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.

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.

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.

Worth every penny spent! The IJS program by IPM has helped me tremendously! The curriculum and coaching are incredible! The mock interviews and story refining helped me get the needed feedback and prepare for the gruelling Amazon interviews. I was also surprised to get a supportive community where I was constantly encouraged and told I was not alone! I landed my job via a referral from another person in the community. My advice to anyone who is in the same place I was: Don't waste your time with certifications. This program is worth the investment. The return is invaluable. If you do join this program, take advantage of the community. Do not be afraid to break the ice; give and get honest feedback. This program will make you stronger all around. I am so thankful that I decided to join this program and community.

Aggressive and 'salesy' approach Unfortunately my experience with Shobhit was not a good one. It started off well with Shobhit answering my questions honestly and transparently, providing details of the program and a fair price. However when it came to actually making a decision, he emailed me agressively with a very 'salesy' tone that I must make the decision 'today'. 'Today' for me was a Sunday I was spending with my family for the Super Bowl. The next morning he informed me his offer was rescinded. When I exchanged emails with him he told me I did not display enough urgency for him (keep in mind, I'm spending the day with my family on a Sunday and still discussing the financials with my wife). Overall I believe in his business was what Intentional Product Manager is trying to achieve. However the aggressive approach is not for me. I prefer an approach based on 'trusting' a product. Shobhit's approach felt like a poor display of empathy, a lack of understanding of his cusotmer, and ironically enough, bad product management..