Diverging and Converging Through Grad School
I started my grad school journey at USC in 2019. In May, I attended my commencement as part of the Class of 2022.
In late 2018 I sent out three applications:
An application to Boost VC, a startup accelerator in Silicon Valley.
A Developer Relations role at Magic Leap.
My application for a Master's in Integrated Design, Business, and Technology from USC.
At this point in my life, I was uncertain about my career path. The only direction I was moving was forward. I was going to let fate choose.
By the end of the year, I got accepted to Boost VC and my Master's program. I did both—one right after the other.
I hoped to be a successful startup founder, a Head of Product, or a Head of Innovation.
Looking back at my USC application essay, I wanted to use the program to become a successful entrepreneur, a Head of Product, or a Head of Innovation at a tech company. As a generalist, I found myself fitting in different roles. I gave myself the space to feel uncertain but room to grow.
Now fast-forward: I ended up getting my startup acquired and converging my path in Venture Capital.
Feelings of uncertainty eventually lead to growth.
During my last year of grad school, I found myself out of California due to the pandemic and living in Canada. It caused me to reevaluate what I wanted to do.
Given my background in startups and designing products, my interest in helping early-stage founders, learning about the markets they want to disrupt, and realizing how startup investors can impact; I began to explore the venture capital path.
As a graduate student, I had access to VC internships and fellowships that I wouldn't have been able to get otherwise. I took advantage of every opportunity I had to break in.
And I did.
Permit yourself to explore your options, then hone in on your path.
I shared three career paths on my grad school application. Simultaneously, grad school was also one of three options when I submitted that application.
In the end, I chose the venture capital path as I learned more about myself and how I want to provide value to the world by the time I graduate.
Being open to the possibilities can help you find the right path for yourself also.
