How Identity Has Influenced a Program Manager at Meta's Career
Josh's military background presented a "really drastic career pivot" into the tech industry, requiring Josh to combat imposter syndrome. Josh leverages the transferable skills and "confidence to learn quickly and deliver impact" gained during eight years of military service to navigate this transition and succeed in a less-than-two-year tech career.
Overcoming Challenges, Career Transition, Imposter Syndrome, Confidence, Resilience
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Josh Dalva
Program Manager
Meta
Boston University, 2015
UCLA Anderson, MBA
International Relations & Affairs
Technology
Operations and Project Management
Greek Life Member, Veteran
Video Highlights
1. Josh's transition from military to tech career highlights the challenges and rewards of significant career pivots.
2. He emphasizes combating imposter syndrome and leveraging transferable skills from previous experiences.
3. His rapid learning and ability to deliver impact are key attributes he developed and values, showcasing the value of diverse backgrounds in tech
Transcript
As someone who identifies as a veteran, how has that impacted how you navigate your career?
That's a great question. It's been challenging because I had a whole life in the past where I did something totally unrelated to what I do now. Making that transition from that world to this world was really challenging.
For other veterans or folks making drastic career or life pivots, the best way I navigate it is by fighting imposter syndrome. You are where you are for a reason; you were successful in your former career for many different reasons.
While those successes may not directly translate to your new field, your personal attributes, your successes, and the lessons learned do. I believe having the confidence to know I can learn something quickly, ramp up, and deliver impact are things I've taken with me as a veteran.
I had almost an eight-year career in the military and now less than a two-year career in tech. So I'm still trying to equalize, but as a veteran, that's something I've used to help navigate.