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FROM Software Engineer TO Product Manager and Here's What Happened!
Tech Woke LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-okpala-413565158/
Check out the Patreon: patreon.com/TechWoke
Merch:https://3c25a2-b9.myshopify.com/?_ab=0&_fd=0&_sc=1
Please Rate the Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/techwoke
Timestamps:
00:00 Exploring Software Engineering Paths
03:29 Discovering Tech Over Business
08:46 School Benefits vs. Self-Learning
10:51 Lengthy Government Internship Process
14:35 Software Engineering Interview Insights
16:13 Java Backend Development Experience
21:32 Seeking Tech Community Connection
24:49 "Entry-Level Software Engineer Salaries"
28:39 Exploring Transition to Product Management
31:36 Cracking the PM Interview
32:44 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
37:09 Building and Iterating an MVP
39:16 Managing Diverse Stakeholder Opinions
44:21 "Finding Community in Tech"
45:47 Building a Personal Brand
50:20 Networking with Intention
54:09 Embracing Rejection in Business
55:21 "Engage, Subscribe, and Support Now!"
About this video:
Welcome back to another episode of "Tech Woke"! In today’s episode, host Chris sits down with Christina Polanco—software engineer, product manager, and all-around tech powerhouse—to explore the ins and outs of working in tech. From breaking down what it really takes to land those high-paying software engineering roles, to navigating the world of government clearances, Christina shares her journey from aspiring lawyer to being recognized as one of the top women to watch in tech.
Together, they discuss the realities behind those eye-popping tech salaries, the importance of internships and networking, the differences between govtech and private sector work, and the challenges—and rewards—of moving into product management. Christina also gets candid about being a woman in tech, building community, and why personal branding has been a game-changer for her career.
Whether you’re looking to transition into a new tech role, break into product management, or just curious about how to thrive and build your network in today’s tech landscape, this episode is packed with insights, practical advice, and inspiration to help you on your journey. Let’s dive in!
View all episodes
By Christopher OkpalaTech Woke LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-okpala-413565158/
Check out the Patreon: patreon.com/TechWoke
Merch:https://3c25a2-b9.myshopify.com/?_ab=0&_fd=0&_sc=1
Please Rate the Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/techwoke
Timestamps:
00:00 Exploring Software Engineering Paths
03:29 Discovering Tech Over Business
08:46 School Benefits vs. Self-Learning
10:51 Lengthy Government Internship Process
14:35 Software Engineering Interview Insights
16:13 Java Backend Development Experience
21:32 Seeking Tech Community Connection
24:49 "Entry-Level Software Engineer Salaries"
28:39 Exploring Transition to Product Management
31:36 Cracking the PM Interview
32:44 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
37:09 Building and Iterating an MVP
39:16 Managing Diverse Stakeholder Opinions
44:21 "Finding Community in Tech"
45:47 Building a Personal Brand
50:20 Networking with Intention
54:09 Embracing Rejection in Business
55:21 "Engage, Subscribe, and Support Now!"
About this video:
Welcome back to another episode of "Tech Woke"! In today’s episode, host Chris sits down with Christina Polanco—software engineer, product manager, and all-around tech powerhouse—to explore the ins and outs of working in tech. From breaking down what it really takes to land those high-paying software engineering roles, to navigating the world of government clearances, Christina shares her journey from aspiring lawyer to being recognized as one of the top women to watch in tech.
Together, they discuss the realities behind those eye-popping tech salaries, the importance of internships and networking, the differences between govtech and private sector work, and the challenges—and rewards—of moving into product management. Christina also gets candid about being a woman in tech, building community, and why personal branding has been a game-changer for her career.
Whether you’re looking to transition into a new tech role, break into product management, or just curious about how to thrive and build your network in today’s tech landscape, this episode is packed with insights, practical advice, and inspiration to help you on your journey. Let’s dive in!