I joined PS in Feb 2020 as a Quality Engineer. I transitioned to the product role back in August 2022. She was focused on doing her job well. Learning the systems and delivering for their team. But early on, something shifted. “I started finding myself asking different questions,” she says. “Not just what are we building, but why are we building it? What problem are we solving?” That curiosity became the starting point for a career pivot that would reshape how she saw her work and her future. “I became more interested in the why and the how behind the work,” she explains. “That naturally pulled me toward product.” At the same time, the industry itself was evolving rapidly. AI was becoming impossible to ignore, especially in technical roles. “I started thinking about how AI might impact Quality Engineering,” she says. “Could it replace parts of what I do?” Rather than wait and see, Owaish took it as a signal to act. She began exploring where she could create long-term value, and product stood out. “It’s not just execution. It’s about understanding people, problems, and outcomes. That human element isn’t going away.”
What followed wasn’t a formal transition plan or a predefined path. It was something much more self-driven. “It took a lot of conversations,” she says. “I reached out to people in product, both inside and outside the organization. I asked about their day to day, what skills mattered, and what I should be learning.” Those conversations opened doors. She started shadowing product managers, volunteering for special projects, and building her knowledge piece by piece. Teammates and mentors played a critical role along the way. “There were people who suggested courses, walked me through the fundamentals, and made time to help me learn. That made a huge difference.” Still, learning the theory was only part of the journey. The real challenge came when it was time to step into the role. “The hardest part for me was client interaction,” Owaish says. “As a Quality Engineer, that wasn’t my focus. Suddenly, I was expected to lead conversations, understand needs, and think strategically.” That shift was uncomfortable, but it was necessary. “Shadowing a real project changed everything. It gave me hands-on experience. I could see how conversations worked, how decisions were made, and how to show up in that space.” That experience helped her move past hesitation and start building confidence in real time. “The more I did it, the more I realized I could do this.”
For Owaish, the ability to pivot wasn’t just about personal effort. It was also about being in an environment where that kind of growth is possible. “Career mobility is genuinely supported here,” she says. “People want to help you grow, even if that means moving into a completely different role.” That support extended beyond her immediate team. Through the Next Generation Leadership Team, a company initiative that brings together talent to work on high-impact ideas, Owaish gained exposure to new challenges and perspectives. “I had the chance to work with people across the organization, with different backgrounds and experiences,” she says. “We were asked to think big and build real solutions.” Her team focused on introducing AI into existing platforms, bringing her early curiosity full circle. “The insights I gained from that experience were invaluable.”
Today, as a Product Manager, Owaish doesn’t see her previous role as something she left behind. She sees it as part of what makes her effective. “Your previous role isn’t a limitation,” she says. “It’s an asset. It gives you a different perspective that you can carry forward.” Looking back, there isn’t much she would change. “The challenges were part of the process. They’re what made the transition meaningful.” For anyone thinking about making a similar move, her advice is straightforward. “It’s a risk, but it’s worth it,” she says. “Don’t wait for permission to be curious. Ask questions, seek out mentors and advocate for yourself. And most importantly, use where you are today as a stepping stone, not a stopping point.”
Built to Pivot is a series that highlights how our people grow, adapt, and redefine their careers.
