After over a year in investment banking, I'm looking to leave finance more or less entirely, with hopes of jumping into the business side of tech. Easiest move would of course be corp dev (not entirely opposed to this if the pay cut or seniority cut is too high for other roles) but long term I think I want to be in product management (likely after an MBA) so I think something like strategy, sales or chief of staff might be a better option (open to thoughts on this). I'm currently a second year at a mid-tier MM bank in consumer coverage with primarily M&A experience but due to the rarity of a non-finance exit still have a lot of lingering questions: 1) do hiring managers for these roles think the non-tech IB background is appropriate? Is it possible to get looks or will I just be seen as a finance monkey and lose out to consultants? 2) should I build a resume for each type of role (chief of staff, sales, corp dev, strat, ops) or just one for corp dev and one for non-finance roles? 3) is the product manager pivot possible with just Python / SQL knowledge picked up on the weekend / after work? Would a direct jump from IB to PM be possible or will I need an MBA too? 4) what are people's thoughts on the various roles available? Any info on comp, hours/WLB, and career progression would be appreciated. Generally looking to work around 50 hours or less (with more work during deal sprints if in corp dev) and get paid at least 90k base with TC of at least 120k, which I believe is doable with 2 years of IB in tech strat or corp dev 5) what (if any) recruiting firms would be good for this? I know of Omna Search, which looks pretty legit, but that's about it 6) last question - am I making a mistake going for these roles if I want to be a product manager? What are the downsides of taking the road less traveled from a B-school, career progression, compensation, and WLB perspective? #sellside #ib #strategy
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jeez, you really speak like you're in IB. PM can be a longer term goal but I'd get into any tech company to start and then take on projects mapping your role to PM from there. python/SQL is not the secret to becoming a PM. its just a minor tool in the toolbox. MBA can get you noticed but most PMs dont have MBAs so your ROI on one can be poor. You are still super young it seems so you have time. Go find a tech company and start the ladder.
You should put this in either tech industry form or the product manager Form. You'll probably get better outreach there.
Best thing probably move into a tech department in your or another investment bank then move into tech after if you don't want to go do an MBA.
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