top of page
Najmieh, Technical Product Manager at Top Rank University: Advize Career Interview
Dive into the world of technical product management with Najmieh from Top Rank University! This journey started with a blend of business and tech education, leading to a role orchestrating software product lifecycles from start to finish.
Expect a day filled with stakeholder conversations, balancing technical, financial, and strategic initiatives.
Success hinges on technical prowess and leadership skills, acting as a bridge between developers and stakeholders to ensure everyone's on the same page – a challenging but rewarding aspect of the role.
A passion for learning fuels enjoyment in the higher education industry, where continuous growth and knowledge-sharing thrive. Ideal candidates are adaptable team players who approach challenges with logic and empathy. The advice?
Embrace collaboration and don't hesitate to ask for help, as a strong network and industry knowledge are invaluable. Entry-level paths include business analyst or IT roles.
The most important lesson learned is to embrace the unknown and cultivate self-assurance.
Building a powerful network in college is crucial for navigating the professional world, especially as a woman in leadership within male-dominated tech spaces, where a clear vision and strategic communication are paramount.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Najmieh Tousi
Technical Product Manager
Top Rank University
Alzahra University
Two MS programs: IT management, and Supply chain Management, and an Executive MBA
Computer Science
Education
Cyber Security and IT
Honors Student
Watch all of this Advizer's videos below
Career Path of a Technical Product Manager at Top Rank University
Najmieh's career path involves a shift from business development to supply chain management, and then to a more "technical role in IT in higher education," supported by a Bachelor's in Knowledge and Information Science, an Executive MBA, and master's degrees in Supply Chain Management and IT Management. Ultimately, experiences in multiple institutions led to their current role as a Product Manager in tech.
Main Responsibilities Of A Technical Product Manager At Top Rank University
Najmieh's responsibilities as a Technical Product Manager at Top Rank University encompass managing the software product lifecycle "end to end," from gathering requirements with business analysts and collaborating with the development team to overseeing user acceptance testing and working with leadership on "budgeting, resourcing, uh, strategic roadmap, designing and, um, like getting the product out". They are involved in all aspects of the product's journey from conception to launch.
A Day in the Life of a Technical Product Manager at Top Rank University
As a Technical Product Manager of business systems, Najmieh spends much of the day in conversations with different stakeholders, including the tech team and leadership, and categorizes responsibilities into three major areas. These areas include "technical conversations," finance-related discussions, and strategic roadmap design, all crucial for navigating the intersection of technology and business objectives.
Most Important Skills for a Technical Product Manager at Top Rank University
Najmieh emphasizes the importance of both technical knowledge and product management skills for success as a Technical Product Manager, highlighting the need to "be proficient in the exact product" while also possessing strong soft skills to effectively manage and lead teams through friendly relationships and good team dynamics. Essentially, leadership capabilities and domain expertise are the keys to being a successful product manager.
Favorite Parts of Being a Technical Product Manager at Top Rank University
Najmieh enjoys acting as a bridge between the technical and non-technical worlds, communicating complex technical solutions in a simple manner to stakeholders so that they "understand the technical knowledge that the developers have, but in their own words". Top Rank University's Technical Product Manager finds satisfaction in ensuring developers understand what to develop and that stakeholders provide the right requirements.
Biggest Challenges Faced by a Technical Product Manager at Top Rank University
As a Technical Product Manager, Najmieh's biggest challenge revolves around bridging the communication gap between technical and non-technical stakeholders, because "getting everybody on the same page" when developers misunderstand processes and stakeholders misunderstand technical aspects can be difficult. This challenge, though difficult, aligns with what Najmieh enjoys most about the role.
Favorite Parts Of Working In Higher Education As A Technical Product Manager
Najmieh enjoys working in higher education primarily because of a love for learning and continuous growth; as they put it, "the moment that I'm like I'm in a job that I don't learn anymore...I need to start a stretch goal for myself." Najmieh appreciates the supportive and sharing culture within the industry, where highly educated individuals are passionate about spreading knowledge and engaging in conversations extending beyond technical skills.
What Type Of Person Thrives In Technical Product Management, According To A Technical Product Manager At Top Rank University
Najmieh believes that individuals who excel as Technical Product Managers, particularly at a place like Top Rank University, are "very open to change" and strong "team players." Moreover, they are able to address challenges with a balanced approach that is both logical and understanding.
What a Technical Product Manager at Top Rank University wishes they had known before entering the Tech industry
Najmieh, a Technical Product Manager at Top Rank University, emphasizes the advantage of possessing prior industry knowledge before stepping into the role, and for those new to both the organization and industry, Najmieh recommends embracing the collaborative environment, urging newcomers to "don't hesitate to ask for more resources or for more help, because everybody's very willing to share."
Entry-level positions for aspiring Technical Product Managers
Najmieh, a Technical Product Manager at Top Rank University, suggests that entry-level positions such as "business analyst" or "associate analyst" can be a good starting point in this field, depending on an individual's "skillset...and their passion." Furthermore, Najmieh adds that entry-level IT jobs in higher education or any industry are potential avenues.
Significant Career Lesson From a Technical Product Manager at Top Rank University
Najmieh, a Technical Product Manager at Top Rank University, learned the significant lesson to "never get scared of the unknown" because throughout their career they encountered unfamiliar situations and lacked initial confidence. Over time, Najmieh gained the realization that every job entails a degree of uncertainty, but that they possess the ability to learn and adapt, ultimately expanding their capabilities and cultivating greater self-assurance.
College Experiences That Helped A Technical Product Manager At Top Rank University Succeed
Najmieh credits building a "very strong network of people" as the most impactful college experience for career success, noting that while education and repeated coursework had value, the network provided invaluable insights into navigating the professional landscape and developing essential soft skills, such as "what stuff you shouldn't even getting closer to." Networking didn't necessarily land a job, but rather gave "more information about people" which proved to be crucial.
How Identity Has Influenced A Technical Product Manager's Career At Top Rank University
Identifying as a woman in leadership within male-dominated tech and supply chain environments requires a clear vision, understanding of the industry framework, and carefully considered approaches to problem-solving; furthermore, "it's very important to know how you want to place yourself and what you want others to pursue of you if you want to be a leader." Knowing how to form conversations and project confidence is also key to navigating these situations successfully.
Advizer Personal Links
bottom of page