Significant Career Lesson From A Senior Product Manager At Amazon
Hema's career journey, spanning chemical engineering, consulting, digital transformation, and product management at Amazon, highlights the importance of "always being open to learning new things," constantly adapting to new industries and technologies. This continuous learning, coupled with proactive networking and relationship-building, has been key to navigating a diverse career path and achieving success.
Career Development, Networking, Lifelong Learning, Adaptability, Professional Growth
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Hema Chalamalasetty
Senior Product Manager
Amazon
Indian Institute of Technology, Madras
UCLA Anderson, MBA
Engineering - Chemical
Technology
Product / Service / Software Development and Management
International Student, Immigrant, Worked 20+ Hours in School, First Generation College Student
Video Highlights
1. Embrace continuous learning and be comfortable stepping outside your comfort zone. Hema's career path demonstrates the value of adaptability and acquiring new skills, even across vastly different fields (chemical engineering, consulting, digital transformation, product management). This highlights the importance of lifelong learning and skill development.
2. Networking is crucial for career advancement. Hema emphasizes the often-underestimated value of building and maintaining professional relationships. A strong network provides mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for career growth and navigation.
3. Invest in yourself and your skill development. Hema's commitment to continuous learning, including pursuing further education (MBM and engineering/software development classes) showcases proactive self-improvement as a key driver of success in a dynamic career landscape. This includes focusing on skill-building and taking initiative for personal and professional development
Transcript
What is one lesson that you have learned that has proven significant in your career?
I think always being open to learning new things has proven to be consistently important. This is especially true when you look at my career, from studying chemical engineering, to working in consulting, and then working on digital transformation initiatives.
Moving on to a product manager role, every new project or role I picked up was extremely new. It involved new industries, new technologies, and new functions. Being able to constantly learn something new and get comfortable with it, and be confident with that, has always been very significant for me.
For example, even now during my MBA, I'm trying to take some engineering and software development classes. I think that helps me thrive in my role as a product manager. So, definitely learning.
Another important thing is networking with people. I think we underestimate the value of networking as undergrads. Eventually, you'll see that learning from others in your network, and being able to navigate different companies and careers, becomes more and more possible with a well-connected network.
Building those meaningful relationships is key because you'll find your mentor, guide, and someone who can vouch for you. They'll know your work style and everything about you at a company they work for. So, investing in relationships, networking, and investing in yourself by always focusing on developing your skills is very significant.