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26 Mar 2020, 01:18
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Pre-MBA background: BS in physics in undergrad with a minor in computer science. 5 years of working in data analytics, all for no-name, non-tech companies. Am comfortable writing SQL and have some basic familiarity with coding, but am by no means a software engineer/dev.
Currently in year 1 of an M7 program. I came in hoping to pivot to tech product management, but I got very little traction during recruiting and my only PM offer came from a small local startup. I couldn't even get a phone screen from the big tech companies. I am now concerned that I'll continue to struggle in full time PM recruiting and won't earn nearly as much as a I thought I would by pursuing PM, since compensation seems to be concentrated towards the big names. Maybe having PM on my resume from the summer will help, but I'm starting to worry that without prior tech or consulting experience, I'll struggle breaking into the big tech companies I had my sights on. It's starting to make me think that I should pursue my "plan B" recruiting path, where I have a very attractive, non-tech offer.
I would love to hear from people who have broken into PM from a non-tech background. What was your journey like? Do you find that your lack of an engineering background has held you back at all compared to your former software engineer peers? If you're willing to share your current title and general compensation ranges, I'd really appreciate those data points as well.
Thanks all!
Currently in year 1 of an M7 program. I came in hoping to pivot to tech product management, but I got very little traction during recruiting and my only PM offer came from a small local startup. I couldn't even get a phone screen from the big tech companies. I am now concerned that I'll continue to struggle in full time PM recruiting and won't earn nearly as much as a I thought I would by pursuing PM, since compensation seems to be concentrated towards the big names. Maybe having PM on my resume from the summer will help, but I'm starting to worry that without prior tech or consulting experience, I'll struggle breaking into the big tech companies I had my sights on. It's starting to make me think that I should pursue my "plan B" recruiting path, where I have a very attractive, non-tech offer.
I would love to hear from people who have broken into PM from a non-tech background. What was your journey like? Do you find that your lack of an engineering background has held you back at all compared to your former software engineer peers? If you're willing to share your current title and general compensation ranges, I'd really appreciate those data points as well.
Thanks all!
souvik101990
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Schools: Ross '20 (M)
GMAT 1: 760 Q50 V42
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GMAT 3: 760 Q50 V42 (Online)
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09 Apr 2020, 12:18
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spaz4444 Thanks for asking and I am sorry I am getting to this later than I had intended. With your background, generally you should have no problem getting (and acing for that matter) tech PM interviews. Even though you have not been into SWE, data analytics is pretty attractive and shows your analytical skills as well.
Quick question - did you get referrals for these roles? I mean big tech but others too. Generally, Google, MSFT, Apple, Facebook would rely heavily on referrals and some giant MBA employers like Amazon would not care all that much. If you keep your network strong and with a PM experience in the summer, you will be in good shape for F/T PM/Tech recruiting.
I am happy to share comp ranges too. Which company do you want to know more about?
Quick question - did you get referrals for these roles? I mean big tech but others too. Generally, Google, MSFT, Apple, Facebook would rely heavily on referrals and some giant MBA employers like Amazon would not care all that much. If you keep your network strong and with a PM experience in the summer, you will be in good shape for F/T PM/Tech recruiting.
I am happy to share comp ranges too. Which company do you want to know more about?
bigge2win
Joined: 18 Jul 2012
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GMAT 1: 700 Q49 V36
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12 May 2020, 00:11
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Your prior work experience seems fine actually for being a PM applicant to get interviews. You honestly don’t need consulting experience, and it’s not even that relevant although it’s a popular exit opp for consultants looking for the steady lifestyle and really high upside comp.
My two questions here are:
1) What’s your approach to networking? You really need referrals for a huge portion of them if it’s off-campus recruiting. Maybe even for on-campus.
2) How are you positioning your prior work experience? It’s critical to show in your resume that you’ve worked with Engineers and/or designers, while also being very customer-centric and product focused.
Even non-MBA’s in tech are able to transition to PM roles, which could be hard as well since many of these folks don’t even have Comp Sci or technical backgrounds. I would think that the M7 school you’re at has good resources for both networking and building a strong resume. If not, then definitely reach out to recent alum who are PMs to get their take on your resume, but more importantly to craft your narrative. There’s also the books like Cracking the PM Interview that could help with some of that softer stuff.
Just like for consulting with MBB, don’t be on the FAANGM or bust route. That’s way too limiting and dangerous a mentality. When you’re in the Bay Area, people don’t really care about “prestige” like that because they’re all trying to be the next IPO. Look for the other big companies like PayPal or Adobe or the unicorns or even the Series C/D startups. It’s a huge world out there. Just gotta stop thinking like you’re in an MBA bubble.
Posted from my mobile device
My two questions here are:
1) What’s your approach to networking? You really need referrals for a huge portion of them if it’s off-campus recruiting. Maybe even for on-campus.
2) How are you positioning your prior work experience? It’s critical to show in your resume that you’ve worked with Engineers and/or designers, while also being very customer-centric and product focused.
Even non-MBA’s in tech are able to transition to PM roles, which could be hard as well since many of these folks don’t even have Comp Sci or technical backgrounds. I would think that the M7 school you’re at has good resources for both networking and building a strong resume. If not, then definitely reach out to recent alum who are PMs to get their take on your resume, but more importantly to craft your narrative. There’s also the books like Cracking the PM Interview that could help with some of that softer stuff.
Just like for consulting with MBB, don’t be on the FAANGM or bust route. That’s way too limiting and dangerous a mentality. When you’re in the Bay Area, people don’t really care about “prestige” like that because they’re all trying to be the next IPO. Look for the other big companies like PayPal or Adobe or the unicorns or even the Series C/D startups. It’s a huge world out there. Just gotta stop thinking like you’re in an MBA bubble.
Posted from my mobile device
