Switching career to PM role. Need advice.

Cisco / Cust. Srv.
vBam007

Go to company page Cisco Cust. Srv.

PRE
PwC
BIO
MISM Carnegie Mellon University
 vBam007
Oct 26, 2018 7 Comments

Planning to switch to product manager / associate product manager roles. Is it possible for my profile?
How should I go for it?
I am reading stuff from Cracking PM / + other books + going through online courses
But I fear my efforts should not go in vain if no company considers me for that role. I would work on coding interviews instead.

For existing PMs and EMs - Would you consider me for a APM role?

Experience-
Current job title- Sr. Customer Success Engineer - 2 years

Past- 3yrs software engg (out of USA) + 2 years at Big 4 as tech consultant (USA after masters)
Bachelors in computer science engg | Masters in information systems management from Carnegie Mellon University

Current Roles and Responsibilities-
1. Work with customers as a support Engineer + Solution Engineer.
2. Write scripts + tools for customers in python / java / shell
3. Work with ENGG to discuss and setup priorities on BUG Escalations
4. Work with PMs in discovery / design phase of feature / gather requirements from customers
5. Lead sync up meetings based on engg teams/ offshore
6. Often involved into PoV / Sales Enablement troubleshooting.
7. Work with OPS to resolve SAAS issues
8. Improve support process as and when possible.
In short I have to wear various hats at a time and multitask.

Just a note, Customer Interaction is part and parcel of my life. I understand and convey their pain points effectively to all internal stakeholders.

7

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 TOP 7 Comments
  • VMware / Product
    lRQQ72

    Go to company page VMware Product

     lRQQ72
    Nope, sorry. You did not ship any product / features. Too heavy on the customer side, will not make hard decisions, no experience estimating, little in terms of removing roadblocks.
    Internal would be best option, otherwise try to ship a product on the side. Even if you fail you get experience. If successful rolling in cash
    Oct 27, 2018 2
    • Cisco / Cust. Srv.
      vBam007

      Go to company page Cisco Cust. Srv.

      PRE
      PwC
      BIO
      MISM Carnegie Mellon University
       vBam007
      OP
      Thanks. Is it not an advantage working on customer side? I talked to product managers who would want that experience.
      Oct 27, 2018
    • VMware / Product
      lRQQ72

      Go to company page VMware Product

       lRQQ72
      You need balance. There is plenty of people arguing for the customer I. E. Sales. PM needs to be able say No to the customers in order to help engineers and only do what is really important. And to see and do that is the real gift.
      Oct 27, 2018
  • Leanplum
    aubd11

    Leanplum

    aubd11
    Agree that internal transfer is your best bet, especially to a team where you are already making valuable contributions to PM stakeholders. Furthermore, just from reading your post, I think you need to develop better written English communication skills. It's absolutely critical to be a successful PM.
    Oct 26, 2018 0
  • Google
    zFsy57

    Go to company page Google

    zFsy57
    From what I've seen it's going to be VERY hard for companies to consider you for a PM role. Your best bet would be to try for an internal role, switch companies and try a lateral transfer, try for smaller startups that are willing to take a chance on you.
    Oct 26, 2018 0
  • Netgear / Product
    UYFx66

    Go to company page Netgear Product

    PRE
    IBM, Ruckus Wireless
     UYFx66
    Best option would be internal transfer where they know your personality. Also consider a 2 step transition if a direct move to PM doesn't look likely
    Oct 26, 2018 0
  • New
    Throned

    Go to company page New

    Throned
    Any internal possibilities ?,
    Oct 26, 2018 0