From Africa to India, MBBS to Product Management

Where do I even begin? My epic journey has truly been a rollercoaster, filled with ups, downs, and plenty of loop-de-loops. Let me take you on a fun ride through the wild twists and turns of my life.

I started my schooling in a country in Africa, attending an international school with students from over 21 different nationalities. This melting pot of cultures helped me pick up French and Spanish, along with English and Hindi, which obviously were the official languages of India. Growing up abroad gave me a unique perspective, far different from the typical Indian experience.

After finishing school, I moved back to India with dreams of becoming a doctor. I began preparing for the MBBS entrance exams, only to face a massive shock: in India, you need to take physics and chemistry to qualify. In Africa, my school (affiliated with Cambridge University) had made physics optional, so I'd never studied it before. This made the challenge even tougher. Plus, India's reservation system for minority groups meant fewer seats for the general category unless you were practically Einstein.

Despite these obstacles, I secured a seat in a private college. However, my family wasn’t as supportive—they insisted I attend only a government/public university as it was cheaper. With no support, I had to let go of my dream of becoming a doctor. Instead, I pursued a Bachelor’s and then a Master’s in Zoology, staying close to my passion for science.

During my study, I decided to become financially independent. I started working part-time as a teacher, eventually sticking with it because I enjoyed it so much and the independence it brought me. Juggling and balancing 2 jobs, family, studies, a loan and a tiny little pup; I managed to earn scholarships covering 75% of my fees, and I paid the rest with my teaching earnings.

In 2023, I completed my postgraduation, having also worked as a coding instructor—a hobby that turned into a job. I got trained in coding both inside and outside my company. This tech exposure led me to discover product management and fascinated by the product world, I completed a course in product management and started at the bottom of the hierarchy as an intern.

Now, my goal is to climb the ranks and become the 'Director of Product' at my company. Reflecting on my journey from Africa to India, from dreaming of being a doctor to becoming a zoologist to coding instructor and now product manager, I realize the value of changing careers and how life can pivot at any point and you may get lost, or feel lost, at least. But you will always be able to connect the dots looking backwards!

That's a glimpse into my epic journey—full of challenges, discoveries, and exciting new directions.

And who knows? Maybe one day, I'll be writing a blog titled "From Intern to CEO: How I Conquered the Corporate Jungle (and Lived to Tell the Tale)."

Stay tuned for the sequel!