Sid Dani ’20 has always been driven by curiosity and ambition. Originally from Surat, Gujarat, a city known for its entrepreneurial spirit, he began his academic journey at Clark University with an MBA in mind.

However, within just a week of arriving, he made a decision that would shape his future: switching to Business Analytics, M.S..

“I quickly realized the immense potential of STEM programs for international students,” Sid recalls. “Clark’s flexibility allowed me to explore multiple courses and maximize my learning.”

Clark provided Sid with not just technical knowledge, but also opportunities to lead and network. “Those classes shaped the way I think and set me up for success,” he explains. He maximized his time as Clark and served as Graduate Student Council President, and as a teaching assistant for four different courses.

“Clark gave me the freedom to explore my interests beyond what I thought was possible.”

Now a Senior Product Manager in the Applied Machine Learning group at Paramount, Sid plays a pivotal role in personalizing streaming experiences for millions.“When you open Netflix or YouTube, the content is tailored just for you. My job is to bring that magic to Paramount Plus and Pluto TV.”

He works alongside machine learning engineers to enhance recommendation systems, leveraging AI to fine-tune user experiences. His passion for AI-driven solutions pushes the boundaries of what’s possible, ensuring Paramount stays ahead in the ever-evolving streaming industry.

The Power of Connection

Sid’s story is proof that success is also about building strong relationships. Including his current role at Paramount, many jobs he secured came through networking – a practice he emphasizes for all students.

“Your network is your superpower.”

“Every opportunity [I’ve had] came through connections. Never underestimate the power of reaching out and staying in touch.”

He actively maintains and shares web of Clark alumni to help students build their networks. “I believe in giving back. If I can help someone the way my connections helped me, I consider that a success.”

Words of Wisdom for Clarkies

Sid’s advice to aspiring students is clear: embrace change, stay curious, and leverage AI toolsets to your advantage.  He encourages students to keep an eye on the industry to be part of the transformative changes.

“With shifting industries, you have tools and systems available to use to your advantage.”

“You’re young and you’re in graduate school. It’s the best time because you can shape the future.”

“I think more than ever,” he reflects, “having a curious mind is extremely important. Asking questions is extremely important now. Like it really would matter on what kind of questions you’re asking more than if you are asking questions at all or not.”

He also highlights the importance of networking, mastering technical skills, and proactively navigating career challenges, especially for international students.

Sid Dani’s journey illustrates the path to successfully forging a career in a constantly evolving world.

In Conversation with Sid about career success

Can you share your journey from Clark to becoming a Senior Product Manager at Paramount?

Sid: I studied Business Analytics, taking extra data science courses, and graduated with 16 subjects instead of 11. I also earned AWS certifications, which helped shape my career. After a tough job search during COVID, I worked in tech and pharma, learning cloud computing and business intelligence. I later networked into Paramount, transitioning across four teams before becoming a Product Manager. For those aiming for product management, starting as an APM or gaining internal experience is crucial.

How did your time at Clark University shape your career in product management?

Sid: At Clark, serving as Student Council President and as a TA strengthened my leadership and communication skills. As president, I honed my communication, persuasion, and confidence in managing large groups. Teaching complex topics helped me simplify ideas for diverse audiences. Now, as a Product Manager, those skills are invaluable. Clark gave me a strong foundation to bridge technical insights with business needs.

How did your career progress from an IT Business Analyst to a Senior Product Manager at Paramount?

Sid: I realized my skills and interests were better suited for product management rather than a technical role. The field offered exciting challenges and higher salary potential than an analyst position, so I decided to transition. After two years of research and certifications, I reached my goal. The key was being honest about my strengths, understanding my career goals, and reflecting on where I wanted to be in the next 5-7 years.This reflection helps you set a clear trajectory for your career.

What’s been the most rewarding aspect of your work at Paramount, and how has it shaped your impact on the company?

Sid: I find it exciting to build new products. For example, at Paramount, we improved how content is shown to users on streaming platforms. Instead of manually selecting content for millions of users, we built tools to track what users watched, worked with engineers to create personalized recommendations, and helped teams use these tools to improve the experience. This made the platform more efficient and increased revenue.

What is the myth regarding entertainment industry that you would want to debunk?

Sid: A common myth about the entertainment industry is that it’s glamorous, but it’s just a job. I lived in Hollywood for two years, and the initial fascination quickly fades. It’s like any other job, with people working hard, just in a more fashionable way.

Is your work at Paramount fast-paced, and how do you maintain a healthy work-life balance?

Sid: Paramount offers an excellent work-life balance, allowing me to manage my job while dedicating time to personal projects and fitness. It’s a great place for anyone looking to be well-rounded and not make work their sole focus.

Does your role at Paramount fuel your passion and allow you to challenge conventions and change the world?

Sid: I’ve always been passionate about the movie industry, which is why I’m excited to be working at the cutting edge of it, within machine learning and AI. Paramount allows me the freedom to experiment and build things that could benefit others, which makes it a great place to work. While I’m not changing the world just yet, I am working on projects that challenge conventional ways of doing things in the industry.