The Result
As a direct result of my what I learned during the 100 days, I was able to receive offers to join Capital One as a Product Manager and Techstars Anywhere as an Associate in Fall 2021.
A Recap: 100 Days Later
Over the course of 100 days, I learned everything I could about technology, computer science, and coding. I coded this website, a mobile app, took 4 online classes, completed two internships (BioTech + EduTech), and immersed myself in the Tech world.
To view what I accomplished each day, check out my Twitter (@ThatGirlAustin).
CLASSES:
- OneMonth Product Management
- OneMonth Programming for Non-Programers
- SuperHi User Experience (UX) Design
- Y Combinator Startup School
BOOKS:
- Cracking the PM Interview
- Learn To Code Now (SuperHi)
- Swipe to Unlock
- The Good Jobs Strategy
- Inspired: How to Create Tech Products Customers Love
- The Lean Startup
- The Design of Everyday Things
- Never Eat Alone
- The Lean Product Playbook
PODCASTS:
- How I Built This
- Design Better Podcast
- Masters of Scale
- Product Marketing Life
- Product Marketing Insider
Why did I embark on this journey?
On March 29, 2020, my MBA internship at Delta Air Lines was canceled due to the impact of COVID-19.
I was devastated. For me, working at the intersection of Travel/Hospitality and Technology was always my plan. Ever since I started my career as a Tour Guide at Disneyland, I have been passionate about improving the guest experience through technology. When I got the offer at Delta, I thought I was taking the first step to accomplishing my goal.
Then, COVID-19 happened.
Suddenly, the global tourism industry ground to a halt. With it, my ambitions of a post-MBA job in the Travel Industry were put on an indefinite pause.
With Travel not recruiting in the foreseeable future, I started to think about what industry could I see myself in. Where do I fit in this COVID-19 world?
It was important to me that I work in an industry that, like Travel:
- Makes a difference in the lives of millions of people (fits my non-profit background)
- Is customer-centric (considers the end-user, not just the shareholders)
- Is constantly evolving (as a lifelong learner I thrive in areas that require constant learning)
In all of the industries I considered, Technology emerged as the clear winner. Hello Tech! 
There was only one problem. I don’t have a technical background or a Computer Science degree. That is to say; I don’t speak the “language.”
But… what if I could?
I didn’t have any airline experience either, but in just 3 months, I was able to score an offer at the world’s largest airline. When I was interviewing for Delta, Air Lines I learned everything I could about the incredibly complex Airline industry. I read scores of case studies, industry analysis, and spoke to dozens of people about their jobs. Most importantly, I learned how to speak a common language.
Could I do the same for the Tech Industry? Hence, #100DaysToSpeakTech was born.
I took 100 days and studied abroad in the Tech world — admittedly from my couch as we were still under ‘Stay at Home’ in North Carolina.
See what I accomplished every day on Twitter (@ThatGirlAustin)
