This is my first post on Blind ever, so apologies if I say something stupid. Don't come for me. I am 1.5 years into my product management career and unsure of what my next move should be. For context: I joined my team at Microsoft in September 2022 as a PM right out of college. Love it so far. My manager and I have a great relationship, my team is working on a newer AI-based product, we have lots of attention and funding from leadership, there is good stability as we have been told there won't be any downsizing of our team even in these trying economic times. I am the only entry-level PM on the team. It's mostly Principal PMs that are a decade or two older than me, but I love that because I learn a lot from them, and I can distinguish myself as the young person on the team who wants to grow and learn. It feels like my manager really believes in me and has given me some great opportunities to grow as PM, learn, and even get noticed by higher up leadership. That being said-- I know what I want out of my career. I want to be a product leader one day. Either CVP level at a company like Microsoft, or even higher up at a smaller company or startup. Would even start my own company, maybe, or be a part of a founding team. I love strategy and the business side of product. Even the financial side. I love the idea of being a manager and leading others, and also know I don't want to be just another PM working on a set of features. I'd love to own a product area and be responsible for its success and growth. I don't shy away from the idea of taking risks or joining a brand-new product/startup. There would be so much to learn and do and so much potential... I think that's awesome. I've been told from other friends and mentors in tech that there are 3 elements to a career in tech, and you can choose 2 to optimize: growth/learning, salary, stability. I want to optimize growth/learning (as mentioned above, I want to be a product leader) and salary. So salary. Let's talk about my TC. From what I know, I am doing quite well for my age (24) in product and level (level 60, I was promoted after my first year). Base - 141,100 Bonus - 14,100 + a 35,000 sign-on bonus over the first 2 years Stock - 120,00 on-hire over 4 years + 14,000 as my FY22 annual + a 45,000 special stock award over 4 years that I received last April That brings my TC to ~227k (which I know will decrease now that I've received all of my sign-on bonus, and even more once my on-hire stock is vested). I still think that's pretty good... certainly more than I thought I'd make at 24. But I would ideally like to hit 7 figures at some point in my career. I know that sounds greedy... I have my reasons and a lot of family pressure to do so. Not going to go into it. So Blind.. knowing what you know about my situation at Microsoft, what I am looking to get out of a career, salary expectations, and the current economic times: what should I do? Some people have told me that best way to learn and grow is to try out other companies, especially startups. To be savvy and join a 'rocket ship' (easier said than done, I'm sure). Some people tell me I have it really good (and I am so grateful for that) and to stay and if I keep working hard over the next 15-20 years, there is a decent chance I make it to Partner at least. But I hate the idea of becoming stagnant or not reaching my full potential. I should maybe also add that my college degree was in CS, and I would consider an MBA if it would actually make a difference for me... I scored in the 99th percentile in the GMAT but also an MBA sort of seems like a waste of time/money if I am already in product. Any thoughts or advice is very appreciated. #product #productmanagement #careeradvice #earlyincareer #startuppm #microsoft
You're in for a rude awakening if you try to join a true startup and ask for a comparable salary. Stability is non-existent and you'd be lucky to get half of that TC. Should you decide to go the start-up route, be sure you're doing it for the growth opportunity and *maybe* a sweet equity payout if you make it to IPO, acquisition, etc.
Yeah you are probably right. Would be awesome growth though, and that excites me. Honestly not even sure how to find the right startup for that sweet equity payout. Any advice there?
Early career promotions are typically based on the individual- quickly jumping in and contributing. However, to get to the level you want it will require relationships - a champion/sponsor to get you a seat at the table. Focus on working for leaders who will put you on high visibility products that have a direct business impact. Find a senior person you really enjoy reporting up through and follow them for a few roles until you build enough of a network & reputation that people are coming to you with opportunities.
Great advice thank you! Feels like I have that with my manager right now and I’m very grateful
What was your initial new grad offer?
base- 120k; bonus- 35k over 2 years; stock- 120k over 4 years
DM
for what you’re aiming for, my advice is find a new company every 2 years and try to become a manager as soon as possible. don’t bother with MBA.
Thank you for the advice!