Have a MS in Software Engineering and 8 years back end java dev experience but not sure if I can really keep up with all of the new grads and new frameworks. Plus I think with my college experience with BS in Info Systems and MS in SE (focused more on designing the solution rather than implementation) that product dev might be a better option. But no MBA, could I still make it?
I’d like to understand what you mean by not being able to keep up with the new grads. PM is no better in that regard. Are you not consistently allocating time to learn new frameworks as part of your regular routine?
Probably not product, but you could do TPM
Why not product?
Because OP doesn't have any experience building products