ADDITIONAL VIDEO EDIT: I realized I didn't go into much detail on this, but product managers are also typically engaged with engineering/developers to negotiate product features. Another key function you'll engage as a product manager! 🙌🙌🙌 QUESTION === Let me know in the replies if you're interested in product management and what questions you might have about the role. If you're in the role now, or have done it in the past, what was your experience like?
Thank you for the practically informative video. I have a question, but first here is my situation: - I am a hardware design engineer with about 7 years of Exp. - Recently, I find myself very passionate about the role of product manager, and thinking seriously to shift. - But lack of any product/business experience is in the way. - after some simple research, I am thinking of the following 2 approaches to shift: 1. Get an online MBA (UIUC, or BU). I saw your videos on those. 2. Get a PM certificate (leaning toward Kellogg 6 month PM certificate), apply for PM role, then get MBA later while on the job. Question: how likely am I to get a PM role with option 2? I don’t want to wait for 2-3 years with option 1. In other words, do you think that someone with no product experience nor an MBA, but with a “hopefully” solid certificate in PM can get a PM role? Take into consideration, I am 7 years of exp. So also not looking for entry level salary.
Hi Moataz - I'd strongly consider an MBA. I'm not yet too convinced on PM boot camps or certificates at this point unless they offer some really strong job placement tracks. Outside of that, networking w/ be key.
Few questions: 1. can you get into tech product management from a top 15 mba school if your undergrad was not STEM? Ex: finance undergrad 2. What do promotions look like for product management? Is there a clear path forward? 3. What certifications/courses do you recommend people to obtain to make placing into tech Pm roles easier? 4. How is the work life balance in PM? Thanks!
Hi Jeff, 1. Yes, absolutely possible. That said, product manager may be slightly different things at different companies (so you'll want to check the job description), but more often than not, product manager roles are more business-oriented. I got my undergrad in business marketing, and have had many PM roles since. 2. I wouldn't say there's a clear path forward - and I mean that in a good way because you really have alot of options. PM gives you a ton of great experience that you can take to other functional roles, including management. 3. If you have an MBA, there's really nothing additional I'd bother recommending. There are books and courses out there, but aren't necessary, in my opinion. PMP is one certification for project management that might give you a leg up as it is a well-recognized cert. Also, if there's a company you're interested in, I'd do alot of research on whatever product it is they sell (or category of product). 4. Work life balance depends alot on company and product. There are some peak times a PM might be working if there's a large deal being worked and you're called upon to help, for ex. And at a small company, you may be working long hours. By and large, if you're effective with time management, you can have a good balance.
Nice - I went the IT Program Mgr route. I tried to do prod mgmt but luck took me elsewhere. Soooo question, do you try to keep your profession and RU-vid lives separate? I do 😬
When you say PMs own a number, what exactly does that mean ? Is it same as how sales people have targets, do PMs have a revenue target to meet ? Is it a stressful job ?
Hi Sneha - similar to sales in that PMs have targets (revenue, margin, as well as others depending on the business), but it's not a commission based job and there isn't the same level of scrutiny on hitting the number as it would be for sales. The stress will depend on alot of factors; can sometimes be if goals aren't being hit or there are other operational challenges that aren't in your control but you have to work around.
Hi Amith - I think it's a reasonable move. Alot of skills will carry over in terms of product launch timelines and managing different activities at different times.
What is your take in transferring into a product management role while in the middle of a MBA program. I currently have been working with my company for 2 years in customer service/account management and a PM role as opened up. I feel as though the skills I have learned on top of my MBA would be well suited for the PM role. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Hi Cassandra - this would be a great move. Product manager is actually one of the more popular roles for recent MBA grads, and if you're in the middle of a program, just as well suited. Product managers are, in effect, business managers. As a business manager would do, they would need to understand the product, customer, routes to market, and the financials of the product to best manage the P&L - these are all largely skills taught in an MBA program. I'd say go for the role, and good luck getting it!!
Thank you for this video, I’m a lawyer and recently I want to transition to Tech and product manager happen to be a career I want to start with. Do you think it’s a god move ?
Hi Apalowo - I think it's a good move if you can land a role in product management. However, you may have to get experience in other tech roles before moving into product mgmt, as that tends to be a more mid-level, or senior role.
