A Journey to reignite my desire to FAANG: Navigating Career Transitions and Challenges After seven fruitful years at Microsoft, I embarked on a new adventure, stepping into a director role at Salesforce. However, life had other plans in store for me – a lengthy commute, the joys (and challenges) of parenthood with a newborn, and the unforeseen impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Seeking a change that aligned better with my evolving priorities, I set my sights on a company I could see from my window. Yet, as the initial wave passed and my second newborn arrived, a familiar ambition stirred within me – the desire to return to the world of FAANG. Despite the ease of receiving calls from top companies, I quickly realized that the landscape of product management had transformed. The market was saturated with advertisements from schools and coaching centers, while companies introduced new interview formats, making the path to reentry seem daunting. It was during this pivotal moment that I discovered IJS – a beacon of hope in my quest to regain my interview prowess. Armed with newfound knowledge and insights, I honed my skills, determined to showcase my abilities at the highest level. The journey was not without its challenges. In a harsh market climate, where FAANG companies were tightening their belts, securing offers that matched my leveling and expertise proved elusive. However, through perseverance and the support of IJS, I navigated through final interview loops, inching closer to my goal. Ultimately, I made a strategic decision to join a company that offered me the opportunity to reignite my professional drive while prioritizing time with my family. This role serves as a stepping stone, propelling me forward in my ongoing pursuit of a coveted position within the FAANG realm. As I reflect on my journey, I am grateful for IJS coaches, the lessons learned, the challenges overcome, and the unwavering support from IJS community that propelled me forward. Though the path may have been winding, each step has brought me closer to realizing my aspirations in the ever-evolving landscape of tech.

A major career shift thanks to IJS I was an experienced product manager before joining IJS. I had looked independently but couldn’t land the right offers and noticed I could benefit from coaching. Joining IJS was a game-changer for me. The program stood out with its structured approach, offering more than just resume advice. It provided a comprehensive toolkit for job searching, including effective story crafting and interview preparation techniques. A crucial part of my journey was the emphasis on mindset, which IJS heavily focused on. The emotional and mental support provided by the program was as valuable as career guidance. I ended up landing a desirable role with a 41% increase in compensation. Reflecting on my experience with IJS, it was more than a job search program; it was a transformative journey that reshaped not only how I approached job hunting but also how I viewed my professional narrative and potential. The program "miyagi-ed" me. I thought I needed to work on my resume while I really needed to work on my stories. My advice to anyone considering this program is to be prepared for hard work, be receptive to feedback, and focus on finding a role that aligns with your personal and professional values. The IJS program is a powerful tool if you're ready to invest in yourself and your career.

Shobhit is a great coach Shobhit is a great coach. Loved how he starts every session out with celebrations. He works on your confidence and mindset and it was amazing! His course and coaching is gold and helped me get a 40% raise!

One more happy alumna Thanks to IPM, my self framing has changed dramatically. If I was unsure how to position myself on the job market before, now I'm in a job that I love and I feel like I have the key for future success. I'm very grateful to have overcome my concerns about the value of this program and I highly recommend it to any Product Manager or aspiring Product Manager!

Highly recommend IJS I highly recommend the Intentional Job Search as a structured and supportive program for anyone looking for their next product role. I started the program with a year of Product Manager experience. However, I felt like I had done more program manager work than product management. The program helped me build up confidence while I practiced with both my peers as well as seasoned product managers in both Sam and Shobhit. The initial six weeks of the program gave me a great foundation based on updating my resume, working on a job search strategy and practicing stories for interviews. Overall the combination of the community and gave me the confidence necessary to find my product role. I am now a product manager at Teachable and am excited to be here, and happy to have partnered with Sam and Shobhit in my journey!