Tech IndustryAug 5, 2021
NewTqEm41

Pls help! PM or Design?

I am kinda at a crossroad choosing my career path between PM and product design. Fresh grad and got offers for both roles. My education background is design, but I transitioned to PM through internships because I prefer to be more involved in strategic decision making and not just moving pixels. I also heard that there is more upward growth opportunity for PM (Executives/startup founder). I still like doing creative things and design but I I think of design in much broader terms. In my opinion, PM is also a “designer”, but designing on a higher level. So I am in the middle spectrum of the two ends. I could be either a designer who contribute to bigger pictures or a PM who is super user centric/UX-savvy. I thought I was pretty determined on the PM path until I interviewed for a design role at a big tech firm. I really liked the people who interviewed me and I feel that they really appreciate my works and who I am, which I think is super important. They gave me a great package and the office is in SF(which I prefer). For the PM role, I am currently interning at a mid-sized company on the east coast. Seeking to convert to full-time. Good WLB and culture. But since the product is in the b2b segment, lots of product requirements are input from the sales team. I don’t get so much involved in the creative/ideation side of product, which made me miss design. I only have one week to decide on the design offer and I am really stressing out. Really worried that I would choose the wrong path and waste time jumping between roles… I also wonder how easy it is to switch between the two roles… PMs and designers, would love to hear your thoughts! Thanks! #pm #design #jobfit #tech

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Redfin hurseie Aug 5, 2021

Send me a DM. I’m happy to hop on a call and talk it through with you. I coach people on their career for a living and am a former product design leader who ran a department of designers that influenced product direction.

LinkedIn hadoops Aug 5, 2021

You sound like a PM. And it's incredibly hard to break into a PM role for most and you have it. Go for it - you will get your hands dirty even in design as a PM. This won't be your last PM job so even if you miss your creative side a bit it's a good opp to build other muscles and then move on to another place which is more up your alley

Turo jantheman Aug 5, 2021

Much easier to switch from PM to Product Design with a strong portfolio and ability to present case studies vs going from Design to PM. Great position to be in tho - unicorn talent for sure.

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LwbT43 Oct 23, 2023

Hi, which one did you choose? And do you think you made the right decision?