I have been a Software Engineer for more than 6 years (3 years at Amazon. 3 years at startups. 2 years of internship exp). When I think about whats next, I don't see myself growing (happily/excited) in the software engineering ladder. I have always had the facination for product & business. I consider myself to be strong with numbers & data analytics and someone who likes designs & UX. I would probably be happy to see myself as a good product manager / team lead (who could drive product and tech) within the next 5 years. I am planning to get a part-time MBA degree in the next 2-3 years while continuing to grow as a software engineer. What are the best options for me? Could I get into a lead / manager role who can influence business and tech? Does such a role exist? Will I loose/gain money by switching tracks? Or is engineering track the best one to stick to?
Product manager’s role varies from company to company and also what stage your product is in. Talk to different PMs and understand what they do. You listed a few things but that’s not all what PMs do; many times they don’t do any of that.
I totally agree. I probably have like 20% vision into what product managers do on day to day basis. That's why I am confused what do I want to grow into. I am more inclined towards a role like PMT (product manager in tech) who drive product vision but work closely with engineering team
There is no need for an mba to be a product manager
Yes. But an MBA would make a strong case. I could apply for a product manager roles elsewhere out of Amazon easily. Also, for future-proofing, to become a leader in tech sector, won't business education be a good value addition along with my engineering background?
Where is the full time option?
Full time MBA is definitely a great option for someone who is looking for a complete switch in their career. The cost of the studies and the loss of pay for 2 years is not something that will work for me.
You could do a one-year MBA (ahem at Kellogg - best school ahem). This is for ppl who don't want to switch all that mich
No need to go MBA route if you want to stay in technology. Your tech skills are relevant to get a product manager or marketing job. If I were to go to MBA, it will be for a significant change in career, like going into finance, or IB or management consulting.
Yes. But an MBA would make a strong case. I could apply for a product manager roles elsewhere out of Amazon easily. Also, for future-proofing, to become a leader in tech sector, won't business education be a good value addition along with my engineering background? And I am definitely not considering really costly MBA options. I am only interested in Kelley or Hough or similar ones where the 2 year tutiton fee is less than $70k
It is a good adder but is it worth the time and money? In technology, the value of MBA is not that significant. Sure it'll add some value, but it's not a "requirement" Go look at LinkedIn profiles in tech leaders and you'll find many PM without MBAs. And many MBAs end up doing the same engineering roles I'm sure you'll learn and enjoy MBA courses... But whether it's worth it? Not so sure. I think the poll will give you a good indication
Did you find anything??
What did you do finally?
Why not just go Engineering Manager?
Become an engineering manager is the suggestion even my current manager gave me. But I have a feeling I have a good product vision. Also, more than managing engineers to build a product, coming up with the product idea and steering the product vision seems more interesting to me.