As a Software Engineer (often titled internally as Programmer Analyst, Application Support Analyst, or Systems Developer) at the University of North Texas (UNT), you are not just writing code; you are building the digital backbone of one of the largest university systems in Texas. This role sits at the intersection of higher education and enterprise technology. You will likely work within UNT System Information Technology or specific divisional departments like Enrollment Systems, supporting a community of over 49,000 students and 14,000 employees.

The impact of this position is operational and strategic. Unlike a startup environment where you might ship features daily, the work here focuses on stability, scalability, and integration within complex enterprise ecosystems. You will manage and enhance critical platforms such as PeopleSoft (ERP), Salesforce (CRM), and Canvas (LMS). Your code and configurations directly affect student enrollment, financial aid processing, and university-wide data governance.

Candidates should expect a role that balances highly complex technical programming with systems analysis. You will often act as a bridge between technical requirements and university stakeholders, translating administrative needs into robust software solutions. Whether you are optimizing SQL queries for student records or configuring workflows in Salesforce, your work ensures the university runs smoothly and efficiently.

Preparation for University of North Texas requires a shift in mindset from pure algorithm grinding to demonstrating operational reliability and system knowledge. You need to show that you can maintain legacy systems while implementing modern improvements.

Focus on these key evaluation criteria:

[Enterprise System Proficiency] – 2–3 sentences describing: You must demonstrate familiarity with large-scale enterprise environments. Interviewers will assess your ability to work with ERP systems (like PeopleSoft), CRMs (like Salesforce), or Student Information Systems. You need to show you understand how data flows between these massive, integrated platforms.

[Database & Data Analysis] – 2–3 sentences describing: Data is the lifeblood of the university. Expect to be evaluated on your SQL skills, your understanding of relational database structures (Oracle/SQL Server), and your ability to write complex queries. You must demonstrate that you can retrieve, analyze, and troubleshoot data issues accurately.

[Service-Oriented Problem Solving] – 2–3 sentences describing: UNT values a "customer-aligned" approach. You will be evaluated on how you identify root causes of technical issues and how you communicate solutions to non-technical staff (like registrars or financial aid officers). Show that you can troubleshoot with empathy and patience.

[Cultural Fit & Values] – 2–3 sentences describing: The university operates on values like "Better Together" and "Show Your Fire." Interviewers are looking for candidates who are collaborative, curious, and committed to the mission of education. You need to demonstrate stability, integrity, and a desire to serve the campus community long-term.

The interview process at University of North Texas is generally straightforward but can be slower than the private sector due to state hiring guidelines. Candidates often report a timeline that spans several weeks from application to offer. The process typically emphasizes practical knowledge and team fit over abstract whiteboard coding.

You should expect a process that begins with a review of your application by a search committee. If selected, you will likely face a panel interview as your primary evaluation. This initial round often includes the Hiring Manager and a peer (such as a senior developer or the person previously in the role). This discussion is a mix of technical vetting—specifically regarding your experience with their specific stack (e.g., PeopleSoft, SQL, Salesforce)—and behavioral questions to gauge your communication style.

A second round is common for finalists. This is often a more casual "meet the team" setting involving multiple potential colleagues. While still an interview, the tone shifts to cultural alignment and collaborative potential. You may be asked follow-up questions to clarify points from the first round or "for fun" questions to see how you mesh with the group dynamic. The atmosphere is generally described as positive and professional, but be prepared for a rigorous assessment of your specific domain knowledge.

This timeline illustrates a standard flow, but be aware that the Screening phase can be lengthy; you might not hear back for a month after applying. The Onsite/Panel stage is the most critical decision point, where technical competence and personality fit are weighed equally.

To succeed, you must demonstrate competence in the specific technologies UNT relies on. The interviewers will dig deep into your practical experience rather than theoretical computer science concepts.

[Enterprise Application Development]

This is the core of the technical assessment. You need to show that you understand the lifecycle of enterprise software.

Be ready to go over:

• ERP/CRM Architecture – Understanding how modules in systems like PeopleSoft or Salesforce interact.
• Configuration vs. Customization – Knowing when to use out-of-the-box features versus writing custom code (e.g., PeopleCode vs. SQR).
• Integration Points – How different university systems talk to each other (APIs, batch processing, file transfers).

Example questions or scenarios:

• "Describe your experience with PeopleSoft Integration Broker or similar tools."
• "How would you approach upgrading a legacy module without disrupting current users?"
• "Walk us through a complex workflow you configured in Salesforce."

[Database Management & SQL]

Almost every software role at UNT involves heavy data manipulation. You cannot rely on ORMs alone; you must know your way around a raw database.

Be ready to go over:

• Complex Queries – Writing efficient SQL to join multiple tables and filter large datasets.
• Data Integrity – Ensuring data accuracy when migrating or updating student records.
• Reporting – Creating views or scripts for business intelligence reports.

Example questions or scenarios:

• "Write a SQL query to find students who enrolled in Fall but not Spring."
• "How do you troubleshoot a slow-running query in an Oracle database?"
• "Explain the difference between a left join and an inner join in the context of student data."

[Operational Support & Troubleshooting]

A significant portion of the role involves maintaining existing systems. You will be tested on your ability to fix broken things.

Be ready to go over:

• Root Cause Analysis – How you investigate a vague bug report from a user.
• Documentation – The importance of documenting fixes for the rest of the team.
• Change Management – Following procedures (like Phire) to move code from development to production safely.

Example questions or scenarios:

• "A user reports the registration page is crashing. How do you debug this?"
• "Tell me about a time you had to fix a critical production issue under pressure."
• "What is your process for testing a patch before applying it to the live system?"

[Product & Process Improvement]

Candidates in recent years have reported being asked for their ideas on system improvements. This tests your initiative and user-centric thinking.

Be ready to go over:

• User Experience (UX) – Identifying friction points in current university applications.
• Process Automation – Suggesting ways to automate manual administrative tasks.
• Strategic Vision – How you would modernize a legacy interface.

Example questions or scenarios:

• "Looking at our current student portal, what improvements would you recommend?"
• "How would you gather requirements from a department that doesn't know what they want?"
• "If you could redesign the enrollment flow, where would you start?"

As a Software Engineer at University of North Texas, your day-to-day work is a blend of new development, system maintenance, and user support. You will spend a significant amount of time modifying existing software to correct errors or adapt it to new hardware and performance requirements. This often involves working with "scientific analysis" to determine the feasibility of new designs within cost and time constraints.

Collaboration is essential. You will frequently confer with systems analysts, engineers, and department heads to design systems. You are not just receiving tickets; you are expected to analyze user needs and software requirements to determine the best technical path forward. For senior roles, this includes coordinating programming projects and potentially supervising lower-level programmers.

Specific tasks often include developing and directing software system testing, validating procedures, and creating technical documentation. Depending on your specific team (e.g., Enrollment Systems vs. System IT), you might be managing Salesforce configurations, writing PeopleCode, or overseeing LMS integrations. You are responsible for the reliability of the tools that students and faculty use every day.

The university has strict requirements regarding education and experience due to state classification guidelines.

• Technical Skills

  • Must-have: Strong proficiency in SQL and relational databases (Oracle). Experience with enterprise systems (PeopleSoft, Salesforce, or Banner).
  • Core Languages: Knowledge of languages relevant to the specific stack, such as SQR, PeopleCode, HTML/CSS, or Apex (for Salesforce roles).
  • Tools: Familiarity with change management software (e.g., Phire), reporting tools (BI Publisher), and LMS platforms (Canvas).

• Experience Level

  • Education: A Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related field is almost always required.
  • Years of Experience: Typically 3–5 years for mid-level roles and up to 10 years for senior/managerial roles. Experience in Higher Education IT is a massive plus but not strictly mandatory if you have strong enterprise background.

• Soft Skills

  • Communication: Ability to communicate technical details clearly to non-technical university staff.
  • Independence: Ability to work under limited supervision with "considerable latitude" for independent judgment.
  • Teamwork: A collaborative mindset compatible with the "We Care" value system.

The following questions are representative of what you will face. They are drawn from candidate reports and the specific technologies listed in UNT job descriptions. Do not memorize answers; use these to practice your structured thinking.

Technical & Domain Knowledge

These questions verify your hard skills in SQL and Enterprise Systems.

• "How do you handle data migration between two different systems?"
• "Explain your experience with PeopleSoft Application Designer and PeopleCode."
• "What are the different types of relationships in Salesforce, and when would you use each?"
• "Write a SQL query to retrieve the top 5 students by GPA from a specific department."
• "How do you ensure security and compliance when handling sensitive student data?"

Behavioral & Leadership

These questions assess your fit with the UNT culture and your ability to work on a team.

• "Tell me about a time you had a conflict with a team member. How did you resolve it?"
• "Describe a situation where you had to explain a complex technical issue to a non-technical stakeholder."
• "How do you prioritize your tasks when you have multiple deadlines approaching?"
• "Give an example of a time you took initiative to improve a process without being asked."

Scenario & Problem Solving

These questions test your operational troubleshooting and design thinking.

• "If a user reports that the site is slow, what steps would you take to diagnose the issue?"
• "What recommendations would you make to improve the current UNT student portal?"
• "How would you approach gathering requirements for a new feature from a department that is resistant to change?"
• "Describe a time you made a mistake in production. How did you handle it?"

Q: How difficult are the technical interviews? The difficulty is generally rated as Medium to Easy. You typically won't face LeetCode-style hard algorithms. The focus is on practical application—knowing your tools (SQL, ERPs) and showing you can do the job day-to-day.

Q: Is this a remote position? Most roles at UNT are on-site or hybrid based in Denton, TX. The culture values in-person collaboration ("Better Together"), though some flexibility may exist depending on the specific team and manager.

Q: How long does the hiring process take? Be prepared for a slower timeline. It is not uncommon for the process to take 2–3 months from application to start date. There may be gaps of several weeks between the application and the first call.

Q: What is the work-life balance like? Work-life balance is generally considered a strong point at UNT. As a state employer, they offer ample paid time off, predictable hours (typically 8:00 am – 5:00 pm), and a stable environment, which differs significantly from the "crunch culture" of tech startups.

Q: What differentiates a successful candidate? Beyond technical skills, successful candidates demonstrate a service mindset. Showing that you care about the end-user (students/faculty) and align with the university's values of "Courageous Integrity" and "Curiosity" will set you apart.

• Study the "Values": UNT is explicit about its values: We Care, Better Together, Courageous Integrity, Be Curious, and Show Your Fire. Weave these phrases or concepts naturally into your behavioral answers.
• Know the Stack: If the job description mentions PeopleSoft, review PeopleTools, SQR, and Application Engine. If it mentions Salesforce, review Flows and Object architecture. They want specialists, not just generalists.
• Be Patient: Do not be discouraged by silence after applying. State hiring involves committees and strict procedures. A lack of immediate response does not mean a rejection.
• Ask Insightful Questions: In the "casual" second round, ask about the team's current challenges, the roadmap for their ERP/CRM migration, or how they handle professional development. It shows you are serious about a long-term career there.

Becoming a Software Engineer at the University of North Texas is an opportunity to use your technical skills for a clear social good—enabling education. The role offers stability, a strong community environment, and the chance to work on large-scale systems that impact thousands of lives. While the pace may be different from the private sector, the complexity of the data and the integration challenges provide ample room for professional growth.

To prepare, focus on solidifying your SQL and database skills, understanding enterprise system architectures, and preparing examples of how you have supported non-technical users in the past. Approach the interview with a mindset of collaboration and service. If you can demonstrate that you are a reliable problem-solver who fits the "Better Together" culture, you will be a strong contender.

The salary for this position is typically "commensurate with experience," but as a public institution, pay bands are structured. While the base salary might be lower than aggressive private tech sectors, the Total Rewards package—including state retirement, generous leave, and job security—is highly competitive. Ensure you evaluate the full offer, not just the paycheck.

Explore more interview experiences and resources on Dataford to keep your preparation sharp. You have the skills to succeed—now go show them your fire!