Danny, Manager, Software Engineering at Biotechnology Company: Advize Career Interview
A career journey from molecular biology and microbiology lab work to a Software Engineering Manager role at a leading biotechnology company, this individual's path is inspiring.
The transition involved a pivotal QA software testing internship, showcasing the power of transferable skills.
A day in their current role balances meetings with stakeholder management, addressing urgent issues, and supporting direct reports.
Strong communication and software architectural skills are highlighted as essential, along with the ability to make quick, critical decisions. The most rewarding aspect?
Directly impacting patients' lives through contributions to oncology precision.
Success in this field requires a blend of deep biotechnology knowledge and strong software engineering capabilities, along with excellent documentation practices.
Networking and diversifying skillsets are crucial for career advancement, as illustrated by this individual's own experience.
A hearing impairment initially presented a challenge, but proactive communication and advocacy for appropriate tools proved vital for success. Entry-level opportunities range from internships to bioinformatics roles.
This compelling career narrative emphasizes the intersection of science, technology, and impactful patient care.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Danny Tran
Manager, Software Engineering
Biotechnology Company
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
John Hopkins University - Bioinformatics M.S.
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Biology & Related Sciences
Biotechnology & Pharmaceutical
Product / Service / Software Development and Management
LGBTQ, First Generation College Student
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Career Path Of A Software Engineering Manager At A Biotechnology Company
Danny's career path began with "a lot of lab work" in molecular biology and microbiology during college, followed by a research associate role in non-invasive prenatal testing. A pivotal internship in QA software testing within the same company, using Selenium, transitioned their career into software engineering, leading to roles in biotech startups and ultimately a software engineering manager position at a larger firm, leveraging both lab and software development expertise.
Main Responsibilities Of A Software Engineering Manager At A Biotechnology Company
Danny's main responsibilities as a Software Engineering Manager center on ensuring the product "is functioning well and...well maintained," including resource allocation for growth and cross-functional communication of design and architectural changes. A significant portion of the role also involves supporting their direct reports and ensuring they have the necessary resources to succeed.
A Day In The Life Of A Software Engineering Manager At A Biotechnology Company
A day for this software engineering manager is heavily meeting-focused, including collaborations with "stakeholder PMs or other management," addressing "fires," and vendor interactions. The manager also dedicates time to individual contributor support through one-on-ones focusing on career goals and work/life challenges, in addition to participating in scrum ceremonies and architectural design reviews.
Most Important Skills For A Software Engineering Manager At A Biotechnology Company
For a software engineering manager at a biotechnology company, Danny cites strong communication skills as "the number one, top skill," emphasizing the need to navigate conversations with diverse individuals. Equally crucial are fundamental software architectural skills for design review and effective team management, including prioritization based on business needs and understanding "what needs resource and what needs delegation."
Favorite Parts Of Being A Software Engineering Manager At A Biotechnology Company
Danny, a Manager of Software Engineering, enjoys the "high level pictures" of seeing projects "go from start to end," and how different teams collaborate. The role also allows Danny to mentor team members, fostering growth and witnessing their progression to "a different level of a pedestal."
Biggest Challenges Faced By A Software Engineering Manager At A Biotechnology Company
Danny's biggest challenge as a Manager, Software Engineering is "having to make fast, uh, and difficult decision quickly," often with limited information and relying on the trust and clear communication from their team. This highlights the pressure and critical decision-making required in a leadership role within a fast-paced biotechnology environment.
Favorite Parts Of Working In Biotechnology As A Software Engineering Manager
Danny, a Manager of Software Engineering in the biotechnology industry, finds the most rewarding aspect of the work is contributing to "oncology precision," directly impacting patients' lives by providing results that improve "quality of life or have a chance in a prolonged life," as evidenced by the testimonials received. The work's impact on patients facing difficult cancer treatments is a key source of satisfaction.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Biotechnology Industry, According To A Software Engineering Manager At A Biotechnology Company
To thrive in the biotechnology software engineering industry, a high-value employee needs "mixed knowledge of skills," combining "deep domain knowledge" of biotechnology with strong software engineering and architectural capabilities—"being able to build things and also picture things." This blend of technical expertise and industry understanding is key to success.
What a Software Engineering Manager at Biotechnology Company Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Software Engineering Industry
Danny, a Manager of Software Engineering in the biotechnology industry, wishes they had known earlier the crucial role of "good documentation" and communication in team success and enterprise system health; the lack of such documentation significantly impacts manageability and overall effectiveness.
Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Software Engineers
Entry-level opportunities in biotechnology software engineering include "any software engineering job," such as internships or Software Engineer I roles, and a more specialized path in bioinformatics, which blends "engineering and science" for molecular biology data analysis. These options offer various entry points for undergraduate students.
Key Career Lesson from a Software Engineering Manager at a Biotechnology Company
Danny's most significant career lesson is the importance of networking: "a lot of my jobs have been...who I have known from college," illustrating how strong relationships, from biochemistry classmates to clinical lab scientists, directly led to internships and full-time roles. This highlights the power of building and maintaining professional connections for career advancement.
College Experiences That Helped a Software Engineering Manager at a Biotechnology Company Succeed
To achieve career success, Danny, a Manager of Software Engineering at a Biotechnology Company, recommends a multifaceted approach: "putting a lot of effort in diversifying [one's] skillset," including coursework in molecular biology, microbiology, and computer science, alongside networking through extracurriculars like a co-ed fraternity and gaining research experience via part-time lab work. This combination of academic rigor, social engagement, and practical experience proved highly effective in their career path.
How Identity Has Influenced a Software Engineering Manager at Biotechnology Company's Career
Initially, a hearing impairment caused concern about navigating a career requiring constant communication, prompting a worry about "constantly be[ing] tentative about listening and communicating". However, the individual realized the necessity of proactive communication, advocating for "the right tools" and transparently sharing communication needs with teams and recruiters to successfully advance their career.
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