SwirlyKoala

PROJECT MANAGER VS PRODUCT MANAGER

Hey there!

So, I have a friend who's currently an Associate Project Manager at an MNC. He's been doing the technical thing for 1.10 years and recently moved into the APM role. (YOE:2.5ish)

The thing is, while the pay and work-life balance are good, he's not feeling all that jazzed about his work and wants to level up his career.

He's got his sights set on a Consultant/Product Manager gig and wants our help to make it happen!

Here are a few questions we have, and we'd love to hear your thoughts:

1.Would it be worth it for him to go for an MBA, particularly at ISB, to snag that Consultant/Product Manager role? 2.Are there other ways he could make the transition without having to go back to school? 3.How do Project Manager salaries and work stack up against those of Product Managers?

Any insights or tips you could share would be much appreciated. Let's help this dude rock his career!

20mo ago

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SquishyQuokka

Gojek20mo

Yes, an ISB MBA is an expensive endeavour but worth it in my opinion. Although, the fees is the highest of the bunch but it’s a massive pedigree boost for 4-5 years ahead in your career, you’ll have recruiters/executive search firms drooling in your LinkedIn/mails for leadership roles.
You could. If you have great brands on your resume, you could transition into an APM/PM level role at an early start up right out of the gate at a lower salary. Then, move upwards in the Product ladder, ideally switch right now and then use that product experience 12-14 months down the line when markets pick back up again.
Product Salaries > Project salaries Product Growth > Project Growth

@NeitherHereNorThere

SwirlyKoala

Stealth20mo

Thanks a lot for your detailed response:)) For point 2, yeah he does have a great MNC on his resume, are you aware of any companies which would be willing to hire?

SquishyQuokka

Gojek20mo

Ideally it is nearly impossible to switch into an entry level Product role, you should ideally aim for it in the same org.

If that is not a possibility, then join a course that offers you placement support. Leverage that network and get placed in Product. The reason why this works is because these courses have connections with the top companies that are looking for a product role to be filled. They refer you and then you can crack those interviews. Once you have 1 year of Product experience then you should have a easier time Switching.
@NeitherHereNorThere

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