The rise and fall of my tech career.

HauteLook / Product
hamsterpm

Go to company page HauteLook Product

PRE
Google, Microsoft, Amazon
hamsterpm
May 30, 2020 29 Comments

I graduated from a top university in US with a non-comp science degree. But somehow broke into the tech industry. And I was the only one in my batch to do so.

I started my career in data science as an Analyst and worked at three FAANGM companies. I moved from Analyst to Data Scientist over the years. Then I got smitten with the PM bug.
I managed swicthed from DS to PM at a tier 3 company, and took a 13% paycut.

At the begining of this year I had a premonition for a layoff at my last company. So I managed to get an offer by the end of Feb. Unfortunately that offer got rescinded, thanks to covid, and I am jobless since then.

I tried interviewing at FAANG for a PM role but couldnt clear the bar, maybe becuase my inexperience as a new PM. Other than FANG, I got rejected from other companies as well. I had one offer from a Tier 3 company, but the position went on hold. My phone screen pass rate was 43%. But I couldnt convert any of the 6 onsites I had so far. (not counting the rescinded ones).

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Its been 4 months I am out of work and I am eating my savings. My life just took a downturn and it has been really difficult for me to accept reality.

I am considering to go back to DS and have started applying already. But havent got much response yet. Also my skills have gone rusty.

It has been a long and frustarting job hunt for past 4 months. And I am feeling pretty low, hopeless, and angry on myself on screwing eveything up. Not to mention the shame and humiliation I brought on myself and to my family. At this point, I am not sure if anyone would hire me since I have been unemployed for so long.

I humbly ask the Blind community share some perspective and advice. That will be immensly helpful. (no trolls please)

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#tech #career #datascience #product #help

old TC: (DS) : $160 K
last TC (PM) : $140 K
current TC : $0

YOE: 7 yrs

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TOP 29 Comments
  • Amazon
    dooooonuts

    Go to company page Amazon

    dooooonuts
    I’m sorry things aren’t working out as you’re expecting. I highly suggest giving yourself some grace. Pandemic job searching sucks. This is not a normal time and competition for what is available is fierce. Out of 5 offers I got this job search, 3 were cancelled. That had never happened to me before. The first time it did I got so depressed bc I thought I had made it out of the woods but I didn’t. I quit my position at the start March fully intending to take a break and make a domain switch, but when the pandemic hit hard and I was failing interviews, I figured eating and savings were more important and started interviewing for roles like the one I had quit. So I can relate. I would suggest you grind data science studying since that’s what you’re better at. If you’re still determined to switch to PM, people on LinkedIn (and here maybe) might be willing to mock interview you. Also, I don’t think 4 months is a long time to be out of work, especially in a time where layoffs are everywhere. You’re experiencing an unfortunate culmination of choices due to factors mostly out of your control. Things will be fine, you are not a failure.
    May 30, 2020 1
  • Consider tech oriented roles at non tech companies.
    May 30, 2020 0
  • Oracle
    erbJ8

    Go to company page Oracle

    erbJ8
    I just quit my job to take a month vacation and a year long sabbatical while burning savings. Chill out, OP. You don't need FANG to live your life with enjoyment.

    Anyway, what are savings for if not to be used when something out of control happens? I assume you weren't saving for some obscenely expensive operation for a loved one, and everything else doesn't matter. It's just money, and the entire point of money is being able to spend it.
    May 30, 2020 0
  • Infosys / Eng
    BRY47

    Go to company page Infosys Eng

    BRY47
    Just know you are not alone. Going on 4 months jobless as well and yea it sucks but it is what it is and with ~40M unemployed people right now, it hardly matters. Don’t worry too much about it something will turn up soon and you’ll be back on your feet. Also, definitely file for unemployment if you haven’t already.
    May 30, 2020 0
  • Amazon
    Mr.Jupyter

    Go to company page Amazon

    Mr.Jupyter
    Honestly both roles are hard to nail right now but if DS is more technical and matching your skill set, revert to that for now and then switch again.
    May 30, 2020 2
    • Google
      yODa40

      Go to company page Google

      yODa40
      Most companies have figured out that true DS is actually about

      a) M/L Engineering (high emphasis on Engineering)

      b) Ph.D level Math/Computer Science

      Before, anyone who used a Python/Tensorflow library on Toy Data or pristine, clean data called themselves Data Scientists. At many organizations, they were looking for data to be curated and handed over (with engineers doing most of the hard work of data pipelining and cleaning) to them while they simply applied a DS package and commanded big bucks for it and companies flush with Softbank money hired them.

      Post COVID world, smart companies definitely want Engineers or Ph.D dudes to do DS
      May 30, 2020
    • Facebook
      spysausage

      Go to company page Facebook

      spysausage
      The two DS profiles you list here cumulatively answer about 5% of actual business questions. There’s definitely a market for a DS who can turn a 538-style analysis on business, marketing and product data. Indeed, they probably have the most impact on the C-suite’s decision-making
      Jun 17, 2020