Pooya Tavakoly, Principal Product Manager, Anaplan

To help current students and recent graduates navigate the world of work, several USI Alumni shared their career paths and career story. Here the story of Pooya Tavakoly, Principal Product Manager in Anaplan in San Francisco (US). USI Degree: PhD in Economics, 2013.

How did you start your career?

I began my career at a small startup called Kloudville, where I gained valuable experience by taking on various responsibilities and working with a talented team. I have since progressed to roles at companies such as Amazon and Airbnb, and am currently working at Anaplan.

Why did you choose a career in Anaplan?

Here at Anaplan, I have the privilege of working with some of the largest enterprises in the world to enable them streamline their planning processes across various departments, including R&D, finance, operations, sales, marketing, and HR. It is a fulfilling experience to be able to help these organizations increase their efficiency and productivity.

What is your current role/duties?

As part of my role at Anaplan, I am responsible for building a low-code no-code platform that enables customers to efficiently and effectively plan, analyze, and execute their operations.

In your opinion, what are the qualities necessary for a successful career in Anaplan?

In order to succeed in this role, it is essential to have an analytical mindset and a strong understanding of business research methods, software architecture, data analytics, and general business processes.

What positive aspects and qualities meant most to you during the study programme you attended?

During my education, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to learn from esteemed professors like Prof. Beck and Prof. Wezel. In addition, the Swiss National Foundation generously provided support for me to attend numerous international conferences in my field. I am grateful for the invaluable support and opportunities I received.

What competences and/or skills acquired in your USI Study Program have been useful/are useful to your professional career?

Without a doubt, the most valuable skill I acquired during my education was the ability to conduct both qualitative and quantitative business research. This skill has proven to be invaluable in all my professional endeavors.

What is your advice to USI students entering the job market?

Instead of entering the job market, consider starting your own business. As a recent graduate, you have the energy and drive to make a difference. To get started, I recommend reading books on entrepreneurship and listening to relevant podcasts and interviews. Once you have a good understanding of the basics, look for a problem in the world that you can solve and take the necessary steps to bring your solution to fruition.