UIT Leadership Spotlight: Reza Sarijlou, manager, USS Partner Consulting Services

Where are you from originally?

I was born in Tehran, Iran, but I grew up in Sandy, Utah. While I’ve had the opportunity to travel to various states and countries, Utah has always been my home. I’m particularly drawn to Utah because of its stunning natural landscapes, which align perfectly with my love for the outdoors. Whether it’s skiing in the mountains or simply immersing myself in nature, Utah offers the ideal setting for my interests.

What post-secondary degrees or certifications do you have, in what subjects, and from which schools?

I embarked on my academic journey with the intention of pursuing a career in medicine. However, a memorable incident during my anatomy lab, in which I passed out while working with a cadaver, made me reconsider my path. This experience led me to explore computer science courses, which I discovered I had a natural aptitude for. As I delved deeper into the program, my fascination with electronics emerged, prompting me to pursue coursework in that field. Eventually, I found my true passion lay in computer engineering. Amidst this academic exploration, my affinity for mathematics, particularly applied mathematics, became evident. Prior to this, I was drawn to philosophical inquiries but found myself continuously seeking deeper answers.

Ultimately, I earned a Bachelor of Science in mathematics from the University of Utah, complemented by a Bachelor of Science in computer science from Weber State University. I chose Weber State due to its more practical, less theoretical approach to computer science at the time.

Additionally, I completed a two-year manager training program with the State of Utah during my employment there.

Can you describe the path you took to IT leadership?

I began my career journey at the University of Utah about a decade ago as a service architect for the Kuali project. It was an incredibly engaging and rewarding experience, especially being part of Tom Coppeto’s team. Following the conclusion of the Kuali project, I transitioned to the University Support Services (USS) Engineering division under the leadership of Val Olds and Jason Moeller. There, I spearheaded the establishment of a web team dedicated to crafting software solutions tailored for faculty, finance, and research areas.

My role evolved over time, and I was appointed as the inaugural principal software engineer for USS. About a year ago, recognizing the growing demand for handling non-PeopleSoft-related web applications, including those beyond the University of Utah’s scope and extending to Utah System of Higher Education (USHE) web applications, among others, I was entrusted with a new leadership role. I assumed the position of IT manager for the newly formed Partner Consulting Services (PCS) group, dedicated to providing expert guidance and support in navigating diverse technological landscapes.

What led you to the University of Utah?

My connection with the University of Utah traces back to my days as a student, when I worked as a math tutor. I’ve always had a deep appreciation for the campus environment and enjoyed contributing to higher education. When I came across an opening for a services architect role at the university, I saw it as an opportunity to transition from my position for the state. Additionally, I’ve long desired to work in software development within a meaningful sector, such as higher education. Joining the University of Utah allowed me to merge my passion for technology with my dedication to contributing to the academic community.

How would you describe your leadership style and/or philosophy?

Recognition and appreciation: Acknowledge and appreciate their hard work and achievements publicly. Provide specific and constructive feedback to highlight their contributions.

Clear communication: Clearly communicate goals, expectations, and the team’s vision. Foster open communication channels to address concerns and ideas.

Professional development: Offer opportunities for skill development and training. Support career growth by discussing career paths and aspirations.

Empowerment and autonomy: Trust your team members with responsibilities and decision-making. Encourage autonomy, allowing them to take ownership of their tasks.

Team building: Organize team-building activities to strengthen relationships. Foster a collaborative and inclusive team culture.

Flexible work environment: Provide flexibility when possible to accommodate personal needs. Show understanding and support during challenging times.

Goal setting: Collaboratively set clear and achievable goals. Break down larger goals into smaller milestones for a sense of accomplishment.

Lead by example: Demonstrate a strong work ethic and commitment to the team’s goals. Model the behavior and attitude you expect from your team.

Encourage creativity: Create an environment that encourages innovative thinking. Recognize and celebrate creative solutions and ideas.

Regular check-ins: Conduct regular one-on-one meetings to discuss progress and concerns. Show genuine interest in their well-being and career development.

Promote work-life balance: Encourage a healthy work-life balance to prevent burnout. Be mindful of workload and provide support during busy periods.

What do you find most challenging about your job?

The most challenging aspect of my job is carving out time to pursue the exciting, cool technology that I want to poke at. 

What are some of your hobbies?

I frequently dedicate my evenings to engaging in one-off projects that capture my interest. These projects often involve exploring GitHub repositories and delving into learning new tools or programming languages. Recently, I’ve been particularly drawn to and thoroughly enjoying mastering Golang. Currently, I’m heavily invested in a new tech stack that I’ve been experimenting with during my free time. This stack primarily revolves around utilizing PostgreSQL and Golang for backend services, complemented by React on the front end, with Next.js for enhanced functionality.

Is there a fun fact about yourself that you’d like to share?

I’ve met Muhammad Ali.

Is there anything else that you think our readers would like to know about you?

I like working on cool tech with cool people. That has always been a lot of fun.

 

Node 4 Search