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PM qualifications

I am wanting to transition into a product management role at a consumer internet company (amazon, google, netflix, etc). I am concerned that my background is not seen as relevant as I have been a product manager for 10+ years but for embedded software and hardware commercial and military aviation electronics. I also spent the last year as a product manager for a cloud based solution for reducing airline maintenance costs. Debating whether I should go to product school in san fran to get more credibility on my resume and network with individuals or whether I would be seen as a credible applicant at a consumer internet company. Any thoughts or recommendations?

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Amazon ak6nj7 Aug 22, 2017

Product school is a waste of time. Read Cracking the PM Interview, know your customer, demonstrate business fundamentals, bring analytics skills to the table, have a technical understanding of internet products and network to get your foot in the door for an interview.

Target yjBE48 Aug 22, 2017

As a Product School grad: try to get involved w their social events. Really good networking opportunities. Tell them you're "interested" and they should invite you; they want attendance. For the classes: take a look at the curriculum and see whether these are already things you do.

Boeing Boeing Aug 22, 2017

Ive seen multiple Boeing project managers transitioning to Microsoft/Amazon as program managers. Although I have yet to see any product managers, transitioning from program to product manager within the same company wouldn't be much an issue. Also, having PMP is strong plus.

Dropbox Panduh Aug 22, 2017

Try to go for companies that have software and hardware teams and focused on consumer tech then see if it'd be more relevant to transition I.e Fitbit/go pro etc skip product school but product meet ups might be better idea

Verizon rockstar1 Aug 22, 2017

Product school is bunch of random bogus courses and weekly sessions, most instructors hardly are masters at their craft. Don't get me wrong some are good, but most advice and to do are very tactical and not helpful when actually interviewing.