SparklyPickle

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?

Tier 1 MBA, 5 years of consulting plus corp strategy experience, 2 years data science exp pre MBA. Current ctc around 45.

Speaking to friends etc in the PM roles, I've developed an interest in the role. And would like to give it a fair shot. Just can't seem to figure out how. Any pointers would be really helpful.

11mo ago

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ZoomyPanda

Stealth11mo

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

SparklyPickle

Stealth11mo

Do somewhat more mature startups, say likes of Razorpay, Meesho, Swiggy - do they hire non PM work ex folks laterally at all?

ZoomyPanda

Stealth11mo

Not sure man . Haven’t seen these guys hire for pm roles directly . Maybe try a business role and then do internal transition

JazzyNoodle

Narayana Hrudayalaya11mo

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.

SparklyPickle

Stealth11mo

Ah okay. Where does an AVP stack up in the hierarchy? Above SPM?

JazzyNoodle

Narayana Hrudayalaya11mo

Yes it is… from what I have seen…

Analyst -> APM > PM > SPM > Principal PM > Group PM > AVP/ Director of Product > VP > SVP…, Some of the things in between may be different or the names would be different… Some roles may not even exist.

BouncyCupcake

Stealth11mo

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

SparklyPickle

Stealth11mo

Thanks. That's what I've been hearing. Can you share what stage/industry startup this was and your background? If you don't mind sharing

MagicalJellybean

Stealth11mo

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.

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