I have a background in design but currently doing both product management and design work at 30:70 ratio. I like the business aspect of product management and confident in my business skills (also got my mba & worked in consulting) but am more recognized for doing design well (w/ degrees in design). I feel like I’m stuck in-between. I think if I were to be a product manager, I’d be very design/user-centric. On the other hand, if I stay a product designer, I’ll have a business mindset but might not be taken seriously for my opinions other than design. I’m leaned towards the pm role for a more holistic approach to product and obviously TC but not sure if I’m throwing away my talent in design. Any advices would be appreciated! #pm #productmanager #designer
Go PM route, there are so many teams who only have PMs but don’t have a designer. So you’ll get opportunity to do both. Champion yourself as a PM and throw in design as a brownie point.
Not a bad idea, but it would be challenging not to have the support of a design team.
You can use your position as a PM to rally for design support and even get to hire a designer that you want to work with. Win win
OP, I feel you! I am in a similar situation and super conflicted between PM and design. What decision did you come to?
My current situation is now more tied to the opportunities given to me. People at work currently siloed me into the design role, so little hope for an internal transfer. I’ve been trying to apply outside but no responses as well. I’m conflicted because of this
But i’ve had recruiters reached out to me for PM roles especially ones with more UX responsibilities
There are UX PMs. Could be a path for you to be a PM, but also continue with your passion.
Do they have those roles at Google?
I haven’t seen them. I know designers that don’t really do IC anymore, they consult on design strategy.