Today, we’ll view Okta through the eyes of Minah Cap, a Product Marketing Intern and art student, and we’ll learn how creative minds thrive in Okta’s culture.
I joined Okta as a Product Marketing Intern on the Customer First (CF) team. During my time here, I worked on projects to elevate product messaging and positioning, gained hands-on experience in driving product adoption and creating content, and even contributed to Oktane. Over my four months at Okta, I learned a lot — especially considering I don’t have a formal background in technology or product marketing.
Let me unpack my non-linear journey and share the valuable lessons I learned along the way in my From-Outsider-to-Insider 101 Guidebook.
Knowledge is power
One of the biggest roadblocks for someone pivoting into an unfamiliar industry is the gap in foundational knowledge. Understanding the basics was key to meeting deadlines and grasping the flow of my work.
When I started at Okta, I discovered that the company offers fantastic resources for continuous learning, including sponsored online courses. As someone with no prior exposure to product marketing, I jumped into the "Product Marketing 101" courses on Udemy, available through the Okta dashboard. These courses gave me a core understanding of the field and its role within a tech company. Honestly, it felt like a cheat code that helped me immerse myself in projects more smoothly and collaborate confidently.
Before joining Okta, I knew I wanted to explore marketing, so I proactively sought opportunities to learn — volunteering, taking extra-credit classes, and being intentional with my electives. Free online courses became another key resource. Volunteering with various communities gave me hands-on marketing experience that sharpened my skills.
On this journey from “outsider” to “insider,” I realized that proactive learning is the ultimate cheat code—not just for marketing, but for almost any career path.
Know your worth
It’s easy to feel small when you’re surrounded by incredibly smart and talented people, especially when your peers’ academic backgrounds align perfectly with their roles. Imposter syndrome hit me hard in the beginning. I constantly compared myself to others, which only slowed me down.
But over time, my mindset shifted—from “I’m not good enough” to “There’s so much for me to explore.” That was a game-changer. I became more open about topics I didn’t fully understand, more comfortable asking questions, and more accepting of the unknown.
Lean on your colleagues and mentors
“You’re here for a reason.” My mentor said this to me during a one-on-one, and it has stayed with me ever since. I repeat it to myself whenever that internal imposter voice gets too loud. Building trust in myself and recognizing my own value has been the most effective way to silence that voice.
It became clear that being where I am now is the result of my hard work and potential to contribute meaningfully. Reflecting on my journey and celebrating even the smallest wins helped me embrace my unique path and quiet those self-doubts.
Don’t fear the unknown
One of the fastest ways I’ve learned is by standing on the shoulders of giants — people who are deeply passionate about and experienced at what they do. Coffee chats became my shortcut to learning about the company. Hearing others talk about their projects with genuine excitement gave me new insights and helped me understand how my work fit into Okta’s broader goals.
The best piece of advice I received on day one? Ask questions. There’s no such thing as a dumb question. We’re all learning. Embracing curiosity and being unafraid to explore the unknown helped me grow — especially in an industry where I lacked formal academic training.
I also learned how important it is to be vocal about what you want to learn. When you share your interests and goals, your manager can help connect you with the right people or projects. Don’t hesitate to ask if you can support a project that excites you; advocate for yourself. You’re the only one who truly knows what you want.
Hard work pays off
Lastly, learning isn’t just about technical or professional skills — it includes soft skills too. I pay attention to how my manager explains projects, navigates tricky situations, and communicates with the team. Observing these dynamics has taught me valuable lessons I’ll carry forward in my career.
While having a formal background helps, it shouldn't be a barrier to entering a field you’re passionate about. There are many ways to learn and grow. If you’re willing to roll up your sleeves and dive in, you’ll eventually uncover your own piece of gold.
Okta has been an incredible experience that brought me closer to the industry I’m passionate about. Through real-world projects, I developed essential skills and built a strong community. I was lucky to form meaningful relationships and work in a space full of talented, kind people who inspired me to learn and grow. My journey is just beginning, but this internship has laid a solid foundation for the exciting steps ahead.
Interested in what your journey can look like here at Okta? Check out our open positions.
