Quick Rise to managerial positions?

Question

Hi Scott and Omari, 

I'm also posting this question here since you may have a better viewpoint regarding the question I have.

What if the company you work for is in an industry (e.g. defense, government, aerospace, etc...) where promotions do not come as quickly as consulting/banking etc where everyone seems to have a VP title after a few years?

I know that people are not supposed to "whine" in their essays, since it makes them look bad, but how would you address this issue if the b-school looks at a 30 yo guy with 6 years experience and wonder why he's not a "manager" yet?

I think I've been on the "fast track" and been promoted more than most people I know. I can talk about leading some small teams and managing some people unofficially (de facto). Do you think that's enough or does the "career progression" really matter (i.e. promotions, titles, official manager title)? Would the adcom know about the industry I'm in or would I have to explain it? If the latter, how should I do it so it doesn't sound like "whining?"

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

truthringer · Answer

Good question. And, I can appreciate where you're coming from as I'm in somewhat of a similar situation even now b-school.

I definitely don't think you should try to explain it away, as it will come across as whining. Rather, focus your attention on showing how you've been a leader in the small teams you mentioned and just as importantly how you've lead at times when you haven't had the "title". I would wager that your leadership experiences are much deeper than many i-bankers with a highflying title.

kryzak · Answer

thank you truthringer. Your words always gives me very good ideas and lots of confidence. I will focus more on WHAT I did instead of my title, and hopefully that will show that I have enough leadership to get into the schools I apply to.

BTW, what did you mean by you're in a "somewhat similar situation even now b-school?" Are you in the same situation after b-school or while interning right now?

Thanks again!

truthringer · Answer

No, I graduated from HBS in 2004. Seems like just yesterday. Anyway, I'm in the medical device industry where the "product manager" position can be of a bit of black hole. People can literally sit at that level for their entire lives without progressing, particularly depending on what company they're at. I've found some ways to try and avoid this, but can at least relate to you, especially looking at classmates who've earned high flying titles right out of the gate.

kryzak · Answer

Ahh I see. I'm actually looking to get into a "product manager" type role at a small startup or post-startup company to practice for my long term goal of doing my own startup. Is there a better type of position to go for in order to get training for working in small, fast, flexible, and multi-functional groups in preparation for startups?

Thanks again!

truthringer · Answer

There's a number of different *types* of product manager positions, but in general outside of brand manager positions in consumer products, I don't think there's better general manager training than as a PM. As you gain experience you can progressively get smaller (startups) and eventually move into P&L or start your own. 

My experience has been very positive as has my friends who've done similar.

kryzak · Answer

Thanks so much truthringer! I will look into specific types of Product Manager roles to help train me as a good entrepreneur working in startups in the future!

Quick Rise to managerial positions?

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