Should good software engineer consider product management to enter leadership track?

Groupon
tw1520

Go to company page Groupon

tw1520
Jun 27, 2021 3 Comments

If you are a good senior software engineer but also love to dive into product and participate into business discussion, is product manager a good role to consider esp. if one wants to explore leadership track?

If yes, which role is in more demand - customer/merchant facing product manager or tech product manager? #product #productmanager #pm #softwareengineer #amazon #facebook #google #faang #netflix #microsoft #instacart #tech

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TOP 3 Comments
  • Google
    UMpr65

    Go to company page Google

    UMpr65
    For those who said engineering manager or product manager, why? Do EMs spend a significant portion of their energy on product and business decisions?
    Jun 28, 2021 2
    • Groupon
      tw1520

      Go to company page Groupon

      tw1520
      OP
      I was hoping someone would answer this. All I hear from engineering leaders is that they enjoy solving organizational problems, people problems.

      While a few do talk about playing role in systems and ensuring they can unblock engineers and help take important decisions.

      Overall after interacting with a few senior leaders, i got an impression that if one enjoys working with people, like to cheer them, mentor them with limited role in core engineering decisions then they should opt for engineering manager role.

      I was hoping to be wrong. Would open more options for me. 🙂 But haven't heard details from people here. 🤦‍♂️
      Jun 30, 2021
    • Walmart
      uTCV63

      Go to company page Walmart

      uTCV63
      OP I empathize. I feel like there is a role to be played where you can be a key collaborator in product decisions and lean into your technical background as a unique strength. And it feels more directly impactful than the role of an EM. My favorite coworkers have been PMs and I would relish an opportunity that was product-oriented, collaborative, greatly tested my leadership skills in a way that wasn't as much like the EM description you just posted...
      Aug 2, 2021