Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Shah.
Hi Ryan, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Absolutely. My journey in technology started with video games. As a kid, I was obsessed—not just with playing them, but with making my own. That curiosity sparked my interest in tech, and I originally thought I’d become a game developer. But as I got older and started exploring more, I realized there’s so much more to tech than just games.
Once I got to college, I began digging into software, data, networking, and AI—and that’s when everything opened up for me. I saw how tech could solve real-world problems, not just entertain, and that shift in perspective changed everything. I started building projects, freelancing, and even attending major tech events to grow my network and stay inspired.
What started as a love for games turned into a deeper passion for technology as a whole, and that’s what ultimately led me to where I am today.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t been a smooth road. After graduating from Kennesaw State in 2024, I entered one of the toughest tech job markets in years. Like many new grads, I was excited and ready to work, but reality hit hard. Over the next 11 months, I submitted over 1,000 job applications and went through more than 100 interviews. I kept making it to the final rounds, only to hear I came in second place. It was incredibly discouraging at times, but I held on to the belief that I only needed one “yes.”
That “yes” finally came in April 2025 when I joined Yardi as a Technical Account Manager. Looking back, the setbacks shaped me more than the wins ever could. I learned how to stay resilient, how to network intentionally, and how to keep building my skills even when nothing seemed to be working. The road was anything but easy, but it taught me that timing doesn’t define your success. Persistence does.
As you know, we’re big fans of UnCooked. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I’m building a startup/tech business called UnCooked, launching in Summer 2025, and it’s inspired by my own journey navigating one of the toughest tech job markets in recent years. After submitting over 1,000 applications and going through more than 100 interviews, I saw firsthand how outdated and frustrating the job search process can be, especially when you’re trying to break into tech as a new grad.
UnCooked is my way of changing that. It’s a modern, no-fluff career platform built for both new grads and experienced professionals. I’ll be selling my resume templates, the exact ones that helped me land interviews at top companies and ultimately land a great tech job. I’m also including resume formats from engineers at places like Google and other major tech companies to give people a variety of proven examples to pull from.
One thing I’m excited about is our interview prep template, which I built from months of trial and error. It’s designed to help job seekers stay focused, confident, and prepared through any stage of the interview process. On top of that, I’ve put together a list of great interview questions that candidates can use to take control of the conversation and leave a strong impression.
At the heart of UnCooked is honesty and real-world value. I’m not here to sell fluff, I’m providing the exact tools and strategies that worked for me. When I launch this summer, I want people to feel like they finally have a resource that gets it and helps them win, even in a job market that feels completely cooked.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
Yes, if there’s one thing I hope readers take away from my story and UnCooked, it’s that you don’t need a perfect background to break into tech; you just need the right strategy, persistence, and support.
I know what it’s like to feel stuck, to get close over and over again, and to wonder if it’s ever going to work out. That experience is exactly why I’m building UnCooked: to give job seekers real, proven tools that help, not vague advice or outdated templates. Whether you’re just starting or you’re years into your career, you deserve resources that are honest, relatable, and built by people who’ve been where you are.
And if you’re reading this and still searching for your “yes,” keep going. You might be one opportunity away from everything clicking into place.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanshahtech
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanshah2025
- Other: TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@ryanshahtech
Image Credits
Techqueria Atlanta, KSU Young Professionals, Microsoft
