Update - Path to Tech (Evaluating Options)
Hi All, I'd like to get some feedback on career path options. In finance but would like to pivot to a more remote-friendly function (for big tech). Considering PM, SWE, and Sales/AM. Now considering PgM but from what I've seen on blind, transitioning from PgM to PM or SWE is tough. PM or PgM would be easier to transition to at my current employer (if I don't like it I will probably go SWE route). Going to SWE at current employer seems like too big a decrease in comp whereas PM and PgM I would get a modest increase. I am not able to pursue internal opportunities until Q3 next year (role limitation) so plenty of time to upskill and read. Had a finance colleague get a Senior PgM role at Amazon which piqued my interest in PgM. Debated whether to just apply. I think the path right now is to try out PM or PgM internally, see if I like it, and then pivot if I don’t like it. I want a role that is strategic in nature and involves a lot of collaboration and cross-functional work. I want a role that directly impacts the end-consumer because I believe that’s how I will be the most engaged at work. I do like coding but still not 100% sure if I want it to be the primary duty of my role. I do want to manage people in the long run and go into senior management. I am a quantitative person but also like having interaction with people on a regular basis, especially in a remote environment. How isolated are SWEs from teammates and other functions? I am going through freeCodeCamp now (done HTML/CSS cert, on Javascript now, am going to finish the rest). I have "Cracking the Coding interview", "Cracking the PM interview" and have accounts on Leetcode and Hacker Rank. Will look to beef up Github account and look for collab opportunities as well as pursue personal projects. Going to spend time on LinkedIn Learning as well. All thoughts are welcome - I am willing to put in the time to succeed. If the poll is missing an option please add in the comments. Trying to keep my path low cost. Doesn't seem like certs would help much and have seen mixed views on here regarding bootcamps. Thank you much! :) TC: 143k YOE: 7.5
In tier-1 tech companies, SWEs have the same TC as PMs for a given level. As a matter of fact- in deeply technical domains like distributed systems, AI SWEs make 15-20% more. Either way, both careers present options to make money. you can differentiate yourself by honing your craft., as a consequence make more 💰. What do you truly want? money and remote friendly work isn’t specific enough
SWEs actually make more
Still figuring out what I truly want right now which is why I’m just going through fCC right now. Based on articles I’ve seen I think PM would be the better fit since I want a role that involves a lot of cross-functional work (not saying SWE isn’t cross-functional, but PM seems to be more cross-functional)
Sorry, I have no idea what you want. PM, PgM and SWE are fundamentally different. It is like saying I want to be firefighter, astronaut or a waiter. You need to figure out what you want to do first
Fighting fires as you deliver takeout to the international space station sounds like a dope job. Is this a door dash role?
I agree - I’m all over the place. I added more detail to the description above. I’m not 100% sure which is better for me right now. I’m going to talk with some product folks at my current employer to get a better idea on PM. I want a role that involves more strategy so I think PM or Product Strategy would be a better fit for the time being.