From Mumbai University philosophy grad to Amazon PM in Seattle. How? Just keep showing up

Hey everyone, I've been lurking here for a while, but I felt compelled to share my story today. It’s AM here in Seattle and read @PunyBlame’s post on the impostor syndrome - hit a nerve!

I'm a 29-year-old woman, currently working as a Product Manager at Amazon in Seattle. No MBA, no tech background - just a Philosophy degree from Mumbai University and a whole lot of grit.

Five years ago, if you'd told me I'd be where I am now, I would've laughed in your face. Back then, I was just another lost graduate, wondering what the hell I was going to do with a philosophy degree in a world obsessed with engineering and MBAs.

But here's the thing I learned: success isn't always about being the smartest or having the "right" degree. Sometimes, it's just about showing up, day after day, even when you feel like an imposter.

My journey started with a crappy content writing job that barely paid the bills. But I showed up every day, wrote those mind-numbing product descriptions, and used my free time to learn everything I could about tech and product management.

I applied to hundreds of jobs, faced countless rejections. But I kept showing up. I networked like crazy, attended every tech meetup I could find in Mumbai, even when I felt like I didn't belong. I volunteered for projects at work that were way above my pay grade, just to get experience.

Then came the breakthrough - a junior product role at a small startup. The pay was mediocre, the hours were insane, but I showed up every day with enthusiasm. I soaked up knowledge like a sponge, asked questions, made mistakes, and learned from them.

Two years and three job changes later, I landed a role at Amazon India. It was a huge leap, and I felt completely out of my depth. Imposter syndrome hit me hard. But you know what? I showed up anyway. I put in the hours, raised my hand for challenging projects, and gradually, things started to click.

When an opportunity came up in Seattle, I threw my hat in the ring, even though I was sure they'd laugh at my application. But they didn't. They saw my track record of showing up and getting shit done.

Now, I'm not going to pretend it's all been smooth sailing. Moving to Seattle was terrifying. There are still days when I feel like I'm faking it. But I've learned that everyone feels that way sometimes. The key is to show up anyway.

To anyone out there feeling lost or underqualified, here's what I want you to know:

1. Your degree doesn't define you. Skills can be learned if you're willing to put in the work.
2. Apply for jobs even if you don't tick all the boxes. Let them reject you; don't reject yourself.
3. Network genuinely. Help others without expecting anything in return. It pays off in unexpected ways.
4. Take on challenges that scare you. Growth happens outside your comfort zone.
5. Most importantly, just show up. Every. Single. Day.

You'll face rejection. You'll doubt yourself. You'll want to quit. But if you keep showing up, putting in the work, and pushing through the tough times, you'd be amazed at where you can end up.

So, to all the Philosophy grads (or any grads) out there wondering about their future - the world is full of opportunities if you're willing to work for them. Your destiny isn't decided by your degree, it's shaped by your determination :)