Hi everyone, tl;dr - Any advice for an engineer without significant CS/coding experience trying to get into PM, either through full-price MBA (top program) or direct job search? I am a controls engineer in the power industry, and recently I was accepted to a Top 5 MBA program. My plan is to pursue a career in product management, and this program is very much geared towards to that area. However, the particular program that I am accepted to also adds an additional cost (with no scholarship) on top of what is already a very expensive 2-year program. When I've run the numbers, I expect somewhere around $250K + 2 years of opportunity cost (currently earning about $83K + 10% bonus in a medium-low cost of living area). While I am grateful to be accepted into this MBA program, I am very concerned about what could be close to $500K total cost. I am wondering if this is a good idea. I have applied to numerous product management roles in the past, but have been unsuccessful. I also do not see a similar role at my current company to try to move into to gain experience. Any advice?
Sounds like you need the MBA to break into PM if you’ve tried and been unable to pursue directly
I sort of agree, but I know people who have much less technical backgrounds than me that are in PM. I feel like my role is directly applicable because I write "code" (more along the lines of MATLAB Simulink than Python/Java/etc., but similar principles), manage suppliers, and coordinate information between engineering teams and the customer. I feel like I have a lot of boxes ticked, I've just been unsuccessful getting responses to applications. Any advice on how to break into the role?
Some of the worst PMs I know could "code" so I'd lean more on the actual skills of product management and stop worrying about the tech stuff. I'd recommend a certificate or an EdX course on PM instead of dropping $250k on an MBA you may not even need. You can always get an executive MBA for like 1/10 of that price later on
I was considering an MBA too, though I suppose I’m in a slightly different situation since I’m already at Google. Ultimately decided it’s not worth it for me. This is from input I gathered specifically from Googlers, so take it with a grain of salt, but generally MBAs aren’t super necessary or valued at Google. There are easier / cheaper ways to become a PM. If you’re considering things outside of tech industry, an MBA is likely more valuable and might be worth it.
An example of an easier way to become PM is to join a google or similar company in another role for a year or so, build PM experience & then transfer internally.
@yz432d - I totally agree, but I haven't had success getting into those roles before. I am also not located near a major tech hub. Do you have advice on breaking into Google or other similar companies? I am not a hardcore coder, though I am familiar with some languages at a basic level. I would probably be trying to get into something less technical.
Can you share your stats (gpa/gmat)? And i agree mba sounds like a better option for you
GPA: 3.34 in Chemical Engineering from a top public university GMAT: 730 I see an MBA as being a good way to switch careers, it's just that it's also an incredibly expensive way to do it as well.
I have a similar background. I'd say go for the MBA. They love engineers who want to be PM
MBA sticks with you for life. Its not just an entry to get in to PM roles. It will open so many different doors. Think of it as an investment to yourself. If you are just doing it to hopefully get in PM. Dont do it
I agree with this
Consider applying for external scholarships or support programs. Take into account the kind of Mba internships you can get and how much they pay, and work keenly towards those. When you look for full time after graduation, you can prioritize companies that have applicable education benefits to back pay your MBA. Adobe for instance gave new hires the ability to use the 10k education benefit to back pay their last year of school before working.
lol $10k tax write off for 4% cost of the degree
Check the employments after graduation from the alumni, see if the program indeed helps you to pursue the career path...
If it is a top five program, why limit your career options to a PM role? You can do that now without the cost of the degree.
Exactly
No brainer for you if you get into top 5-10 program and want to be a PM, you go. Average comp out of there is like 130-200. Your 80 isn't cutting it to make that trade off opp cost
PM roles in tech often don’t care about MBA tho
I also know plenty of top 1 MBA students that can't get PM jobs
Mind sharing some details about this MBA program and university? I'm a new PM and have been looking for some MBA options that would gear me towards product.
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Are you on a visa? Is this full time or part time?From my personal experience, it’s not gonna be as easy as it might seem before you start your MBA. I’m specifically talking about the transition and not the coursework.
U.S. citizen, full-time. Not sure what you mean about the transition. Are you referring to COVID-19 or something else?
I believe they’re referring about the transition to PM, as it generally expects some technical/software background.