Tessa, Sr. Technical Project Manager, PMO Special Projects at Specright: Advize Career Interview

This interview with a Senior Technical Project Manager at Specright reveals a fascinating, unconventional career path.

Starting with an art history degree, this individual leveraged self-directed project work and certifications to transition into business operations and ultimately land a senior leadership role.

The daily work is dynamic, involving project implementation, strategic PMO initiatives, and consistent communication.

Success hinges on exceptional time management, problem-solving, and leadership skills, with a focus on navigating complex interpersonal dynamics.

The most rewarding aspects include the puzzle-like nature of project planning and the tangible impact of improving client efficiency through Specright's software solutions. A key lesson learned is the importance of patience and humility.

Aspiring project managers can gain valuable experience through project coordinator roles or even self-initiated projects, which can even contribute to certifications.

Finally, the interview emphasizes the importance of active undergraduate involvement and a "go-getter" attitude to overcome challenges in a sometimes male-dominated field.

Advizer Information

Name

Job Title

Company

Undergrad

Grad Programs

Tessa Frey

Sr. Technical Project Manager, PMO Special Projects

Specright

University of California, Irvine - 2013

N/A

Majors

Industries

Job Functions

Traits

History, Art History

Technology

Operations and Project Management

Honors Student, Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School, Transfer Student

Watch all of this Advizer's videos below

Career Path of a Senior Technical Project Manager at Specright

Tessa's career path was unconventional, starting with an art history degree and a year as an au pair in France before transitioning into business operations roles. Driven by a natural inclination toward "managing projects and organization," their self-directed project work, coupled with CAPM and PMP certifications, ultimately led to their current senior technical project management position.

Career Path of a Senior Technical Project Manager at Specright

Main Responsibilities of a Senior Technical Project Manager at Specright

Tessa's main responsibilities as a Sr. Technical Project Manager involve a dual focus: managing key customer implementations to ensure projects are "on budget, on schedule," and simultaneously overseeing strategic initiatives within the PMO, "herding cats" to maintain project portfolio momentum and ensure consistent process adherence. This role blends hands-on project management with organizational leadership.

Main Responsibilities of a Senior Technical Project Manager at Specright

A Day In The Life Of A Senior Technical Project Manager At Specright

A senior technical project manager's workday is highly dynamic, with "no day really the same," consisting of numerous meetings and ongoing communication to manage various project issues and strategies. This involves "triaging issues" and securing necessary resources to ensure project completion.

A Day In The Life Of A Senior Technical Project Manager At Specright

Most Important Skills For A Senior Technical Project Manager At Specright

For a Senior Technical Project Manager, time management and organizational skills are crucial, complemented by strong problem-solving capabilities. The role also demands "leadership," requiring the ability to "take charge and make decisions" to effectively guide projects forward.

Most Important Skills For A Senior Technical Project Manager At Specright

Favorite Parts of Being a Senior Technical Project Manager at Specright

Tessa, a Senior Technical Project Manager, finds the most rewarding aspect of her role at Specright to be "the puzzle aspect," enjoying the challenge of project planning and execution. This passion for creating project plans and reports, which Tessa describes as "fun," highlights their analytical skills and meticulous approach to problem-solving.

Favorite Parts of Being a Senior Technical Project Manager at Specright

Biggest Challenges Faced By A Senior Technical Project Manager At Specright

Tessa, a Senior Technical Project Manager, cites "handling people" as the biggest challenge in her role, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of working with diverse personalities and navigating "difficult people"—a situation that is both "the hardest part of the job" and, when successfully managed, the most rewarding.

Biggest Challenges Faced By A Senior Technical Project Manager At Specright

Favorite Parts of Working in Software as a Senior Technical Project Manager

Tessa enjoys the impactful nature of software solutions, highlighting how Specright's platform offers a "really good value proposition" by improving data management efficiency for clients, replacing outdated methods like "Excel and PDFs." This contributes to a fulfilling career by enabling Tessa to help people "do their jobs better and save time."

Favorite Parts of Working in Software as a Senior Technical Project Manager

What Type Of Person Thrives In The Software Startup Industry, According To A Senior Technical Project Manager At Specright

In the software startup world, success hinges on being a "self-starter" who can work with "little direction" and adapt quickly; individuals accustomed to larger corporations may struggle due to the need for nimbleness and the ability to "pivot quickly."

What Type Of Person Thrives In The Software Startup Industry, According To A Senior Technical Project Manager At Specright

What a Senior Technical Project Manager at Specright Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Technology Industry

Tessa, a Senior Technical Project Manager, learned the importance of patience in the industry, noting that "things might not happen as quickly as you like them". This unexpected need for patience with both people and processes is crucial for success in the role.

What a Senior Technical Project Manager at Specright Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Technology Industry

Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Project Managers

A project coordinator role is a great entry-level position for aspiring project or program managers; however, the interviewee suggests that gaining project experience, even outside of a formal project coordinator role, is valuable and can even count toward certifications, as was the case in their own career trajectory.

Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Project Managers

Significant Career Lesson From A Senior Technical Project Manager At Specright

A significant career lesson for Tessa, a Senior Technical Project Manager, is maintaining "a humble attitude, a learning attitude," prioritizing a solution-oriented approach over a rigid "I'm right" mentality. This cooperative and humble mindset fosters collaboration and facilitates growth while still allowing for confidence in one's abilities.

Significant Career Lesson From A Senior Technical Project Manager At Specright

College Experiences That Helped a Senior Technical Project Manager at Specright Succeed

Tessa, a Senior Technical Project Manager, suggests that actively participating in undergraduate programs, even if not directly related to a chosen career path, is crucial for success. This includes leading student organizations ("I led our history undergraduate association"), participating in honors programs, and undertaking a senior thesis, to build a strong resume, gain valuable experience, and develop crucial interpersonal skills.

College Experiences That Helped a Senior Technical Project Manager at Specright Succeed

How Identity Has Influenced a Technical Project Manager at Specright's Career

Tessa, a senior technical project manager, feels that identifying as a woman has spurred a "go-getter" attitude, driven by a need to counteract subtle assumptions about women's career ambitions and capabilities in a male-dominated field. This has motivated a commitment to exceeding expectations and proving "people wrong" by excelling as a leader in technical project management.

How Identity Has Influenced a Technical Project Manager at Specright's Career

Advizer Personal Links

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tessafrey/