University Of St. Thomas Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

The University of St. Thomas is a prominent institution committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive educational environment.

As a Software Engineer at the University of St. Thomas, you will play a pivotal role within the Enterprise Application Operations team, focusing on the development, support, and maintenance of the University's Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. Key responsibilities include providing ERP support, managing system servers (notably in the AWS Cloud), executing vendor patches and upgrades, and programming across all ERP applications. This role requires collaboration with ERP Architects, Cloud Architects, and Database Administrators to design and implement effective solutions that align with the University’s mission of moral leadership and critical thinking.

To excel in this position, candidates should have a strong foundation in computer science, relevant programming experience, and a commitment to inclusivity and collaboration. A successful Software Engineer at the University of St. Thomas is someone who not only possesses technical expertise but also values the ideals of diversity and community engagement fundamental to the institution.

This guide will help you prepare thoroughly for your interview by highlighting essential responsibilities, required skills, and cultural values that are significant to the University of St. Thomas, giving you the confidence to showcase your suitability for this role.

The interview process for a Software Engineer at the University of St. Thomas is structured to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the organization. The process typically includes several key stages:

1. Initial Screening

The first step in the interview process is an initial phone screening with a recruiter or HR representative. This conversation usually lasts about 30 minutes and focuses on your background, experience, and motivation for applying to the University of St. Thomas. The recruiter will also gauge your understanding of the role and the university's mission, as well as discuss any logistical details regarding the position.

2. Technical Interview

Following the initial screening, candidates typically participate in a technical interview, which may be conducted virtually. This interview often involves a panel of team members, including the hiring manager and other technical staff. During this session, you can expect questions that assess your programming skills, understanding of software development methodologies, and familiarity with relevant technologies, such as ERP systems and cloud services. You may also be asked to solve coding problems or discuss past projects that demonstrate your technical capabilities.

3. Behavioral Interview

The next stage usually consists of a behavioral interview, where you will meet with additional team members or leadership. This interview focuses on your interpersonal skills, teamwork, and how you handle various workplace situations. Expect questions that explore your experiences working in diverse teams, your approach to problem-solving, and how you align with the university's values of diversity and inclusion.

4. Final Interview

In some cases, a final interview may be conducted, which could involve a presentation or a take-home assignment related to a specific project or problem relevant to the role. This stage allows you to showcase your thought process, technical skills, and ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders. The final interview may also include discussions about your long-term career goals and how they align with the university's objectives.

5. Offer and Negotiation

If you successfully navigate the interview stages, you may receive a job offer. The university's HR team will typically discuss the offer details, including salary and benefits. Be prepared to engage in discussions about your compensation, as candidates have noted that negotiation may be a part of this process.

As you prepare for your interview, consider the types of questions that may arise in each of these stages.

Here are some tips to help you excel in your interview.

Understand the University’s Mission and Values

The University of St. Thomas emphasizes its commitment to diversity, inclusion, and moral responsibility. Familiarize yourself with their mission statement and think about how your personal values align with theirs. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to fostering an inclusive environment and how your background can bring a unique perspective to the team.

Prepare for Technical and Behavioral Questions

Expect a mix of technical and behavioral questions during your interviews. Given the role's focus on ERP systems and programming, be ready to discuss your experience with various development platforms and application languages. Additionally, prepare to share specific examples of how you've tackled challenges in past projects, particularly in collaborative settings. Highlight your problem-solving skills and your ability to work with diverse teams.

Showcase Your Project Management Skills

As the role involves project management, be prepared to discuss your experience in managing timelines, coordinating team efforts, and delivering projects successfully. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses, focusing on how you ensured timely completion and effective communication with stakeholders.

Emphasize Your Adaptability

The University of St. Thomas values flexibility and adaptability, especially in a remote work environment. Be ready to discuss how you have adapted to changing circumstances in previous roles, particularly in terms of technology and team dynamics. Highlight any experience you have with cloud-based systems, as the ERP system is currently hosted in AWS.

Engage with the Interviewers

During the interview, take the opportunity to engage with your interviewers. Ask insightful questions about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, and the challenges they face. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if the team and the work environment are a good fit for you.

Be Honest About Your Experience

If you lack specific experience in higher education or certain technologies, be honest about it. Instead, focus on your transferable skills and how your unique experiences can add value to the team. Discuss your willingness to learn and adapt, and provide examples of how you've successfully transitioned into new roles or technologies in the past.

Follow Up Thoughtfully

After your interview, send a thoughtful follow-up email thanking your interviewers for their time. Use this opportunity to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and the university, and mention any specific points from the interview that resonated with you. This not only shows your professionalism but also keeps you top of mind as they make their decision.

By preparing thoroughly and aligning your responses with the values and expectations of the University of St. Thomas, you can present yourself as a strong candidate for the Software Engineer position. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during an interview for a Software Engineer position at the University of St. Thomas. Candidates should focus on demonstrating their technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and alignment with the university's values of diversity and inclusion.

Technical Skills

1. Can you describe your experience with ERP systems and how you have supported them in previous roles?

This question aims to assess your familiarity with ERP systems and your hands-on experience in supporting them.

How to Answer

Discuss specific ERP systems you have worked with, the types of support you provided, and any challenges you faced. Highlight your problem-solving skills and how you contributed to system improvements.

Example

“I have worked extensively with SAP ERP systems, where I was responsible for troubleshooting issues and implementing patches. In one instance, I identified a recurring issue with data synchronization that was affecting reporting accuracy. I collaborated with the development team to create a more efficient data integration process, which improved our reporting capabilities significantly.”

2. What programming languages are you proficient in, and how have you applied them in your projects?

This question evaluates your technical proficiency and practical application of programming languages.

How to Answer

Mention the programming languages you are skilled in, and provide examples of projects where you utilized these languages effectively.

Example

“I am proficient in Python and Java. In my last project, I used Python to develop a data processing script that automated the extraction and transformation of data from our ERP system, which reduced manual processing time by 40%.”

3. How do you approach debugging and troubleshooting in software development?

This question assesses your problem-solving skills and your methodology in addressing software issues.

How to Answer

Explain your systematic approach to debugging, including tools and techniques you use to identify and resolve issues.

Example

“I typically start by replicating the issue to understand its context. I then use logging tools to trace the problem and analyze the code step-by-step. For instance, in a recent project, I encountered a performance issue that I traced back to inefficient database queries, which I optimized to enhance overall system performance.”

4. Describe your experience with cloud technologies, particularly AWS.

This question focuses on your familiarity with cloud platforms, which is essential for the role.

How to Answer

Discuss your experience with AWS services, including any specific projects where you utilized these technologies.

Example

“I have worked with AWS for deploying applications and managing databases. In my previous role, I migrated our on-premises ERP system to AWS, which improved our scalability and reduced costs. I utilized services like EC2 for hosting and RDS for database management.”

5. Can you explain the importance of ETL processes in data management?

This question evaluates your understanding of data integration and management practices.

How to Answer

Discuss the role of ETL in data processing and how it contributes to effective data management.

Example

“ETL processes are crucial for transforming raw data into meaningful insights. They allow organizations to consolidate data from various sources, ensuring data quality and consistency. In my last project, I implemented an ETL pipeline that integrated data from multiple legacy systems into our new ERP, which streamlined reporting and analytics.”

Behavioral Questions

1. Why do you want to work at the University of St. Thomas?

This question assesses your motivation and alignment with the university's mission and values.

How to Answer

Express your interest in the university's commitment to education, diversity, and community service, and how your values align with theirs.

Example

“I admire the University of St. Thomas for its commitment to educating morally responsible leaders. I believe that my technical skills can contribute to enhancing the educational experience for students and staff, and I am excited about the opportunity to work in an environment that values diversity and inclusion.”

2. Describe a time when you received constructive criticism. How did you respond?

This question evaluates your ability to accept feedback and grow from it.

How to Answer

Share a specific instance where you received feedback, how you processed it, and the steps you took to improve.

Example

“During a project review, my manager pointed out that my documentation was lacking detail. I took this feedback seriously and sought to improve by attending a workshop on technical writing. As a result, my subsequent documentation was much clearer and more comprehensive, which helped the team during the project handover.”

3. How do you handle working with team members who have different perspectives or work styles?

This question assesses your teamwork and collaboration skills.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to fostering collaboration and understanding within a diverse team.

Example

“I believe that diverse perspectives can lead to better solutions. In my last team project, I made it a point to encourage open discussions where everyone could share their ideas. This approach not only helped us find innovative solutions but also strengthened our team dynamics.”

4. Can you give an example of a project where you had to manage multiple priorities?

This question evaluates your project management and organizational skills.

How to Answer

Describe a specific project where you successfully managed competing priorities and how you ensured timely completion.

Example

“In my previous role, I was tasked with leading two projects simultaneously. I prioritized tasks by assessing deadlines and resource availability, and I communicated regularly with stakeholders to manage expectations. By using project management tools, I was able to keep both projects on track and delivered them on time.”

5. Explain how inclusivity and diversity are important to you in the workplace.

This question assesses your understanding of and commitment to diversity and inclusion.

How to Answer

Share your perspective on the value of inclusivity and how it contributes to a positive work environment.

Example

“I believe that inclusivity fosters creativity and innovation. When team members feel valued and respected, they are more likely to contribute their unique perspectives. In my previous role, I advocated for inclusive hiring practices, which led to a more diverse team and improved our project outcomes.”