients and was given aggressive goals. As new challenges arose, I felt the need to pursue an MBA in Business Management to develop my skills and learn techniques, methodologies, and tools that could help me in my daily work. This decision was crucial for advancing my career, as it was the first time I was truly studying something and applying it to my job. It was a spot-on decision.

Today, at 34, I am still in the commercial area, as a Senior Account Executive, at another multinational IT company called K2 Partnering, where I’ve been for five years, and I continue to learn and grow. I enjoy what I do because each day is dynamic and never repetitive. I appreciate the relationships I build with my clients, and some have even become friends. Additionally, the technology field is, and I believe always will be, in high demand, keeping us up to date with innovations and market trends.

Lastly, I have never practiced law. For a time, I questioned whether I had made the right career choices. Now, I understand that there are no right or wrong answers—only choices. When we choose something, we automatically let go of something else. That’s life. We need to make decisions and recalibrate our path when things don’t go as we expected or planned. The important thing is to always do our part and be true to ourselves. It’s never too late to start over, change plans, or try something new.

Business Management Fellow

career options

Below are some career options in IT Business Management.

Business Management Fellow

skills

What are the main hard skills you use on a daily basis in your current job?

Contract Management and Negotiation

Effective contract management includes understanding legal terms, pricing structures, and negotiating favorable terms with clients. My law degree has been instrumental in helping me understand the terms and clauses to consider in contracts, renewals, or when negotiating a service’s SLAs.

CRM (Customer Relationship Management) Software Proficiency

Familiarity with CRM systems (like Salesforce or HubSpot) allows you to manage client relationships, track interactions, and improve customer satisfaction. I became proficient in using CRM tools in my daily routine through company-provided instructions and training. This tool is integral to my work, enabling effective management of all customer relationships.

Financial Management and Budgeting

This knowledge is essential for managing individual, team, and company goals; for pricing products and services at consistent and sustainable levels; and for identifying clients worth investing in, with a focus on medium-term returns. I acquired this skill during my MBA in Business Management and refined it over years of career experience.

What are the main soft skills you use on a daily basis in your current job?

Communication Skills

When managing client relationships, this skill is essential for building trust and ensuring clients feel informed and valued. Clear communication ensures everyone understands the project’s status, challenges, and next steps. Communication skills are often refined over time through experience, but formal training such as workshops, public speaking courses, or feedback sessions can accelerate development.

Adaptability and Flexibility

As an IT Business Manager, you must adapt to changes in project scope, budget cuts, or shifting client expectations. This skill is often developed through experience, especially in environments with rapidly changing requirements or high levels of uncertainty, as is common in the IT field.

Time Management and Prioritization

On a daily basis, you juggle multiple projects, client meetings, and internal reports. Time management skills allow you to prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance. These skills can be honed using tools like planners, time-tracking apps, or specific methodologies. Personally, I rely on a simple agenda and notepad to manage my day—it’s straightforward and effective.

Raisa

’s personal path

Tell us about your personal journey in

Business Management Fellow

:

Choosing what to study wasn’t a straightforward decision for me. Like many others, I faced uncertainty when trying to determine the best path forward. I was naturally curious and had a strong sense of independence, which motivated me to pursue a professional field that would challenge me and foster growth. I eventually decided to study Law, even though I wasn’t entirely certain it was my true calling. The journey through college was intense, as I balanced a full-time job in an IT company with my studies. This experience taught me resilience and discipline early on—qualities I’d lean on heavily in my career.

I started my first job in the administrative area of IT through one of my mother’s contacts. I went through the selection process, and I remember being very nervous—I had absolutely no experience to share. But I had interest and willingness, which ultimately led to my hiring. The initial period was very challenging, but I always listened to feedback carefully, constantly aiming to improve. The next steps in my career also came through relationships I built, and the positive feedback people had about my work. This is why networking is so important—cultivating good relationships, being humble, and always striving to grow.

The journey to finding a fulfilling job often takes time, resilience, and a willingness to learn from each experience. It’s rarely a linear journey, but every setback teaches a lesson and brings you closer to where you’re meant to be. Remember that your unique experiences, skills, and perseverance are what set you apart. The right opportunity will come, often when you least expect it, and it will make all the challenges worthwhile. Stay patient, stay motivated, and keep moving forward—you’re building a foundation for a rewarding career.

What would you tell your younger you regarding building your current career?

I would tell my younger self that choosing something doesn’t mean you’re bound to it for the rest of your life. I would say to embrace every opportunity, take away as much as you can from each experience, and keep carving your own path. Each path is unique, and what truly matters is always giving our best. Values like discipline and resilience are fundamental to building a solid and successful career.

Final thoughts & tips

As you embark on your journey in the IT field, remember that it’s okay not to have everything figured out right away. This industry is dynamic and constantly evolving. Technology will keep evolving, and staying curious and adaptable will be your greatest strengths.

Although the IT field is broad and highly competitive, I strongly recommend staying connected with your network, as many positions today are secured through referrals. Therefore, always do your best in every role you take on, as this is how you build your legacy.