Agency to Tech PM

New
segfault12

New

segfault12
Mar 30, 2021 4 Comments

Hi everyone,

I'm a junior PM at a digital agency in LA -- we build digital experiences for clients [from wordpress sites to complex applications]. I also manage an internal ecommerce product.

I want to make a pivot to 'true tech' soon (a SaaS / ecommerce / product-focussed company).
Is it possible for me to do this, given my experience? Do I need to be looking at a masters degree?

Thanks in advance. #pm #product #productmanager

comments

Want to comment? LOG IN or SIGN UP
TOP 4 Comments
  • Shutterstock / Other
    hello.gbye

    Go to company page Shutterstock Other

    hello.gbye
    Yes totally possible. I came from agency as well and worked on similar things you described. MBA not required. Just keep applying and use your network or get referrals. Interview practice. You already have PM on your resume, so you already won half the battle.

    Also agree with MGMs point above around joining less of a true tech company first. Only if you find trouble getting interviews with your ideal ones.
    Apr 1, 2021 2
    • MGM / Product
      omgwtfson

      Go to company page MGM Product

      omgwtfson
      Just to add two more notes:
      1- The "non-tech" companies are the most likely to work with external recruiters. Cybercoders, prosum etc.

      2 - You might want to think about looking for a 6-12 month PM contract role too, especially if they company have a recognizable name. AT&T, Disney, MGM, CBS, NFL.com etc.
      Apr 1, 2021
    • New
      segfault12

      New

      segfault12
      OP
      Thanks @shutterstock and @MGM -- that really helps :)

      Your comments about 'non-tech' make complete sense, in my experience in applying around, those companies give me the most bites.
      Apr 11, 2021
  • MGM / Product
    omgwtfson

    Go to company page MGM Product

    omgwtfson
    Dude absolutely you can do it. You don't need an MBA. I did the exact same thing in LA 5 years ago.

    I took a low salary ($75k) for a job that would give me the PM title and the word ecommerce on resume. I left 14 months later for better job and a $50k pay bump.

    Your best bet is to find a non-tech company that might be a little behind on the technology. For example, someone that has an aging ecommerce store (likely developed by external contractors). Sell them on things like "cms to make content changes without needing to request it from a dev" or "mobile first" "responsive design". You could move them to Shopify, redesign it, and now you have a sexy site that you owned.
    Apr 1, 2021 0