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.

Helpful Program Thanks to Intentional Product Manager, I managed to secure a job during the toughest job market. My job search began in August 2022, and after facing rejections from multiple companies, I felt discouraged. However, in January 2023, I decided to join IJS, and it made all the difference. The program not only pinpointed the gaps in my interview preparation but also bolstered my confidence. The unique aspect of their approach is their focus on mindset transformation, going beyond mere interview practice. IJS truly played a vital role in helping me succeed in my job hunt!

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.

Have a playbook for the chaos. Most product managers would agree that this career can be an overwhelming one. I felt that the job was managing me rather than the other way around. I felt like a firefighter and had several conversations with myself, asking if I was even fighting the correct fires. My time with Intentional Product Manager addressed this issue and so much more. It drove home the idea that intentionality is what has the most impact. During this program, I made significant changes that greatly affected my schedule and gave me more time to focus on vital tasks. What I implemented has stayed with me. It has allowed me to go from constantly being on edge, waiting for the subsequent fire to appear, to living in a perpetual state of calm. Thanks to Product Leader Blueprint, I no longer have to feel frantic every day. I know that even when a fire does come, I now have the tools to handle it calmly and effectively which is super helpful because I am now a co-founder in a startup.

For Product Managers Looking to Level Up I am currently in one of the Intentional Product Manager courses and with the material and personalized coaching they provide it is helping me address the things holding me back from the next level in my career. I have had 3 offers since joining the class!