Upon discovering my profound passion for the fintech industry and my unwavering desire to embrace fresh challenges and step beyond the boundaries of my comfort zone, I set my sights on becoming a TPM in a renowned organization like Mastercard. Here’s how I made it happen:
1. Crafting an Impactful CV:
A well-crafted CV is essential in showcasing your achievements and skills as a TPM. I focused on highlighting my accomplishments rather than just listing responsibilities. I followed a concise format: Why, How, and What, supported by quantifiable numbers. Additionally, I ensured my CV was no longer than one page, with a strong and adaptable summary tailored to each role I applied for.
This extensive preparation, often involving weekends and intense effort, helped me elevate my professional skills to completely another level. It was a challenging time, especially with the onset of layoffs and limited job openings, but I was able to find an opportunity! Remember it works only in this way:
Preparation + Opportunity = Luck to get a new role
2. Developing Expertise in System Design:
To excel as a TPM, I knew I needed a strong foundation in system design. One invaluable resource I relied on was the book “System Design Interview — An Insider’s Guide: Volume 2” by Alex Xu. It provided in-depth insights into system design interviews and helped me develop a solid understanding of key concepts. You can find it on Amazon.
Additionally, I subscribed to Educative, an online learning platform that offers a comprehensive course on modern system design interviews. This subscription helped me gain a deeper understanding of system design concepts and interview structures.
To gain further insights and perspectives, I also explored the YouTube channel System Design Interview, which provided real-life use cases and enhanced my understanding of system design interviews.
You could also find more books here https://github.com/systemdesignfightclub/SDFC.
3. Excelling in Behavioral Interviews:
Behavioural interviews play a crucial role in the TPM hiring process. To prepare, I adopted a structured approach by documenting my experiences and cases on Notion. Using the STAR++ method, I recorded my conflicts, achievements, experiences managing product managers and programs, significant failures and successes, and handling difficult situations.
I also prepared answers to common behavioural questions such as “tell me about yourself,” “how to act without authority,” and “how to make data-driven decisions.” I even explored topics like working in a multicultural team, thanks to the book You Are Good at Crossing Invisible Cultural Boundaries, which significantly contributed to my understanding of effective communication and cultural awareness in interviews.
To refine my answers, I participated in 70+ mock interviews focused on behavioral questions and took part in 12 mentoring sessions. These experiences helped me learn valuable techniques such as maintaining eye contact and answering questions in a positive manner. The book ‘Always start with Why’ (here’s my post about it) provided valuable guidance on explaining the rationale behind my decisions.
4. Last, but not least write some motivational notes. I had 10 cards in front of me (still have new ones! :))!
- Read 5 technical books
- Completed 70+ mock interviews focusing on behavioral questions
- Participated in 12 mentoring sessions
- Addressed 50+ system design cases
- Did 5 my own system design retrospective
- 20+ Linkedin cources about Leadership, Product strategy, Program management
- Plenty of youtube videos (really hard to quantify)
- Dedicated 7 months to preparation!
- Applied to 13–15 companies, with most of them being for training purposes except Mastercard
Every time I was told I had the best CV Hiring Managers had ever seen! :)
Ultimately, I applied to Mastercard through LinkedIn and successfully navigated five rounds of interviews:
- 30-minute interview with the Recruiter
- 30-minute interview with the Hiring Manager (VC, TPM)
- 1-hour interview with the Director of Engineering
- 1-hour interview with the Hiring manager
- Final panel interview with the VP of Product Management, Principal Solution Architect, and Lead TPM
When interacting with different professionals such as a VP of Product Management, Principal Solution Architect, or TPM , it is essential to tailor your stories and responses to align with their specific roles and responsibilities!
In a matter of weeks, a remarkable offer landed in my lap, and I eagerly seized the chance to embark on an exciting new chapter in my career journey! Drop me a line if you want to learn more or set up a session to help you to achieve even bigger things!
And, Bonus section to help you be a better Project Manager, Program Manager or even Technical Program Manager role:)
Section 1: Building a Solid Technical Foundation
Dive into the captivating world of technology, immerse yourself in software development, system architecture, and cloud technologies like AWS. Must-read books and practical courses like earning.edx.org and udemy.com are game-changers. Seek mentorship from experienced Solution Architects to navigate complex cases.
Section 2: Unleashing Your Inner TPM Leader Embrace
servant leadership, lead by example, and master the art of communication. Adapt to Agile methodologies and choose the right processes to tackle specific problems.
Books:
- "The Mythical Man-Month" by Frederick P. Brooks Jr.
- "The Lean Startup" by Eric Ries
Section 3: Navigating Strategic Waters
Develop strategic prowess through project management and conflict resolution skills.
Section 4: Fueling Your Growth & Inspiring Brilliance Forge
..Powerful connections within the tech galaxy, engage with experienced TPMs, and absorb their wisdom.
Section 5: Stay Ahead of the Game Keep up with the latest tech trends
..Through blogs, conferences, and networking to maintain relevance.
Section 6: Forge Meaningful Connections Build
..strong relationships with stakeholders and fellow TPMs. Seek mentorship and learn from experienced professionals.
Section 7: Embrace the Ever-Changing Landscape TPMs thrive
..in dynamic environments. Adapt, be flexible, and become a proactive problem solver.
Section 8: Deliver with Impact Success as a TPM
..hinges on delivering tangible results. Set clear goals, plan meticulously, and monitor progress for flawless execution.
Section 9: Resilience and Persistence Overcome
..challenges with resilience, hard work, and a growth mindset to achieve greatness.
Section 10: Execution Create a plan based
...on these tips, and don't hesitate to reach out for help. Your support, likes, and subscriptions are greatly appreciated. Leave your feedback to help me continue sharing valuable insights.
Hope it was helpful! :)