Dawn Choo's journey from finance to tech is a testament to the power of perseverance and strategic career pivots. Starting in a quant role at Bank of America, Choo felt unfulfilled and yearned for a position in tech, specifically at Instagram. Despite initial setbacks, including a 40% pay cut to join Amazon as a business analyst, her story is one of resilience and eventual triumph.
The Bold Career Pivot
Choo's transition wasn't easy. Moving from a stable finance role to a tech position at Amazon meant significant financial and professional adjustments. Initially, the work felt repetitive and beneath her skill level, leading to moments of doubt. However, her ability to automate tasks and pitch innovative solutions caught the attention of executives, leading to a promotion and the formation of a new team.
Landing the Dream Job at Meta
After seven applications and multiple interviews, Choo's persistence paid off when she secured her dream role as a data scientist at Instagram. Her experience at Amazon, coupled with her improved interview skills and leadership on the automation project, made her a standout candidate.
Lessons Learned
Choo's story highlights several key takeaways for those considering a career change:
- Take calculated risks: A temporary pay cut can lead to long-term gains.
- Leverage your skills: Even in roles that seem beneath you, there are opportunities to innovate and stand out.
- Persistence is key: Rejection is part of the process; don't let it deter you from your goals.
Choo's journey underscores the importance of betting on yourself and the value of patience in seeing those bets pay off.
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