TPM UW Interview

1. Tell me about yourself and your background.

“I recently graduated with a Master's in Data Science and Cyber Security from the University of Washington. During my studies, I worked on several projects that combined my technical skills and leadership abilities, such as leading a capstone project in collaboration with Microsoft, where we developed a web application for Azure Labs to create a simplified process for technical and non-technical users. I also have experience as a Data Engineer Intern at Fresh Grease, where I focused on database migration and process automation. I'm passionate about leveraging data and technology to drive informed decision-making and am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the Research Computing team at UW."

2. Why are you interested in this TPM position?

"I am drawn to this TPM position because it perfectly aligns with my skills and career goals. The opportunity to work on petascale-level services, such as HPC and AI supercomputers, excites me because of the impact these technologies can have on research and innovation. Additionally, I am passionate about product management and have experience leading teams and managing projects to successful completion. The chance to work at a renowned institution like the University of Washington, the University where I studied, where I can contribute to advancing research computing, is very appealing to me. I can give back to the community that gave me everything."

3. Can you describe a project where you had to manage multiple stakeholders?

"During my capstone project with Microsoft and UW, I led a team to develop a web application for Azure Labs. The project required close collaboration with both technical and non-technical stakeholders, and stakeholders at both the University and at Microsoft. I maintained clear communication channels, conducted regular meetings, and ensured that all stakeholders were informed about the project's progress. By understanding their needs and addressing their concerns promptly, we were able to deliver a solution that reduced lab setup time by 40% and increased customer acquisition by 30%."

4. How do you handle challenges and setbacks in a project?

"I believe challenges and setbacks are opportunities to learn and improve. When faced with a challenge, I first analyze the situation to identify the root cause. Then, I collaborate with my team to brainstorm possible solutions and evaluate their feasibility.

5. How do you ensure effective communication within your team?

"Effective communication is key to a successful project. I ensure this by establishing clear communication channels and setting regular check-ins and meetings. I encourage open dialogue and create an environment where team members feel comfortable sharing their ideas and concerns. For example, in my role as Capstone Project Manager, I implemented weekly progress meetings and used tools like Teams to keep everyone updated and aligned. This approach helped maintain transparency and fostered a collaborative team spirit."

6. What are your long-term career goals, and how does this role fit into them?

"My long-term career goal is to become a leader in technology management, where I can drive innovation and strategic initiatives within an organization. This TPM role at UW is a perfect fit as it allows me to leverage my technical background and project management skills to contribute to cutting-edge research. The experience and knowledge I gain in this position will be invaluable as I work towards my goal of leading large-scale technological projects that have a significant impact on society."

7. Can you provide an example of how you contributed to creating an inclusive working environment?

"At the Muslim Community Resource Center, where I worked as a Youth Director, I was part of a diverse team working on a many projects with lots of organizations and diverse teams. I ensured that all voices were heard by facilitating inclusive discussions and actively seeking input from all team members, regardless of their background or position. By fostering an inclusive environment, we were able to gather comprehensive insights and deliver a more effective solution to address the healthcare challenges faced by women in the community."

8. How do you stay current with the latest technologies and trends in your field?

"I stay current by continuously learning and exploring new technologies. I regularly read industry blogs, attend webinars, and participate in relevant online courses. For example, I recently completed certifications in Microsoft Azure Fundamentals and AWS Solutions Architect. Additionally, I am an active member of professional organizations like AnitaB.org and Women in Cloud, where I engage with peers and industry experts to discuss the latest trends and advancements."

9. What do you know about the Research Computing team at UW, and why do you want to work with us?

"I understand that the Research Computing team at UW plays a crucial role in providing advanced cyberinfrastructure services to support the university's research community. This includes managing HPC resources, data storage solutions, and supporting AI-driven research. I am particularly excited about the innovative projects and the impact they have on scientific discovery and education. Working with a leading institution like UW, known for its commitment to research excellence and inclusivity, aligns with my professional values and aspirations."

10. How do you prioritize tasks and manage your time effectively?

"I prioritize tasks by assessing their urgency and impact on the overall project goals. I use tools like Notion to organize tasks and set deadlines. For example, during my internship with fresh grease, I created a detailed project plan with milestones and deadlines based on the meeting that we had. By breaking down the project into smaller tasks and prioritizing them based on dependencies and importance, I ensured that we stayed on track and met our deadlines. Additionally, I regularly reviewed and adjusted priorities as needed to accommodate any changes."

11. Describe a time when you had to learn a new technology quickly. How did you approach it?

"A lot of my masters degree was like that. Learning DS. Learning SQL. Looked at prevvious videos, seeked help, used online courses. Committed time.

12. How do you handle conflicting priorities among team members or stakeholders?

"Handling conflicting priorities involves active listening, understanding each stakeholder's perspective, and finding a compromise that aligns with the project's goals. For example, in my capstone project, different team members had varying opinions on the features to prioritize. I facilitated a meeting where everyone could voice their concerns and needs. By focusing on the project's objectives and using data to support decisions, we reached a consensus on the most critical features to implement first, ensuring we delivered value to our users while keeping the team aligned."

13. Can you provide an example of a project where you improved a process or system?

"At Azure Labs, improved the whole process for creating labs.

14. How do you ensure the quality of the products or services you manage?

"Ensuring quality involves setting clear standards, conducting thorough testing, and continuously seeking feedback. For the web application project with Microsoft and UW, I established a testing protocol that included unit tests, integration tests, and user acceptance testing. We also conducted regular code reviews to maintain high coding standards. By involving users in the testing process and incorporating their feedback, we ensured the final product met their needs and maintained a high level of quality."

15. What is your experience with budgeting and financial management in projects?

Budgeting at Financial management for clinic events

16. How do you handle feedback and criticism from peers or supervisors?

"I view feedback and criticism as opportunities for growth and improvement. When receiving feedback, I listen carefully, ask clarifying questions if needed, and reflect on the points made. For example, during my capstone project, my supervisor provided constructive criticism on my initial prototypes. I took this feedback to heart and used it to improve the prototypes. This not only improved my skills but also resulted in a more effective application for the project."

17. Describe a time when you had to lead a team through a difficult challenge.

"During my capstone project, we encountered a major technical issue that threatened to delay our delivery timeline. Our application was facing performance bottlenecks, which were impacting user experience. As the team lead, I organized a series of brainstorming sessions to diagnose the issue. We identified inefficient database queries as the root cause. I delegated tasks to team members based on their strengths and coordinated our efforts to optimize the queries and refactor the code. Through collaboration and persistence, we resolved the issue and delivered the project on time, significantly improving application performance."

18. How do you stay motivated and keep your team motivated during long projects?

"I stay motivated by focusing on the end goal and the impact our work will have. I encourage my team by celebrating small wins and milestones, which helps maintain a positive and motivated atmosphere. During the capstone project, we had bi-weekly 'demo days' where team members showcased their progress. This not only kept everyone engaged but also provided a sense of accomplishment. Additionally, I made sure to recognize individual contributions and foster an environment of mutual support and encouragement."

19. Can you discuss a time when you had to present complex technical information to a non-technical audience?

"During my capstone with Microsoft, my team presented our project at the capstone fair. Many of our audience was not familiar with the technical concepts we were explaining. I focused on translating the complex information into clear insights. I used simple language and visual aids like charts and graphs to illustrate key points. By telling a compelling story and emphasizing the real-world implications of our findings, I was able to effectively communicate the importance of our work and garner support for our recommendations."

20. How do you handle tight deadlines and pressure in a project?

"I handle tight deadlines by staying organized, prioritizing tasks, and maintaining open communication with my team. In high-pressure situations, I focus on breaking down the project into manageable tasks and setting realistic deadlines. During the capstone project, we faced a tight deadline to deliver a prototype to our stakeholders. I created a detailed project timeline, assigned tasks based on team members' strengths, and held daily stand-up meetings to track progress. By staying focused and keeping everyone aligned, we met the deadline and delivered a high-quality prototype."

21. How do you approach setting a product vision and roadmap?

"Setting a product vision and roadmap involves understanding the needs of users, stakeholders, and the overall strategic goals of the organization. I start by gathering input from various sources, including user feedback, market research, and stakeholder requirements. For example, in my capstone project, I worked closely with Microsoft and UW stakeholders to understand their long-term goals and user pain points. I then prioritized features that aligned with these goals and created a roadmap that outlined milestones and deliverables. Regularly reviewing and updating the roadmap ensured we remained aligned with our vision and could adapt to any changes or new insights."

22. Can you describe a time when you successfully managed a budget for a project?

"During my role as Program Coordinator, I was responsible for managing the budget provided by the clinic for events. I started by creating a detailed budget plan that included all projected expenses, such as food, event location, and travel. Throughout the project, I tracked expenditures using Excel and ensured that we stayed within budget by regularly reviewing our spending.

23. How do you keep up with advancements in technology relevant to your role?

"I stay current with advancements in technology by regularly reading industry publications, attending webinars, and participating in online courses. I also follow thought leaders and experts on social media platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter. For example, I recently completed certifications in Microsoft Azure Fundamentals and AWS Solutions Architect to deepen my understanding of cloud computing. Additionally, I actively participate in professional organizations like AnitaB.org and Women in Cloud, where I engage with peers and industry experts to discuss the latest trends and technologies. This continuous learning helps me bring fresh ideas and best practices to my work."

24. How do you handle situations where team members disagree on a technical solution?

"When team members disagree on a technical solution, I facilitate a structured discussion to ensure all perspectives are heard. I encourage team members to present their viewpoints and support them with data or evidence. For example, during my capstone project, there was a disagreement on the best approach to optimize our application. I organized a meeting where each team member presented their proposed solution and the rationale behind it. We then collaboratively evaluated the pros and cons of each approach, considering factors like performance, scalability, and ease of implementation. By fostering an open and respectful dialogue, we were able to reach a consensus on the best solution and move forward as a unified team."

Questions for interviewer

• Role Expectations and Responsibilities:

  • "Can you elaborate on the immediate priorities and key challenges for the Technical Product Manager in this role?"

  • "What are the most critical projects or initiatives the Research Computing team is currently focusing on?"

• Team Dynamics and Collaboration:

  • "Can you describe the team I’ll be working with and how the Research Computing team collaborates with other departments or stakeholders?"

  • "What is the typical structure of a project team, and how does the TPM interact with other roles within the team?"

• Success Metrics and Goals:

  • "How is success measured for this role, and what are the key performance indicators or milestones for the first six months?"

  • "What are the long-term goals for the Research Computing team, and how does this role contribute to achieving them?"

• Professional Development and Growth:

  • "What opportunities for professional development and growth are available for someone in this role?"

  • "How does the organization support continued learning and advancement within the Research Computing division?"

• Current Challenges and Opportunities:

  • "What are some of the current challenges the Research Computing team is facing, and how might this role help address them?"

  • "Are there any upcoming projects or initiatives that this role will be particularly involved with?"

• Culture and Work Environment:

  • "Can you describe the work culture within the Research Computing team and UW-IT as a whole?"

  • "How does the organization support a collaborative and inclusive work environment?"

• Feedback and Evaluation:

  • "How is feedback typically provided to team members, and what is the process for performance evaluations?"

  • "Can you describe the feedback and support mechanisms in place to help team members succeed?"

• Impact and Vision:

  • "How does the work of the Research Computing team align with the broader goals and mission of the University of Washington?"

  • "What is the long-term vision for the Research Computing services, and how does this role contribute to that vision?"