Chat with us
From Columbia to Microsoft: The Journey of a Computer Science Grad Part 2
In our previous instalment, we delved into Ryan Tan's experience studying Computer Science at Columbia University. Now, we're thrilled to take you on a deeper dive into Ryan's exhilarating role as a Product Manager at Microsoft.
Get ready to be inspired as we uncover how Ryan's Computer Science degree propelled him into this exciting position and discover the invaluable insights he has to offer for all the ambitious students out there who dream of a rewarding career in technology. Whether you're a budding programmer, a tech enthusiast, or simply curious about the path to success in the industry, this is the blog post you won't want to miss.
How did a degree in Computer Science prepare you for your career at Microsoft?
Computer Science is much like learning a language. Although it can be challenging at first, once you have mastered your first language, you will discover that it becomes much easier to tackle other related languages. Similarly, a degree in Computer Science equips you with the fundamental principles of coding. Even though I have never used the exact coding languages I learned in college within the industry, it has provided me with a valuable head start in terms of on-the-job learning. Moreover, pursuing a degree in Computer Science has allowed me to connect with numerous like-minded individuals who share similar interests and goals. This has created a supportive community where I can practise recruiting and make valuable industry connections.
What are some of the key skills and knowledge you have gained from your Computer Science studies?
Specific to the Columbia Computer Science department, students are encouraged to select a "track" that aligns with their personal interests within the vast field of Computer Science. I personally had a strong interest in "intelligent systems," which led me to choose it as my track. This track consisted of a range of courses covering machine learning, artificial intelligence, computer vision, and natural language processing—some of the most captivating and cutting-edge areas in Computer Science.
Machine learning delves into how computers can learn from data and perform tasks without explicit programming. Artificial intelligence explores the simulation of human intelligence and behaviour by computers. Computer vision focuses on enabling computers to comprehend and manipulate visual information. Natural language processing involves the analysis and generation of natural language by computers. These fields have wide-ranging applications and implications in domains such as healthcare, education, entertainment, security, and social welfare.
Throughout my studies, I have acquired both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in these fields. This includes a solid foundation in mathematical principles, algorithms, data structures, various programming languages, frameworks, tools, and techniques. Additionally, I have honed critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and communication skills—essential attributes for success in technology-related fields.
How would you describe your role at Microsoft, and what are some of the most exciting projects you have worked on?
I am a product manager at Microsoft, and a commonly used comparison is that the product manager, or PM, is akin to the CEO of a product, albeit without formal authority. In essence, my role entails driving the vision, strategy, and execution of a specific feature within a Microsoft product. I achieve this by acting as a facilitator, coordinating the efforts of engineers, designers, data scientists, and stakeholders. Together, we define and prioritise features, design and test solutions, and ultimately launch and monitor products. However, I do this not by exerting authority, but by using persuasion backed by hard facts and good data. I also actively shoulder the responsibility of effectively communicating the progress, challenges, and customer feedback related to our products to both internal and external audiences.
Currently, I am working with the scheduling team of Microsoft Frontline on a specific product. Imagine running a company with 100 frontline workers who need to complete jobs for 500 customers every day. Our solution aims to optimise your business by automatically matching and scheduling the 100 workers to the 500 jobs that best suit their skills, taking into account various criteria such as travel time, expertise, and real-world factors like traffic congestion. My primary objective is to enhance the operational efficiency and performance of this product, which is a tremendously important undertaking.
What advice would you give to someone who is interested in pursuing a career in technology or working at a company like Microsoft?
- Explore various technology-related fields that align with your interests and goals. Consider disciplines like data science, artificial intelligence, software engineering, cybersecurity, and more. You can also boost your skills and credentials through certifications, training programs, or internships.
- Research the company and position you're applying for. Understand the company's mission, vision, values, and culture, along with the role's requirements, expectations, and responsibilities. Prepare examples of your past achievements and projects that highlight your suitability for the job.
- Have a clear career path in mind. Define your goals and the steps you'll take to achieve them. Remain open to learning new things and adapting to evolving technologies and environments. Seek feedback and guidance from mentors and peers to foster personal growth.
- Collaborate effectively with diverse teams. Technology thrives on teamwork involving people with different backgrounds, perspectives, and roles. Develop strong communication skills, actively listen, respect differences, and contribute positively to team objectives. Leverage others' strengths to create better solutions.
- Emphasise the qualities sought by technology companies. Showcase critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, creativity, innovation, curiosity, passion, and a growth mindset. Demonstrate how you apply these qualities to overcome challenges and create value.
- Be genuine and let your personality shine. Tech companies value diversity and authenticity. Be true to yourself, avoid pretending to know things you don't, and remain honest, confident, and enthusiastic about your work and goals. Show interest in the company's products and services and their impact on the world.