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Alexander, Manager, Automation Engineering at Walmart: Advize Career Interview
A career in automation engineering, as exemplified by a Walmart Manager, offers a dynamic path from environmental studies and GIS to leadership roles in emerging technologies.
This professional's journey showcases unexpected transitions from autonomous vehicle companies like Uber, Lyft, and Waymo to a business-focused role managing complex projects involving autonomous yard trucks and drone delivery systems.
Success requires strong interpersonal skills, proactive communication, and adaptability, with internships and contract positions serving as valuable entry points.
The most rewarding aspects include working with cutting-edge technology, contributing to increased safety and efficiency, and learning from diverse, highly skilled colleagues.
The biggest challenge is managing vendor relationships and internal expectations, but a positive attitude and continuous learning are key to thriving in this innovative and rapidly evolving field.
Proactive engagement with professors during college and a willingness to embrace challenges are highlighted as crucial for career success.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Alexander Claiborne
Manager, Automation Engineering
Walmart
University of California, Santa Barbara
N/A
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Environmental & Related Sciences
Automotive & Auto Parts
Operations and Project Management
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Career Path Of A Business Development Manager At Walmart
Alexander's career path began with a GIS focus from their environmental studies degree at UC Santa Barbara, unexpectedly leading to roles in the autonomous vehicle industry at Uber, Lyft, and Waymo. This progression saw a transition from "looking at situations in the real world" and data analysis to project and people management, culminating in Alexander's current business-focused role at Walmart, where they leverage "financial planning" and contract review skills for new product launches.
Main Responsibilities of an Automation Engineering Manager at Walmart
Alexander's main responsibilities as Manager, Automation Engineering at Walmart involve significant program management, acting as "the point person" to coordinate diverse teams and resources, including network infrastructure and financial models. This includes vendor management to ensure project timelines and adherence to Walmart's practices, encompassing "project planning, writing out details, um, test plans," and generally keeping "things keep ticking."
A Day in the Life of an Automation Engineering Manager at Walmart
A Manager, Automation Engineering at Walmart starts each day checking for urgent issues impacting sales or customer experience—"if we have a system outage, anything impacting sales or the customer experience, that needs to be addressed right away"—before focusing on meetings and stakeholder communication. The role emphasizes efficient use of team time, recognizing the significant collective cost of meetings, ensuring everyone "is getting something out of the meeting and getting whatever they need."
Most Important Skills for an Automation Engineering Manager at Walmart
For a manager in automation engineering at Walmart, success hinges on strong interpersonal skills—"being personable," "having patience," and adapting to diverse communication styles—to effectively collaborate and achieve project goals. The ability to communicate succinctly and proactively, including mastering "very succinct writing" and independently driving projects with broad directives, is also crucial for career advancement.
Favorite Parts of Being an Automation Engineering Manager at Walmart
Alexander, a Manager of Automation Engineering at Walmart, finds the most rewarding aspect of the role to be working on "emerging technology products" such as autonomous yard trucks and drone delivery systems. This allows Alexander to contribute to projects offering "a lot of value" by increasing safety and efficiency, while also gaining experience at the "forefront of things that could potentially...be a lot more safe in the future."
Biggest Challenges Faced By An Automation Engineering Manager At Walmart
Alexander's biggest challenges as a Manager, Automation Engineering at Walmart stem from vendor delays with "emerging technology," requiring constant timeline management, and from being the central point of contact for issue resolution, meaning "when something goes wrong, I'm kind of the first person that people point the finger at." This highlights the dual nature of leadership roles: managing external dependencies and internal expectations while maintaining a positive attitude for continuous improvement.
Favorite Parts of Working in Engineering as a Manager, Automation Engineering
Alexander, a Manager of Automation Engineering at Walmart, most enjoys the "incredibly innovative" nature of the industry and the diverse perspectives of colleagues, learning from "really bright minds" with varied backgrounds, including many with military experience, which fosters continuous growth and a challenging yet rewarding career path. This environment allows Alexander to constantly learn, absorbing knowledge and applying it across roles, embracing a philosophy of never being "the smartest person in the room."
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Automation Engineering Industry According To An Automation Engineering Manager At Walmart
Success in automation engineering, according to a Walmart Manager, requires assertive individuals who are "very upfront" in their communication, proactively seeking solutions and "thinking on their feet" to find cost-effective alternatives. Furthermore, a personable approach, focusing on collaboration and finding "a middle ground," significantly enhances professional success within the industry.
What an Automation Engineering Manager at Walmart Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Technology Industry
Alexander, a Manager of Automation Engineering at Walmart, emphasizes the importance of asking questions, stating that "the smartest people are the ones asking questions," a lesson learned through experience and overcoming initial hesitation. This proactive approach, even if met with a simple "no," prevents later regret and unlocks opportunities for improvement and collaboration.
Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Automation Engineers At Walmart
Alexander, a Manager of Automation Engineering at Walmart, suggests undergraduates consider internships and contract positions as entry points, emphasizing that "any internship…usually has a pretty good line towards full-time employment." The manager highlights the value of gaining experience and building connections, even if the initial role is not ideal, advising that "no experience is bad experience."
Significant Career Lesson From An Automation Engineering Manager At Walmart
Alexander's most significant career lesson is the importance of adaptability, emphasizing the need to "roll with the punches" and find benefits in less-than-ideal tasks, such as undesirable work hours. This approach, Alexander notes, led to quicker career advancement and fostered stronger professional relationships because "the right people will notice" a positive attitude even in challenging situations.
College Experiences That Helped an Automation Engineering Manager at Walmart Succeed
Alexander's journey highlights the importance of proactive engagement with professors during college, stating "they're there to help you," especially in the later years. This active networking, combined with identifying passions like GIS, significantly aided in career exploration and ultimately led to success in automation engineering at Walmart, even though a job wasn't secured immediately after graduation.
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