- Published On Jul 21, 2025 at 01:31 PM IST
For <a id=” captionrendered=”1″ data-src=”https://etimg.etb2bimg.com/photo/122810529.cms” height=”442″ href=”http://hr.economictimes.indiatimes.com/tag/dawn+choo” keywordseo=”Dawn-Choo” loading=”eager” source=”keywords” src=”https://hr.economictimes.indiatimes.com/images/default.jpg” type=”General” weightage=”20″ width=”590″>Dawn Choo, the spark for a dream job was lit early. As a college intern at Facebook, she envisioned herself someday working at Instagram as a data scientist. But when graduation loomed, so did practicalities. With no offers from the tech world and an urgent need for visa sponsorship, she accepted a quant role at Bank of America—her gateway to staying in the U.S., even if it meant pushing her aspirations aside.
“I needed a job to stay in the country,” Dawn told Business Insider in a candid interview. “Even if it wasn’t the industry I really wanted.”
Her work at the bank was far from fulfilling. While she dabbled in backend model-building, the passion for data and innovation remained untouched. By the time she hit the three-year mark, the itch to pivot had grown unbearable. She applied for tech roles relentlessly—nearly 100 applications, only 10 interviews, and a single offer: a ‘s image-sharing giant. The journey had been circuitous, the rejections many, but her persistence outlasted her doubts.<br><br><!– PROMOSLOT_M –><div class=” article-detail-ad-slot=”” data-src=”https://etimg.etb2bimg.com/thumb/122437979.cms?width=141&height=90″ height=”70″ loading=”lazy” src=”https://img.etb2bimg.com/files/cp/upload-1716883386-ethr-default.webp” width=”110″>
“I almost canceled my final Meta interviews,” she admitted. “I just didn’t think I could handle another ‘no’.”
But that final “yes” marked the beginning of three transformative years, both professionally and personally. The work was meaningful, the friendships deep, and her voice—finally—heard in the rooms she always wanted to be in.
Her story isn’t just about changing careers—it’s about taking chances, making peace with temporary setbacks, and trusting that growth rarely follows a straight line.
For every professional standing at the crossroads of comfort and calling, her advice is simple and powerful: “Sometimes one step back is the best way forward.”
<div class=” data-src=”https://etimg.etb2bimg.com/thumb/122767074.cms?width=141&height=90″ descbx=”” height=”70″ loading=”lazy” src=”https://img.etb2bimg.com/files/cp/upload-1716883386-ethr-default.webp” width=”110″>
‘How to search for jobs in India’: NRI techie’s ‘American dream’ turbulently crashes after 10 years in US
An Indian tech professional’s post about being forced to return from the U.S. after a decade due to visa issues sparked a wide-ranging discussion online. Many shared similar experiences, warning of culture shock, long work hours, and internal politics in Indian firms—especially in the service sector. While some regretted moving back, others found success, noting that product-based companies and strong networks can ease the transition. Salary differences, job search tips, and even alternative visa options like EB-5 were discussed.