Here's my story captured in 7 chapters
An aspiring Product Manager with a B.S. degree in Computer Science, minor in 2D|3D Animation, professional diploma in UX/UI Design, and a certification in Product Management
The University of Southern California is where I not only discovered my passion for VR/AR, but where I also received my very first "ah-ha moment" in wanting to further explore being at the forefront of solving user problems. I will say though, spearheading Cinematic Arts projects while tackling Computer Science courses was a huge challenge; and it meant that I would have to work in overdrive and sacrifice countless nights of sleep. But I would do it all over again! <3 (only better haha)
While taking my affinity for VR a bit further, during my research tenure with Dr. Raghavachary (amazing mentor btw), one of the desktop VR websites that he'd introduced me to explore was learmyr.org — a beginner friendly experience for teaching, learning and bringing VR into classrooms. Upon testing the usability of the site, I thought, "how might an ambitious, creative kid transform my 2D previous project into a 3D VR experience so that he/she can enjoy learning how to code using VR?" Hours later, my Queen Status VR character was built; and then the unexpected happened. Not only was I contacted by MYR's team to have my work published in their research paper for the ACM SIGCSE conference, but it has since been featured on their about page!
Following that self-directed, growth-mindset and curiosity, I went on to pursue UX/UI Design — which would turn out to be one of the best decisions that I'd ever made. At UC Berkeley, not only was I able to build a solid foundation on the design thinking methodologies and best practices that goes into solving user problems, learn how to own end-to-end product experiences, and be involved in every aspect of the product development process, but was also able to practice my leadership skills having been selected as the annual student representative for my amazing fellow UX/UI Designers!
My internship at Propane is where my passion for solving real-world, end-to-end user problems were solidified. I further learned that I enjoy and thrive in collaborative environments and cross-disciplinary teams where we would have direct, honest, and open communication. Here is where I learned what it's like as a team to celebrate wins and to openly discuss and accept setbacks as lessons to further improve upon. I got way more out of this experience than mentorship and self-development — I got what it's like to have an extended work family.
Here's what some of them had to say ->The pandemic has taught me many valuable lessons, especially regarding the importance of always being prepared for the unexpected. I felt that there was no better time than the present to push myself further — to enhance my critical thinking, analytical abilities, presentation skills, and understanding of businesses and the environments in which they operate. Therefore, in 2021, I made the decision to apply for the Master of Business Administration program with a concentration in Web Development & Design at Westcliff University! (Spring '22 - Spring '24)
I chose to venture into Product Management, beginning with the pursuit of a PM Certification because it perfectly aligns with my growth mindset and my passion for continuous learning. This role thrives on adaptability, creative problem-solving, and the pursuit of excellence. It demands a relentless quest for knowledge and skills, making each day an opportunity for personal and professional growth.
My time at Product School has been a remarkable journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Here's what I've learned and what I can bring to the table:
1. User-Centricity: My background in UX/UI Design taught me the art of empathizing with users. I've discovered that placing the user at the center of every decision is non-negotiable for successful Product Managers.
2. Technical Fluency: My Computer Science roots have equipped me with a deep understanding of technology. I can bridge the communication chasm between engineers and stakeholders, translating ideas into actionable plans.Data-
3. Driven Decision Making: I've acquired the skills to collect, analyze, and interpret data. This allows me to make informed decisions, optimize product strategies, and drive growth.
4. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaboration is at the heart of Product Management. I've honed my abilities to work harmoniously with cross-functional teams, extracting the best from each discipline.
5. Agile Methodologies: My journey at Product School has exposed me to agile methodologies, instilling the importance of adaptability and responsiveness in product development.
I'm genuinely excited to embark on the career transition and path to Product Management. The Product Management Certification has not only equipped me with the knowledge and skills but also fueled my unwavering enthusiasm to create exceptional products that transform lives. My journey is an ongoing odyssey driven by my unyielding growth mindset, a boundless thirst for innovation, and a passion for continuous learning. I thrive on challenges, viewing them as stepping stones to progress. Advocating for users is at my core; I believe that successful products must deeply resonate with and improve the lives of those who use them. I aspire to make a profound impact, crafting experiences that leave lasting impressions. If you're seeking a candidate who embodies the essence of Product Management - a continuous learner, a creative visionary, and a user-focused advocate with a drive to innovate and create meaningful change - let's embark on this journey together to shape the future!
