WWYD

I'm a final year student at a tier-1 engineering college. I am looking to break into product management and have been looking for internships and full time opportunities for the last 5 months. I've had no luck so far, and my campus placements are not up to the mark this year so no luck there as well. I've done all the essentials for preparing for this role, like preparing for interviews, participating in product teardowns, working on a portfolio etc. I initially planned to work for a few years and do an MBA in the US but I'm seriously contemplating going for a master's degree now (maybe MiM in EU or some MS in software applications in the US). Looking for advice on what should be my next steps. PS: I'm not looking to do an MBA in India. If I go for a master's degree, I want to do it abroad.

I am at the final stage of selecting the right Master's program to propel my career transition into product management roles within tech giants like MAANG or management consultancy positions in MBB or Big 4 firms. I intend to settle/ immigrate from India to a Western/ developed country post-MBA and finding a job will be my highest priority as I am taking a loan to finance my total fees and cost of living abroad. I have offers from 1. TIAS School of Business MBA, Utrecht, Netherlands (Tuition Fee coming down to 29000 euros after scholarship), +11000 euros for the cost of living. Pros: -Strong economy and relatively less competitive job market -Best quality of life in the world with healthcare,etc - less stressful immigration process and life, wlb Cons: -Less salary and 40% income tax - horrible housing crisis(worse than mumbai)so a good portion of salary will go in that and will have to share a flat with people after MBA. -The MBA and any business school in Europe after the top 3 is not greatly valued there. It's your past experience that matters so career switching will be tricky -weather - socializing hurdles with locals 2. Duke University, NC, USA : for a Master of Science in Engineering Management Program, 66000 USD Tuition fees . The cost of living can be easily covered with part time jobs. I am seeking advice to make an informed decision along with some feedback about the best place to live for me. I have heard mixed feedback on job prospects due to the current market challenges. But, a few years back the alumni from these programs got into the positions I aim to work at. Profile: 25 M. Previously worked for 6 months as a Tech Project Manager at a VC. Currently, I'm a Scrum Master at a renowned British FinTech MNC and will have 3.4 years of total full-time experience (only in leadership roles ) by the time I enroll in any course in Sept 2024. Only proficient in English, open to other languages if necessary. TIA.

For some context: I have about 4.5 YoE & 3 years directly in product along with Master’s level qualification. Primarily have worked with early stage start ups and have experienced similar challenges in each so avoiding this segment and red flag companies (taking Glassdoor, ambition box reviews as the basis here) But a few people/seniors are suggesting to consider any opportunity with any kind of company as the market is bad. So wanted some perspective on the risk of career gap on resume vs being stuck in a similar company and going through the same job search process maybe 6 months or a year down the line? What would be a better trade off? P.S: Currently I am able to focus on overall up skilling and whatever is needed to clear job interviews and have decent financial security & runway. Any advice/perspectives are appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Well, I see no point in continuing my current job - it’s off no value add. There are few opportunities for BD or anything else. While it has been <6 months in the org, I will have to continue this for the foreseeable future. I am planning to go for my Master’s in FY25. Ideally, I wanted to work my current job for a year at least - but it’s pointless (have sought manager’s opinion and other colleagues thoughts too). So, in the short term, I have concluded it doesn’t make sense to wait further (given the timeline). Plus managing GRE prep with a demanding job while possible seems very tricky especially from a quality standpoint. Problem: If I quit after working for just 6 months, justifying that on my profile seems tricky (while possible). Question; What bearing will this move have if I make it? And what kind of implications if any could it have on my Masters application? Any advice on navigating this would be much appreciated.

I am a 2022 engineer graduate from a tier 1 uni, with a work ex of one year. I was working as an APM and was laid off recently and have been thinking of giving CAT to pursue MBA, hoping the market is better by the time I graduate from MBA. Plan B in case I am not able to crack a decent IIM is coming back to job market. By the time this happens I will have at-least a 4 month gap on my resume already. What do you think will be the impact of this gap on my resume? Should I just focus on getting a job? What are your insights?

I'm a 24yo M, into frontend engineering making over 18LPA. I'm also working part time for a startup. I'm considering masters in the UK, US or Canada on the same order of priority. my main reasons to even consider masters are the following - meet people from different backgrounds - get a better paying job with a work visa in a foreign country - FOMO as a lot of people i know from college are now abroad studying/working cons i see in this approach - heavy on the finances - economy isn't doing very well worldwide - job market is pretty bad rn - i have everything here in India (family, friends, a well paying job) my ideal case would be to get a visa sponsored job opportunity, but considering the economy and job market it seems impossible. would love to know opinions of some experienced folks or anyone who'd have some guidance for me. thanks.

My only motive is to make money and that's it. Making friends is not a problem for me. 25 M and been in mental pain for 3Y now. Only way that I can envision to stop myself from falling apart is leaving the country and living far away from the people I know. Education: 3Y undergraduate from IPU. Work Ex: 1.5Y product design & post that 2Y working in a known's business as their right-hand man overseeing new initiatives. I am stuck as to what should be the charter and how should I move and where should I move? Only motive is to make money. Independent enough to manage everything else. People of this group people share your thoughts and what should be an ideal pathway. Thanks.

I am a PM intern at a compliance industry startup. Already interned for 3 months and 3 are still left. I will be getting a FTE offer to join from 1st May. Should I join it or look out for APM opportunities? If I look out for new opportunities, then what sector of Startups should I search for. So that I can at least go through these layoffs without being jobless.

Hi, I am currently 22, graduated recently from a tier 2 institute and currently working at a US based startup earning 18lpa ( almost all base ) + rsu's, lately my family have been nagging me to do a postgrad, I am confused weather I should do an MBA, MS or not do a postgrad at all considering the years I will miss in workex. What should be my best course of action considering ROI in the next 10-15 years ?? P.S. Currently I am not sure what my interest lies in, but just try to excel at whatever comes my way.

Hey Folks, I am a final year BMS grad from DU with over 14 months of internship experience at various startup’s as a generalist intern. I am out looking for a job but every startup needs immediate joining whereas I have 3 months of college left and I see no point in interning anymore. How should I spend the next 3 months so that I can get an offer easily when I pass out ? Also : Open to interviewing 😛