UndisclosedPrdctMngr3

How is the “Intentional Product Manager” program by Shobhit Chugh? Would welcome any honest feedback, reviews, opinions

Considering "Intentional Product Manager" Program (Shobhit Chugh) - Thoughts and Reviews? Hello, I would greatly appreciate any honest feedback or reviews from anyone who was previously enrolled, currently enrolled in, or might have some insider information regarding Shobhit Chugh's "Intentional Product Manager" program (https://www.intentionalproductmanager.com). I am considering enrolling in the program, and I know that it comes at a high cost but I currently find myself in dire straights after having been laid off twice in 2023 as a result of a project being shelved at one company and financial turmoil at my last company (which lasted only 2 months). I no longer have severance pay and am worried about my family's future as my finances are running out. :( I really need to recharge my PM career, and although paying for help was always my last resort, I feel as though this may be my last option. My last role was a director level but it lasted only two months. It was the first time I had an official director title. I am also on the older end of the age spectrum which I know handicaps me, but my frustration is that I feel that I spent most of my career as an individual contributor level and never really progressing to higher levels of management above director because I jumped around and switched domains too often which prevented me from being recognized as domain expert. For example, I started off in analog electronics and then to FPGA/Digital Logic, and then to power electronics and consumer audio and then to medical devices. The reason for this is because as you all might know, when searching for a new job, it's hard to be picky and choose something that is a perfect fit for you and you end up just taking the first one that accepts you. However, it's quite demoralizing to see people who are almost 15 years younger than me in positions at the Senior Director and VP level because they were able to stay in one domain. However, with all the jumps in domains, I still maintained a common theme of technology focused applications engineering and product management. I pivoted about 7 years ago from an engineering role to product marketing/management. Perhaps I am at a point of desperation, but I listened to Shobhit Chugh's introductory video and it resonated with me very strongly, perhaps a bit because of my somewhat depressed state of mind. I would greatly appreciate any feedback regarding this program or maybe others that would benefit someone of my position and experience. Also, just for context, I actually completed another product management bootcamp back in 2020 and I have undergraduate/master's degrees in engineering as well as an MBA. Thanks!

Amazon cvbbhf55 Jan 2

I dnt know about this course, but wanted to say hang in there. This job market is tough. And avoid comparing with others bcos ev1 is on their own journeys. Try to capitalize on ur backgnd during the job search, eg find jobs in med devices, audio, cons electronics , etc. Emphasize relevant part of ur exp when applying to those jobs. Leverage ur networks for help. Good luck !

Undisclosed
PrdctMngr3 OP Jan 2

Thank you cvbbhf55! It's bleak and 2024 seems like it will be as bad as 2023 but hopefully, I won't have to end up driving for Uber.

Undisclosed
PrdctMngr3 OP Jan 2

Also, do you think that in general, paying for help should be the last option?

AMD 🥜 ProdMgr Jan 2

How old are you? Please add it to your post. A range like 45 to 50 will be fine. Most Sr PMs are in the 38 to 45 range. You must have enjoyed your career so far, working on new things can be exciting. Why not join a startup? Are you depressed because of significant drop in comp that a down level will bring?

Undisclosed
PrdctMngr3 OP Jan 3

Hi AMD, I am 49 years old and will turn 50 this March. I wouldn't say that I enjoyed my career in the past twenty odd years but I will say that I enjoyed my life experiences. I got to live abroad in both Asia and Europe during the 2000's which provided me with very enriching knowledge of international business, culture, and languages. On a side note, that is something that I have been missing in my jobs the past few years..the ability to use my multilingual skills. Actually, I was with Xilinx for about 4 years back in Japan and had a great time there. Some part of me wishes that I had never left as I really enjoyed working for the company back then as well as the people. As a matter of fact, AMD is one of the places that I would very much like to target as I noticed alot of product marketing roles pop up on my LinkedIn feed. Would you be able to maybe provide me with some more insight on career opportunities within AMD? Things seem going well for the company as they are catching up to the fervor in GPU/CPU technology with NVIDIA, an area of technology in which I have a very high degree of interest coupled with my experience with FPGA/CPLD and AI. Thanks for your honest feedback. I have actually accepted a position with a very early stage start-up company that is in the business of rad-hard hardware/electronic components which is not exactly the perfect part of technology where I would like to be, but at least it will pay my bills and KTLO expenses. The problem is that it is so early stage that my compensation simply won't be sustainable, let alone not even half of what I was making before. Because of this, I will be working for them on a contractual basis because I will barely be able to make payments and live paycheck to paycheck which is why I am still intent on securing a full-time role. The depression I feel as a result of significant drop in comp is not in any way related to ego or entitlement. It's simply numbers - I am in debt and I don't want to live the rest of my life feeling as if I am walking a tightrope over a pool of man-eating crocodiles ready to get cut loose at the next layoff or firing. I would be fine with a sub-par salary as long as I could have faith and assurance that I am in a job where I can see myself in a stable position for the long haul and advancing and nurturing my knowledge and visibility to others.

AMD 🥜 ProdMgr Jan 3

I can refer you to AMD if you have a job ID in mind. AMD is doing well currently. Pretty sure xilinx culture after acquisition hasn't changed so you can reach out to your friends in XLNX as well.

AMD 🥜 ProdMgr Jan 3

Forgot to say, stay healthy and strong. One day at a time. Do you have an emergency fund?

XQ Institute rBlc85 Jan 3

Fellow PM job searcher here. I was really drawn to his pitch and went ahead to book a discovery call. However, before you join the call you must fill out a survey and one of the questions there asked how committed am I when it came to funding the mentorship, with one of the options asking whether I'll ask borrow funds from family. I immediately felt very uncomfortable - I've heard many horror stories out there about predatory coaches charging over 10k+ and this felt like one of those cases. Obviously I haven't gone through with the program so maybe I'm totally wrong but those were the vibes I got...

AMD 🥜 ProdMgr Jan 3

Whoa. Have you taken any other PM courses that you would recommend?