Transition BA/FA to Program/Product Management
Downleveled to a L5 FA when I came in to Amazon, struggled to get to L6 over 2 years and was shot down (I had multiple changes in managers, leadership, and org structure). I could not work with my then manager and transitioned to an L5 BA role on the business side (unique position and could not find right job title). At this point (+1 year), I was also shot down for L6 BA because I am not doing BA work (work is a blend FA/PM/BA work) and again, org changes plus manager changes). I am again getting to the point where it seems like I can't increase my comp through upleveling so I'm seeking to do it by rotating to a program manager role (closer to what my role is now). At this point, just exhausted from being tossed around and having some shit luck. Do I focus on getting PM or looking eternally? I am less focused on what I want to do career-wise since I have a wide range of skills but more looking for some measure of career progression. Am I crazy? Base: 88K Stock: In 4th year with 22 RSU's left (11 x 2)
I forgot to mention, I have a BA in both mathematics and economics with an MA in economics. But fair point, Amazon loves its MBAs!
Oof. Was in this situation at a large "digital consulting" agency. Leave.
That's the most frustrating thing about amazon. Change in management and org restructuring. It can fuck your life over.
Fair point on the MBA, I could go and get one and come back as an L6 PM. Other option is to try for an L5 PM and make it up to L6. At any rate, I don't really care if I do FA or PM work as long as I am moving on up somehow in $. I ain't no spring chicken anymore, getting old AF. Thank you for all the advice everyone!!! And yes, between my husband and me (he's also Amazonian) we have both had over 10 managers in 3 years.
I feel you. In my 1.5 years I had 4 managers and 4 skip managers.
Hey, OP. I am a BA here,just want to know if you made it? Do you mind share the process? Any insights will be much appreciated!
If you're getting shot down for PM internally, an MBA can help you pivot from FA/BA (Amazon rolls lots of L6 PM offers to fresh MBA grads) Just find a top 15 school where you get a fat scholarship and enjoy 2 years of your life
Dont even need top 15. Lots of mba grads from low ranked schools still make it
If you're below top 15 then Amazon is pretty close to your ceiling, so if you whiff the interview you are likely to end up with a lot fewer options. Top 15 (M7 even moreso, but harder to get scholarship) gives you a lot more PM possibilities in tech if Amazon doesn't happen. Source: have top 15 MBA and lots of close friends who went to schools of varying ranks who corroborate this