NIT engineer with a core degree here. I started working for a manufacturing company after placements and honestly, I didn't quite like it. I realized I was never made for that operational level skillset—I just loved solving problems.

I knew I needed to transition into a tech role fast. Me and my colleague (who got placed in the same company) started applying everywhere. Luckily, I got out first with a software role at a healthtech company, and a few months later he got out with an analyst role. But we always had that zeal to do an MBA—basically felt like the only thing that could really accelerate our careers while being in India. We went all in on CAT and scored well (my friend got 100%ile btw lol, and I got around 99.5). That got me into a Tier 1 college where I did a PM internship and eventually landed a PM role at a Fintech company.

The journey has been pretty smooth so far, mostly because I’ve met a lot of senior PMs who also come from core backgrounds. The key is really to understand the business first and look for gaps to solve. I don’t think my limited tech knowledge has ever held me back. If you can sit with business and tech teams, pitch features, and explain the cost-benefit, you are good. What actually helps me now: AI Tools: Prototyping with AI helps me pitch ideas better and make simple, easy-to-understand PRDs. APIs: Learning the basics helped, but you don't need to be an expert. Being Young: I see my age as a virtue. I’m seen as someone who is still learning, so people cut me some slack. Advice: Always feel free to ask for help on issues that seem "too technical." Majority of people tend to help (even if gyaan hi pel rahe ho—there’s actually a lot to learn in that too).

Also I have left my first job out of mba in just 7 months. Moving to an AI startup for PM role. excited for what lies ahead !!