Move to Product Management from Program Management
Hello Blinders, I have around 10 years of experience around manufacturing, production and program management. Currently a L6 Program Manager at Amazon. I am planning to move to Product and need some help on what would I need to make the move. What skillsets do I need or some must haves for Product Managers! Thank you! YOE: 10 TC: $190k Location: Seattle #productmanager
I would also say product role is better for growth. Relatively speaking for program vs product same industry
I would love to do the same. I am currently in data scientist role and want to try into product based roles as well
I’m in Consulting and looking to move to Product but there seems to be no clear path to do so. Can anyone here provide some guidance?
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Product today is saturated.
I made it with 2x TC and 5x stress
It’s a pretty easy move. Start by talking to your manager expressing interest in the skill/role then find ways to pick up product related tasks/projects to build your experience. Begin establishing a strong relationship with your product team and attempt to pivot over when a req is open. It’s easier to pivot within the same org when they know you vs trying to apply for the role without experience.
This.
This. If all else fails, I’ve seen companies like Hulu hire PMs who were TPMs or even project managers without much product experience if they came from a top company and sold their experience well. Of course, folks snicker about it but you can’t hate the player. If you can get a hiring manager to hire you - then you’re solid and can start your PM career like that. Else do what the poster above suggested. These are the only 2 ways. Or start your own startup and if it doesn’t work - then you can safely apply for product roles. Hiring managers love ex-entrepreneurs or founders. That’s how you get the job. In the meantime make sure you get the skills to keep the job and excel once you get there. Good luck!
I have a very similar background as you do. Hired as L6 Program Manager at Amazon 2 years ago, just completed job title transfer to L6 Product Manager after having grown responsibilities/influence. For starters, I would recommend reading the job title guidelines documentation if you want to make the switch at Amazon.
Could you share the type of tasks you took up to grow the responsibility?
I did it with business school. I’d recommend thinking through what your differentiators are since the competition in product is way higher. The jump to Group PM and Director is much higher
I did it and made 3x the TC at 3x the stress. You decide if it's worth it.
I did as well. I think it’s worth it. I enjoy it way more and product is a much safer role to be in.
I’m in product but not sure I can call it “safe”. Can you elaborate?