Name: Julie Turner
Job Title and Description: Senior Product Manager for DISH
College/Major: Trine University / Bachelors in Chemical Engineering; University of Michigan / Masters in Manufacturing Engineering
What does your current job entail? Is there such a thing as a typical day?
Julie Turner: I am responsible for managing strategy and providing day-to-day support of DISH’s online and mobile products, including www.DISHAnywhere.com and the DISH Anywhere™ app available on Apple and Android tablets [as well as] smartphones. This includes defining the product roadmap and coordinating with vendors to execute on the roadmap; working with internal business partners and support teams to ensure product training, communications, and marketing materials are created and updated; resolving issues and answering questions about products in the field; and regularly reviewing and testing products prior to release dates.
With this dynamic range of responsibilities, a “typical” work day seems to exist only in theory. Although my schedule is busy, I love the lack of monotony in my job at DISH. Each day presents a new and intriguing challenge!
What is the best part of your job?
JT: Without question, the best part of my job is getting to work with the outstanding people who work at DISH. My team is full of intelligent, hard-working individuals who know how to have fun while getting the job done.
A close second is definitely the fact that I work in such an exciting industry. I immediately see the results of my work with each website and app update via insightful customer feedback.
What was your first entry-level job in your field and how did you get it?
JT: During college, I interned for two summers at Whirlpool. My internship experience, accompanied by the strong relationships I established with [the] full-time staff, were extremely valuable in helping me secure a position in Whirlpool’s rotational program upon graduation. During my time in this program, I gained experience in various departments, including research and development, product development, manufacturing, and consumer insights.
What is one thing you wish you knew about your industry when you first started out that you know now?
JT: I did not have a solid understanding of the many potential career paths available to engineers. I quickly realized during my rotational program at Whirlpool that engineers often work in a variety of departments [such as] product development, operations, supply chain, sales, and marketing. It made me rethink my potential career path and goals, and eventually led me to my current role as a DISH product manager.
Who is one person who changed your professional life for the better?
JT: My first manager at Whirlpool, Joel Luckman, is likely the most influential person in my professional life. He pushed me to reach my maximum potential by helping me recognize areas for development and then providing opportunities to build those skills. Luckman was an incredible manager who cared about his team personally and professionally, ultimately inspiring his employees to deliver superior results.
As I advanced in my career and began managing my own team, it is Luckman’s influence that shaped my leadership philosophy. To this day, I focus on refining my management abilities based on the high standard I experienced working for him.
What words of wisdom do you find most valuable?
- The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch is a book that provides perspective and helps me regain motivation when I’m stressed out or having a tough day. I included a few of its most purposeful quotes below.
- “The brick walls are there for a reason. The brick walls are not there to keep us out. The brick walls are there to give us a second chance to show how badly we want something. Because the brick walls are there to stop the people who don’t want it badly enough. They’re there to stop the other people.”
- “Find the best in everybody. Just keep waiting no matter how long it takes. No one is all evil. Everybody has a good side, just keep waiting, it will come out.”
- “Are you a Tigger or an Eyore?”
Many people believe that engineering is a male-dominated career path. Is that true? If so, what are your tips for making it in this type of industry?
JT: Engineering is a male-dominated field; however, that doesn’t mean women shouldn’t pursue or can’t obtain a successful career in engineering.
In my experience, it comes down to results. Regardless of gender, the best thing you can do for your career is to work hard to prove yourself as a strong performer. Don’t be afraid to take projects with high visibility, push yourself to deliver results that exceed expectations, and talk to your manager about career goals and interests.
You’ll be identified as top talent and, from there, opportunities will abound.
What do you look for when considering hiring someone?
JT: I look to hire individuals who have a high need for achievement, are self-driven, and take pride in their work. I can train almost anyone to perform a specific task, but I can’t teach a recruit to want to deliver extraordinary results.
It’s also important to me to find team members who take ownership of their work, tackling projects from beginning to end with speed, accuracy and grace.