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