Think very technical, very good project managers who enable engineers to get more done. If you come in and try and throw down some waterfall shit, and slow people down, everyone will just ignore you and you’ll fail out. Bring the value.
I’m an SDE with 25 yoe. I just submitted 3 applications on FBs site for TPM roles. I was quickly rejected by 2 of them, I think one is still pending. FB has an annoying rejection email, I think I’d rather be ignored. They don’t want me, I’m too old.
Definitely not too old. But jumping from SDE to TPM is changing lanes - is there something from your experience that demonstrates you can clearly be successful as a TPM? I don’t think it’s age, I’m not far behind you, and they hired me!
I’d need to totally redo my resume. I arrogantly wanted to believe that my extensive engineering (plus business and team leadership) experience would make me totally irresistible. Ha! on that one
Great advice from Nopenope. I use the phrase “technical influence” a lot when it comes to TPMs. Don’t be just a project tracker (clipboard TPM, notes-taker). Know the business, the technology, the systems, the services, the APIs. And develop some great soft skills to navigate situations and issues well. Build trust and confidence in your stakeholders
Thanks for all the replies. Where are they in terms of seniority/pay/etc.? Meaning do they drive the show or are they merely support roles?
They are one of many in a cast of characters who drive the show. There isn’t a single “person in charge.” Depending on the type of project, You could have TPMs, PMs, SWEs, PEs, designers, content strategists...all driving the show together. This isn’t a dictatorial culture.
They manage technical programs