Transition BA/FA to Program/Product Management

Amazon
fractaltra

Go to company page Amazon

fractaltra
Mar 27, 2019 10 Comments

Downleveled to a L5 FA when I came in to Amazon, struggled to get to L6 over 2 years and was shot down (I had multiple changes in managers, leadership, and org structure). I could not work with my then manager and transitioned to an L5 BA role on the business side (unique position and could not find right job title). At this point (+1 year), I was also shot down for L6 BA because I am not doing BA work (work is a blend FA/PM/BA work) and again, org changes plus manager changes). I am again getting to the point where it seems like I can't increase my comp through upleveling so I'm seeking to do it by rotating to a program manager role (closer to what my role is now).

At this point, just exhausted from being tossed around and having some shit luck. Do I focus on getting PM or looking eternally? I am less focused on what I want to do career-wise since I have a wide range of skills but more looking for some measure of career progression. Am I crazy?

Base: 88K
Stock: In 4th year with 22 RSU's left (11 x 2)

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  • Facebook
    alt_qq

    Go to company page Facebook

    PRE
    Microsoft
     alt_qq
    If you're getting shot down for PM internally, an MBA can help you pivot from FA/BA (Amazon rolls lots of L6 PM offers to fresh MBA grads)

    Just find a top 15 school where you get a fat scholarship and enjoy 2 years of your life
    Mar 27, 2019 4
    • Amazon
      zxyuh

      Go to company page Amazon

      zxyuh
      OP is from amazon. If she leaves with good standing, she ultimately has better chances already. I am an MBA myself and know the profile of 100+ MBAs who joined the same batch
      Mar 27, 2019
    • Facebook
      alt_qq

      Go to company page Facebook

      PRE
      Microsoft
       alt_qq
      Just saying that sometimes people choke in interviews... And also there are a number of better post-MBA PM options if you go to higher-ranked schools (Google, for example). You also get a higher-quality long-term network at a better school.

      But yes, I agree that OP has a really high chance of making it, even from a lower-ranked school.
      Mar 27, 2019
  • Amazon
    fractaltra

    Go to company page Amazon

    fractaltra
    OP
    Fair point on the MBA, I could go and get one and come back as an L6 PM. Other option is to try for an L5 PM and make it up to L6. At any rate, I don't really care if I do FA or PM work as long as I am moving on up somehow in $. I ain't no spring chicken anymore, getting old AF. Thank you for all the advice everyone!!! And yes, between my husband and me (he's also Amazonian) we have both had over 10 managers in 3 years.
    Mar 27, 2019 1
  • Amazon
    zxyuh

    Go to company page Amazon

    zxyuh
    That's the most frustrating thing about amazon. Change in management and org restructuring. It can fuck your life over.
    Mar 27, 2019 0
  • Amazon
    fractaltra

    Go to company page Amazon

    fractaltra
    OP
    I forgot to mention, I have a BA in both mathematics and economics with an MA in economics. But fair point, Amazon loves its MBAs!
    Mar 27, 2019 0
  • Monster
    unholy!

    Go to company page Monster

    unholy!
    Oof. Was in this situation at a large "digital consulting" agency. Leave.
    Mar 27, 2019 0