Thinking about a career in tech or SaaS? UO alum Dave Hinman (MBA ’03) shares his top five tips for succeeding in the fast-paced world of software-as-a-service (SaaS) companies.
Saas Companies
For Dave Hinman, success in the workplace comes down to a blend of trust, communication, and validation. After earning his MBA in Finance and Strategy in 2003, Dave spent the last 15 years as a business process and data analyst—and completed his first process improvement effort more than 30 years ago. Today, he’s an Analyst at LiveRamp, a software-as-a-service (SaaS) company that provides a data connectivity platform for marketing.
Drawing on his extensive experience, Dave shared five tips for workplace success, particularly for students and young professionals aiming for a career in tech:
Tips for Workplace Success
1. Establish and maintain trust.
Keep your word, under-promise and over-deliver, and always be clear and direct. Trust is essential in any workplace.
2. Demonstrate your value.
Ensure the organization benefits from your work—and that those benefits are visible. Publicize your contributions and continue updating your skills to stay relevant.
3. Be succinct in your communications to leaders.
When communicating with leadership, start with a short summary of relevant background, suggest the next course of action, and be ready to implement it.
4. Clarify all “asks” in advance.
Before leaving any meeting, clearly state what’s being requested, when it’s due, and who is responsible for each task. Confirm action items to avoid misunderstandings.
5. Test, validate, and verify.
Avoid committing major resources without testing first. Once committed, validate your approach and verify that you’re getting the results you want.
Exploring a career in SaaS
Dave’s advice highlights a simple but powerful approach: clear communication, accountability, and a mindset of continuous improvement. These lessons apply across industries, but they’re especially critical in the fast-evolving world of SaaS and tech. If you’re intrigued by the possibility of working for a SaaS company, here’s how to get started with exploring the industry:
- Connect with Dave on LinkedIn
- Join Lundquist Connect: Network with alumni, like Dave, who are eager to start building your network and learning from professionals who have been where you are—and know how to help you take the next step. Log into Lundquist Connect our exclusive networking platform for business students and UO alumni.
- Leverage Mohr Career Services: Get support with resume writing, interview preparation, and connecting with employers seeking talent.
