I grew up in a small city in Armenia – the cultural capital Gyumri, but I always dreamed big! As an undergraduate student, I started exploring Tech and fell in love with its impact and potential.
I am extremely excited to join JPMorgan Chase as a Product Marketing Senior Associate of Lending Innovation. In my statement of purpose letter for Columbia University, I mentioned that I want to bring change through my career and impact millions of lives. I couldn’t be happier to join such a dynamic, impactful, and great company working on a missionary product that will help many become financially stable. I have the opportunity to enforce change that many, including myself, long for!
As a product marketing specialist, I truly enjoy what I do: technical discussions with the product team, strategy development with the marketing team, customer discovery with our users, decision-making based on analytics, etc. The Technology Management program at Columbia University helped me gain technical, strategic, and even political skills that will guide me through my career. Moreover, it helped me build a network of great professionals and receive the support of the vibrant Columbia Community throughout my journey.
It all started in July, as I participated in an in-person WomenTech Networking event by JPMorgan Chase. I was inspired! I connected with a few people at the company, including students who graduated from my program, and went through the application process with their support! Honestly, job-hunting is a very challenging, stressful, and non-linear process with a lot of ups and downs. Many rejections will discourage you, but lots of conversations and interactions will inspire you and make you believe you can achieve anything you set your mind to. When feeling discouraged, I’d always go to my “energy source” people, who were mostly strangers with fascinating stories. I learned a lot!
Once you have a clear goal and vision to achieve your goals, all challenges seem manageable. Undoubtedly, the support and encouragement of friends and other professionals in the field are vital! CDL massively impacted my career growth as an international student from the first day of joining Columbia University. My career coach Nicole Arndt guided me from the very beginning and taught me critical techniques of networking, research, organization, and even time management. As an intern at CDL, I was also extremely lucky to receive the support of my team and other interns. CDL was part of my greatest memories as a student at Columbia University, and I’ll forever be grateful for the emotional, academic, and professional support I received during challenging times for me as a student and as an individual.
Lastly, I believe that becoming a member of Columbia Community and realizing its full potential through networking with other lions, receiving guidance from alumna, and simply asking for help can open doors you never knew existed. Knowing that you can achieve your goals if you believe in the purpose and impact they bring can be a game-changer.
