80 | How to successfully transition from a software engineer to a product manager with Cherita Ousley
Release Date: 06/13/2024
EP 102 | Is Studying Computer Science Still Worth It In 2025? with Jehron Petty
Tech Unlocked
Is studying computer science still worth it in 2025? What does the future of education look like in an AI driven world? With AI reshaping the job market and tech layoffs skyrocketing, CS students are facing serious questions about their futures. In this episode 102, I chat with Jerome Petty, founder of ColorStack, about whether a CS degree is still valuable, how students can stand out, and what they’d do differently if they were starting over today and the future of education. Whether you're a current student, recent grad, or career switcher, this episode will challenge...
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101 | Why This Creative Skill Will Outlast AI — And Get You Hired in 2025 with Aleenah Ansari
Tech Unlocked
In episode 101 of Tech Unlocked, Grace chats with Aleenah Ansari about her unconventional path into tech—not as an engineer, but as a powerful storyteller. Aleenah shares how she leveraged her writing background to carve out impactful roles at Microsoft and Salesforce, and why she believes storytelling is the creative skill that will continue to thrive in the age of AI. Tune in to hear practical job search strategies, personal branding tips, and ways to collaborate with AI instead of fearing it. Whether you're pivoting into tech or just looking to stand out, this episode will help you...
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100 | How to Stop Sabotaging Your Tech Career in Your 20's or 30's ( Learn these 3 Hard Lessons NOW)
Tech Unlocked
Wow, today we hit 100 episodes of Tech Unlocked! 🎉 It's been an incredible journey chatting with brilliant minds in the tech industry and navigating my own tech career in the last 6 years To celebrate this milestone, I'm taking a pause to reflect and share something truly valuable with you. In this special episode, I'm distilling countless hours of conversations and personal experience down to the 3 most impactful career lessons I've learned. These aren't just theories; they are the recurring themes, the hard truths, and the actionable insights that have surfaced again and again from both...
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EP 99 | Top 5 Overlooked Tech Jobs Nobody Talks About (But Should)
Tech Unlocked
Tired of hearing about the same tech careers in 2025? In episode 99, I dive into 5 overlooked but incredibly lucrative tech careers that are positioned for explosive growth. After 6 years in the industry, I've researched the most promising fields beyond the usual software engineering, data science or even AI roles. For each job role I share the definition, average salary, pros & cons, and skills needed to thrive in that specific role. By the end of this video, you'll discover five alternative paths to tech success that match or even exceed the compensation of traditional...
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98 | Land Your Dream Tech Role: How to Stand Out in a Competitive Market with Karen Ngo
Tech Unlocked
In Episode 98, Grace sits down with Karen Ngo, a highly successful Communications Manager at Microsoft. Karen shares her inspiring career journey, revealing how she landed her dream role despite lacking prior communications experience. During the conversation, Karen provides invaluable insights into the key skills and qualities required for success in today's tough job market. She also unveils her unique approach to career development: the "Career Walking Deck," a powerful tool for showcasing your skills, building your network, and landing your next big opportunity. Don't miss this insightful...
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97 | Why Is the World So Obsessed with DeepSeek AI? (Everything You Should Know)
Tech Unlocked
In this episode, Grace uncovers how a small Chinese AI startup is challenging Silicon Valley's AI dominance and dives into: How DeepSeek outperformed billion-dollar AI models Why Nvidia's stock is feeling the heat Why we need to invest in AI education DeepSeek Vs ChatGPT 🎯 SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWS LETTER: 💡 Connect with Grace: https://www.instagram.com/gracemacjonez/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracemacjones/ ✨ Follow Tech Unlocked for more career tips and tech news: Instagram: @techunlockedpod TikTok: @techunlockedpod Questions about sponsorship? Email us ...
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96 | The Real Reason Behind the Tiktok US Ban, Meta's MAGA Makeover, and RedNote's "Sudden" Rise
Tech Unlocked
When tech companies consistently prioritize profits over people or try to cut corners on safety and ethical practices, it erodes trust and ultimately undermines the very foundation of our democracy . From #meta cutting its fact-checking team to TikTok's potential demise in the US, this episode uncovers the hidden connections behind today's biggest tech headlines like: - Meta's mass layoffs and fact-checker purge - TikTok's looming US ban and the surprising rise of RedNote - The silent dismantling of DEI programs across Big Tech In episode 96, Grace breaks...
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95 | How To Get A Tech Job in 2025 (3 Honest Truths No One's Telling You)
Tech Unlocked
The tech job market in 2025 isn't what you think. Before you send another application, you NEED to know these crucial changes in tech hiring. Is it too late to work in tech in 2025? The answer is much more complex than you think. In Episode 95, Grace shares 3 brutal truths and tips for those who want to find a tech job in 2025. 🎯 SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSETTER: https://substack.com/@techunlockedpodcast? 💡 Connect with Grace: https://www.instagram.com/gracemacjonez/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracemacjones/ Follow Tech Unlocked for more career tips:...
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94 | 2025 Tech Job Market Predictions
Tech Unlocked
2025 is going to be a chaotic and entertaining year in technology. From layoffs to the potential increase of H-1B visas. Grace shares her top 5 prediction for tech careers in 2025. Follow Tech Unlocked for more career tips: Instagram: @techunlockedpod Twitter: @techunlockedpod TikTok: @techunlockedpod Connect with Grace: https://www.instagram.com/gracemacjonez/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracemacjones/ Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on Apple and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us [email protected] Sources:
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93 | Why Millions have Left Twitter/X, and Where Everyone is Turning To
Tech Unlocked
Regardless of your political views, you're probably glad the election season is over. This episode isn't about the presidential election or politics, but it does explore a major domino effect that followed it: the mass exodus from Twitter/X. In this solo episode, Grace shares the explosive rise of Bluesky, a new platform capturing millions seeking an alternative to Elon Musk's X (formerly Twitter). We'll discuss: The defining features that set Bluesky apart from its competitors The reasons behind the mass migration, fueled by dissatisfaction with X The implications of Bluesky's decentralized...
info_outlineThe software engineer (SWE) to product manager (PM) pipeline is strong in 2024 but does that mean it is a sign for YOU to make that transition? If you’ve thought about what it takes to become a product manager then this is the perfect episode for you. In this episode I chat with Cherita Ousley who is a product manager at microsoft about what it take to sucessfully transtion from SWE to PM. She demystifies the role of a PM and gives you keys to unlock a successful career as a PM.
Cherita Ousley is a multi-faceted professional, blending her roles as a fitness coach and product manager in the tech industry. With a strong passion for promoting healthy living, she advocates for wellness through fitness, mindfulness, and spirituality. Cherita believes that a balanced lifestyle, encompassing physical health and emotional intelligence, is essential for personal fulfillment and productivity. Her approach to leadership is marked by kindness, empathy, and a commitment to making a meaningful impact and forging genuine connections.
In this episode we talked about:
- how cherita went from kinesiology to software engineering (SWE)
- if coding boot camps are still worth it in 2024?
- pros and cons of coding boot camps
- the hardest part about transitioning into tech with a non technical SWE background
- the challenges of working in tech without a CS degree
- how to know when it’s time to switch from SWE to PM in your career
- what to do before switching to a PM
- the difference between the mindset of PM vs SWE
- the day to day lifestyle of a PM
- how to build your professional career & network in tech
Follow Tech Unlocked for more career tips:
Website: www.techunlocked.co
Instagram: @techunlockedpod
Twitter: @techunlockedpod
TikTok: @techunlockedpod
Connect with Grace:
Instagram: @gracemacjonez
Linkedin: Grace Macjones
Connect with Cherita:
Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/cheritaousley
PM Resources:
https://www.amazon.com/Cracking-PM-Interview-Product-Technology/dp/0984782818
https://www.youtube.com/@tryexponent
Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on iTunes and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us [email protected]