Akshita Joshi Khoury’s Post

Facebook has reminded me that this week marks four years since LEAVING ACADEMIA came out -- and my has the world changed a lot! 1) We can network in person again. When the book came out, we were stuck inside with COVID lockdowns. As people have returned to more normal life, though, much communication remains digital. Job seekers wanting to stand out should do so against this baseline. While in-person meetings aren't necessary, they remain *more marked* in today's environment and thus allow you to stand out more easily. (And yes, I'm still grumpy I didn't get to do any release events at great local bookstores like Octavia Books). 2) The job market has cooled off. From late 2020 through late 2022, the job market went bananas. It was never easier for people to change careers. Ironically, today feels more like the environment I experienced and wrote about in the book -- jobs are available, but uneven, and timelines to leave academia are measured in months or years rather than weeks or months. 3) The social media landscape has evolved. LinkedIn remains the place for presenting your business persona and maintaining connections. But Twitter is now X (I've given up on it), and more things happen in video formats like TikTok, especially for younger users. I haven't attempted that format, but others have. 4) There's WAY more help than there used to be. LEAVING ACADEMIA was part of a wave of new resources for scholars seeking work beyond higher ed -- now the books, blogs, podcasts, coaching services, and university-run programs are seemingly endless. Looking back to my first flirtations with work outside academia in 2015, it feels like a different world. In spite of that, the need remains acute -- an indication that academic culture remains stuck, even if it's improving in pockets. When I get notes from people who've read my book, I often profess my joy that it remains helpful and my sorrow that it has to. Here's hoping that four years from now the root causes of career challenges for academics will be addressed more consistently -- and more people can enter or exit higher ed with support and vision for a future they create for themselves. Princeton University Press

Facebook: Connecting the World, One Friend at a Time 🌍👥 Back in 2004, a Harvard student named Mark Zuckerberg had an idea that would change the way people connected with each other forever. 💡 What started as a small social networking site for college students quickly grew into a global phenomenon known as Facebook. Initially called "The Facebook," it allowed users to create profiles, share updates, and connect with friends. 🎓👤 The platform's rapid growth was fueled by its simplicity and the powerful network effect—everyone wanted to be where their friends were. As Facebook expanded beyond college campuses, it became clear that this was more than just a social network; it was a new way for people to stay connected, share their lives, and even organize events. 📱💬 By 2012, Facebook reached a major milestone, becoming the first social network to surpass 1 billion active users. 🚀 This was just the beginning. Facebook continued to innovate, introducing features like the News Feed, reactions, and live streaming, keeping users engaged and connected in real-time. 🌐📢 Over the years, Facebook also made strategic acquisitions, including Instagram and WhatsApp, further solidifying its position as a social media giant. 📸📲 These moves helped Facebook diversify its offerings and reach even more people around the world. Despite facing challenges such as privacy concerns and competition, Facebook remains a dominant force in the digital landscape. Today, Facebook is more than just a social network—it's a global platform that connects over 2.9 billion people. 🌍 It's where communities are built, businesses are launched, and movements are born. Whether it's reuniting with old friends, discovering new interests, or staying informed, Facebook has fundamentally changed how we interact with the world and each other. 🌟 👉 What aspect of Facebook's journey do you find most fascinating? Let’s start a conversation—share your thoughts in the comments below!👇 ♻️ If you found this interesting, consider sharing it with your network. And follow Mariia Mykhasiuk and You are launched for more insights and inspiration. 🌟 #urlaunched #Facebook #SocialMedia #Networking #SuccessStory 

I recently posted about my role change to Director, and I can't say how charmed I was by the responses—lots of people were so supportive and encouraging. Leaving Google was hard—it took an extraordinary confluence of circumstances before I stepped out the door—and I think one of the things I feared most was losing touch with so many people I love and respect. Surprisingly, it crystallised many relationships from "work friends" to "real friends." We don't have the incidental contact that comes from being at the same workplace, so it takes that extra step to stay in contact, and it's flipped the switch in my head for so many people from "work friend" to "real friend." That makes me incredibly happy. It's kind of funny because the reason I posted was because I kept getting recruiters contacting me. (Oh! I've just realised I've probably got "Open to new roles" switched on or something because I didn't turn it off after I got the job at Canva. Oops!) But they kept contacting me about individual contributor roles rather than management roles, and I'm back on the manager track. Honestly, it's where I'm most comfortable; I don't anticipate switching back anytime soon. So the funny thing is... it wasn't really a promotion- I stepped sideways from the IC track to the Manager track, but there was no level change. But I'm really glad I posted! What a lovely set of reactions. It also got me thinking about what it's been like leaving Google. And, ignoring for the moment the inevitable self-doubt and uncertainty that comes with job hunting and starting a new job, I'm just coming up in 12 months at Canva, so it seems like a good moment for reflection. And you know what? It's been great. When I first started at Google—and here I'm ignoring the first 12 months of self-doubt and uncertainty—in the early days, it felt like I could make a difference. I felt my voice could be heard—that I could email Larry and Sergei, and they'd probably read my email, and maybe if I said something the right way, maybe I'd influence them. By the time I left, I didn't really feel like I could influence my boss—or his boss. And although I'd been promoted three times, there were actually more steps between me and the CEO than when I'd started. But at Canva, I *know* I can make a difference. For the first time ever, I've got career goals. I have a Big Harry Audacious Goal that sits at the company level. When I told my skip manager, he said, "Oh, the founders just hired a guy to do that—I'll make an introduction." And he did. This new hire is awesome, really friendly and open to my thoughts. Other goals are also happening: at the Engineering level (culture change), the Infrastructure level (improved marketing!), and at my Group level (so many!). I feel like I'm making a difference, and I can't tell you how sweet that is. And I've got friends encouraging me. They came with me. And that, honestly, is even better than making a difference. So. Thank you. I'm glad you are here.

Ever felt as though you don’t belong in a role? That you don’t have enough skills, knowledge or experience to do what is being asked of you? And that you’re going to be ‘found out’? In this short training I provide some tips on how to deal with imposter syndrome. You can access it in my Career Transformation Hub. It’s a free facebook group for senior corporates, who are at a career crossroads, to access resources and feel supported. https://bit.ly/4avUflH

𝗢𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘂𝗽𝗼𝗻 𝗮 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲, 𝟮𝟬 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗴𝗼 I started off my Marketing career at #Google. Back then I didn’t know (and didn’t care, really) what I got myself into (in a good way). I started off as an intern at low pay even though I had a job offer for real money. 🤑 Why?  I loved the people who worked there, they were all so kind, authentic, and fun. And most of all: they seemed to love what they did. ❤️ #Youknowwhoyouare: I feel so lucky (pun intended!), I can call many of you #friends4life. All I wanted was to be part of that cool crowd, learn, and enjoy the ride. 🎢 I did not have a “career plan” then and I don’t have one now.  Gladly, it turns out that I chose something I am really good at and yes, something I love (most of the time, anyway 😉). I decided to leave Google in 2016. For many reasons, but the main one being: it was just time. 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝗲𝘁 𝗴𝗼 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗺𝘆𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳: ✨What is it that motivates me? ✨What do I want to let go of? ✨What do I still want to learn? ✨What do I want and need? ✨What can I give to others? I promise you, it’s not been easy peasy lemon squeezy 🍋 I am my greatest critique and loudest skeptical. But I am here now. 𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝗜 𝗮𝗺 𝗱𝗮𝗺𝗻 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝗺𝘆𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳. There. It’s out. So, as #SnoopDogg said: I wanna thank…me. 🤭🙏 What do you thank yourself for? #Marketing #career #anniversary #personalgrowth #thankyou

From Political consulting to Google? Here’s how 9 months at Google India actually challenged me: Assumption 1️⃣ A Product Specialist knows EVERYTHING about the product category. ✅ Reality: A product category at Google has multiple sub-products and each their own specialist. This does not mean that they do not know about it, it’s just very specialized to provide genuine depth of understanding to solve client problems. Assumption 2️⃣ Bottoms up approach to finish everything in your to-do list works best ✅ Reality: A top down approach is the best strategy. Always look at the big picture and work your way downwards like investing time and bandwidth on meetings that have clear agendas and goals. Often Googlers have more activities on their schedule than they have bandwidth for, hence this is crucial. Assumption 3️⃣ Stakeholder alignment would be easier now that I don’t deal with government officials. ✅ Reality: You have to keep your stakeholders in the loop constantly. I initially struggled with how detailed and frequent the communication should be, still make a lot of mistakes but once I understood the context and objectives better it helped. #lifeatgoogle Let me know what you would like to hear more from me by commenting or dm!

Your first #manager often holds a special place in your #career journey. This person might have seen potential in you when you had little to no #experience, but plenty of enthusiasm and raw talent. For example, imagine starting a job as a junior designer. Despite having just a few projects under your belt, your first manager recognized your #creativity and potential. They gave you the opportunity to work on a major client project, which helped you build your #skills and #confidence. This trust and belief in your abilities laid the foundation for your career growth. One real-life example is the story of Mark Zuckerberg, the founder of Facebook. Early in his career, he was a college #student with a big idea but limited experience in running a large-scale business. However, Sean Parker, Facebook's first president, saw the potential in Zuckerberg's vision and skills rather than his lack of experience. Parker's support and belief in Zuckerberg helped turn Facebook into a global phenomenon, illustrating how a manager's faith in someone's abilities can lead to extraordinary #success. Your first #manager's decision to focus on your skills rather than just experience can be a pivotal moment in your career. It’s a reminder of how important it is to recognize and nurture potential in others, even when they are just starting out. This approach not only benefits the individual but can also lead to remarkable #achievements for the #organization and its future stars. Connect and Follow 👉🏻 Dev Raj Saini for jobs related help. LinkedIn LinkedIn News India LinkedIn Guide to Creating #linkedin

You've spent thousands of hours on Facebook. But I bet you don't know this about the $562 billion company. When new hires enter the company, they obviously need assistance with their responsibilities. But at Facebook, the new joiner isn't explicitly told what they should or should not do. Instead, they're told, "Take a look around, figure out what the problems or opportunities are, and help bridge them." The leaders follow this uncommon management practice because they understand the best outputs come from doing what you love. They don't believe in imposing work. It inspires employees to give their best and provides growth opportunities independent of their credentials. This approach reinstates one more thing. Everyone at Facebook is equal. Your contributions and impact on the company decide your caliber – not your CV or age. Whether you're an intern or the CEO, Facebook allows you to turn your idea into a product. Isn't that a fantastic way of driving your team? You may find the management style impractical. But remember that using the same management principles, the company grows at 3.08% yearly. So they're indeed doing something right. What are your thoughts on this Zuckerberg management style? Share them in the comments.

Reached the 5 years mark in Google as of today (1st July)! I realized it's becoming more rare for millennials to stay in the same company for this long. Most people say that doing that would hurt my career - and I do agree to some extent. My professional identity might have been excessively attached to Google, and my value in the market might be less attractive compared to my peers who have broader spectrum of exposure to various businesses. However, I stand by my principle in what makes a good career decision: learning. In this past 5 years, Google has always provided me with the platform to learn, grow, and even experience working with different global regions. As long as I'm getting that from my career, I'd say that I'm right where I need to be. No one knows what the future holds, but here's to continuing the habit of pursuing growth and learnings! [Shoutout to Noogler buddy Zamar El Zimra Rimba ☀️] #Google #Anniversary #Googleversary #Growth #Learning