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Early Career Challenges
Like many students, Joseph faced the common dilemma of needing experience to get experience. He initially tried obtaining certifications and online courses but found these lacking in practical application. Joseph realized that to break this cycle, he needed to acquire employable skills and determine which skills were most valuable for his desired career path.
Gaining Experience: Two Approaches
- Working for someone else's project
- Starting your own venture
Working for a startup doesn't necessarily mean joining a well-funded company. It could involve contributing to someone's side project, which can provide valuable hands-on experience and networking opportunities.
Key Career Milestones
Unforeseen Clothing and Forecast
Joseph's early ventures included starting a clothing brand called Unforeseen Clothing and interning at a small e-commerce startup named Forecast. These experiences taught him entrepreneurship, marketing, and e-commerce skills.
Politics and TechPod
Engaging in political field organizing on his college campus helped Joseph develop sales and communication skills. He also co-founded Tech Pod, a media startup that was later acquired.
Salesforce Internship
Landing an internship at Salesforce marked a significant checkpoint in Joseph's career. He attributes this success to his previous experiences, emphasizing the importance of starting projects and gathering experiences, even if they seem small or unofficial.
Google APM Program
Joseph's journey to becoming an Associate Product Manager (APM) at Google was facilitated by his previous experiences, including the Salesforce internship. He notes that having recognizable company names on a resume can significantly boost opportunities in the tech industry.
Career Lessons and Principles
- Start Something: Even without experience, initiating projects provides valuable learning opportunities.
- Use Projects as Learning Excuses: Engage in projects, whether your own or others', as a means to acquire new skills.
- Overcome Skepticism: Push past doubts about starting your own ventures, as they can lead to valuable experiences and stories.
- View Experiences as Stepping Stones: Each experience, no matter how small, can lead to bigger opportunities.
- Leverage Name Brand Companies: Recognizable companies on your resume can open doors in the tech industry.
- Network for the Long Term: Build relationships without expecting immediate returns, investing in your future career capital.
- Balance Autonomy and Stability: Consider how you value autonomy versus stability when choosing between startup and corporate environments.
Joseph's career journey illustrates the importance of proactively seeking experiences, embracing diverse opportunities, and continuously building skills. His transition from college projects to a role at Google demonstrates that with persistence and strategic planning, one can successfully navigate the competitive tech industry landscape.