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.

Coming into Product Leader Blueprint Coming into Product Leader Blueprint, I had been in product management for roughly a year. I was essentially self-taught, and wanted to hone my skills to reach that next level. I had not come across too many programs specific to product management so I was excited to find Intentional Product Manager. I felt that the guided curriculum combined with the peer mentorship and coaching elements of the program made this the ideal opportunity for me. I was not disappointed. There are many different books and resources for product management, but Shobhit helps you cut through the noise and focus on what really matters. If you are on the fence about this program, I would encourage you to take the leap!

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.

I loved the Intentional Job Search Program I joined the program when I started my job search. The coaches helped me understand the interview expectations for the Product Management role, especially at FAANG companies. It also provided a great platform to practice my interview responses. The feedback shared during practice sessions contributed to my interview success. In the end, I applied to one dream job and got it - a Senior Product Manager role at Amazon! I would definitely recommend the IJS program for anyone who has been in the Product Management space and looking for their next role or for anyone who wants to transition to a Product Management role.

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!