As a product manager at Microsoft, I am responsible for creating and managing innovative and impactful products that solve real customer problems. I oversee all aspects of the product lifecycle, from ideation to launch and beyond. Some of my daily tasks and responsibilities include:-Developing and advocating for the product vision and strategy, aligning it with the company’s goals and customer needs-Building and prioritizing the product roadmap, defining the scope, features, and timeline of each release-Collaborating with engineers, designers, data scientists, marketers, customer support, and other stakeholders to deliver high-quality products that meet user expectations and business objectives-Conducting user research, market analysis, competitive benchmarking, and data-driven experiments to validate product hypotheses and inform product decisions-Communicating progress, challenges, and feedback to senior management and cross-functional teams, ensuring transparency and alignment throughout the product development process-Measuring and evaluating the performance, impact, and user satisfaction of the products, using various metrics and feedback channels-Iterating and improving the products based on data insights, user feedback, and changing market conditions

At Microsoft, we know there are many pathways into the technology industry and into our organization. We’re constantly looking for new ways to create unconventional entry points for talent and leverage the skills and experiences of talent from outside the traditional academic paths. In 2015, we launched Microsoft Leap to introduce more people to work in the tech industry. Microsoft Leap offers an immersive 16-week experience for those who have a base foundation of technical training. Microsoft Leap combines in-classroom learning with hands-on engineering projects, working on real teams and real products within our organization such as Azure, Xbox, Bing, and Office365.Microsoft Leap participants are change catalysts and change multipliers: they bring a diverse set of personal experiences and cognitive abilities to their work as well as to their colleagues and communities at Microsoft. They play a vital role in advancing engineering processes, accelerating innovation and activating inclusion as a part of Microsoft culture.Whether it’s a stay-at-home parent interested in re-entering the workforce or someone who is ready for a ‘second act,’ the stories from current and former participants are truly inspiring. Not only is Microsoft Leap launching new cohorts across the country and the globe, but it’s also re-launching the lives of countless individuals looking to make an impact.https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/leap/

ICStars has provided me the tools and resources to propel my career in technology. Not only that, they have changed my life and how I view Leadership, business, and professionalism. This has been a journey about growth and betterment. I cant wait to see where I will end up at the end of the internship. I thank the staff for all the support and time that they have invested in me.

Military was one of the hardest points of my life. Many times I broke down and wondered why I chose the path that I did. But coming out of it I learned so many lessons, the most important one was do not shy away from a challenge. Take that challenge and embrace it for it will will grow you in ways you never thought possible