Those of you who managed to break into a PM role after upto 5 years of non-PM work ex, how did you go about it?

Typically have seen people go via the apm route but at your ctc apm will be out of budget for companies . Try applying to early stage startups and then move onto the product roles

In case of slightly bigger orgs, consider doing digital transformation projects, get an exposure of working with developers, project managers, program managers etc. In fact, moving to Product Strategy roles in these companies where your management consulting experience comes handy could be a good route too.

In case of smaller orgs or startups, you may want to consider handling a particular business where there is a lot of digital element involved.

At your CTC and experience, an AVP of Products, and a VP of Products would be the transition you should look for.

Did that via a business role at a startup. Once you establish yourself in a company, these lateral moves are possible.

I joined a PM role at a series A non fintech startup after 6 years of Data Science consulting at an US Bank in India. I feel I was hired because of potential and they believed I would ramp up. I joined without a pay hike as it was hard to find jobs that would give a pay hike.

Based on my experience, try in startups and be willing to do anything and everything. Have a positive attitude and conviction that you can do this role. It’s important they feel that, otherwise there isn’t much working in your favour.