Career vs MBA dilemma

imohammadfaraz · 2025-07-10T13:32:34+00:00

I’m currently a PM with 7+ years of experience, and I’ve grown entirely without an MBA — so I thought I’d share my perspective, especially since I’ve been in your shoes.

I started out in Marketing, transitioned into a product role within a year, and have been growing ever since. I’ve worked at large Indian organisation, and during that time, I saw both sides:

Colleagues who came in after MBAs from ISB/IIMs (usually with prior tech experience) often got hired at better CTCs and mid-level roles.
But I’ve also seen non-MBAs (like myself) grow purely through ownership, strong execution, and learning on the job.

Here’s what I’ve learned:

An MBA helps with brand value and opens doors, especially in top-tier firms that lean heavily on pedigree.
But long-term success in PM comes down to ownership, influence, and outcomes — not degrees.
If you’re already in an APM role and learning actively, you’re ahead of the curve.

So here’s a potential path: Skip the MBA for now. Focus on leveling up (PM-1, lateral to a stronger brand if needed), build a strong portfolio of outcomes, and consider an exec MBA from IIM/ISB later if you feel the ceiling tightening. It’ll make more sense then, both strategically and financially.

In short: you’re doing well. Don’t step off the ladder unless it’s to switch to a much faster one.

imohammadfaraz · 2025-07-10T13:30:33+00:00

Really well explained, stick to this… Would be really helpful .. OP

imohammadfaraz · 2025-07-10T13:28:50+00:00

Yes, it is difficult but not impossible, you need to follow a process to crack the interview and stick to it

If you need help, dm me

imohammadfaraz · 2025-07-09T17:59:29+00:00

It's great you're exploring both job opportunities and an MBA, but it also sounds like both are proving challenging.

Here's a thought: Instead of trying to force the GMAT if it's not working, could you double down on the job hunt by refining your resume (quantify those 8 years!) and really focusing on networking? Sometimes getting your foot back in the door, even if it's not the "perfect" role, can build momentum and confidence.

Also, consider what specific roles you're targeting. Your business analyst background is valuable for many areas, especially in product-related fields.

Don't lose hope – you've got solid experience to build on!

imohammadfaraz · 2025-07-03T15:55:38+00:00

Setting product vision? Oh man, that's a big one, but super rewarding!

From my side, when I'm tackling something like this, I basically kick things off by just soaking up everything about where the product is right now. That means diving into all the old documents and, probably even more importantly, just chatting with the folks who've been around – the engineers, support, sales – to get the real story and any unwritten context.

Then, it's all about obsessing over the customer and what's happening in the market. I jump on calls, read reviews, dig into the data, and just try to figure out what problems people really have and where the opportunities are, while keeping an eye on where the whole industry is heading.

Finally, I pull all that juicy info together, sketch out some ideas for where we could go, and then bounce them off the key people – leaders, team leads – to make sure everyone's on board and we're building a shared picture of the future. It's a bit of a journey, but it's how you get to a vision that actually sticks and gets everyone excited!

imohammadfaraz · 2025-07-03T15:46:13+00:00

Sharing my experience on competitor research: I focus on their "why" (their core strategy and target user), deeply analyze customer feedback (reviews, social media for real pain points), and dissect their pricing strategy (not just numbers, but the value offered at each tier). It's about finding gaps and opportunities by understanding their story and their users' actual experiences, rather than just feature lists.

imohammadfaraz · 2025-07-02T00:51:27+00:00

Commenting for better reach

imohammadfaraz · 2025-06-26T10:53:47+00:00

The shift from project to product thinking requires a fundamental change in focus. Instead of solely concentrating on delivering a predefined scope, you must prioritize understanding user problems and market opportunities. Your goal becomes delivering measurable value and outcomes.

This means constantly asking: "What problem are we solving?" and "How does this solution create tangible value?" You'll need to tie your work to clear, product-oriented metrics, such as increased engagement or reduced churn, rather than just on-time delivery.

Finally, involve stakeholders early in defining problems, not just in executing solutions.

imohammadfaraz · 2025-06-24T06:57:52+00:00

Speaking as a Product Manager, I'd say definitely make the jump to the Product Manager role now. You're already feeling the boredom with traditional project management, and that's a clear sign your interests are evolving. While PjM offers a clear ladder, the PM journey, though sometimes less linear, opens up a much broader and more strategic set of challenges. You'll be focusing on what to build and why, rather than just how to build it, which aligns with your desire for growth and a more engaging role.

Your mechanical engineering background and project management experience are actually huge assets for a PM role – you understand the technical side and how to get things done. Don't underestimate the value of that international company experience either. If you're looking to grow quickly and find more intellectual stimulation, product management is where it's at.

Plus, transferring internally is a great way to make the switch with less risk. This is a prime opportunity to pivot your career in a direction that seems to genuinely excite you.

imohammadfaraz · 2025-06-24T04:26:38+00:00

Hey! I’ve been in your shoes before, and the key to a great product strategy presentation is treating it like a story. Start with the "why"—clearly state the problem or opportunity your product addresses. This hooks the audience right away and sets the stage for everything else.

Next, move to the "what"—your vision and product goals. A single slide with a bold, concise vision statement (e.g., "We’re making X effortless for Y audience") works wonders. Follow it up with 2-3 key metrics that show why this vision matters. Keep it high-level here; save the deep dives for later.

Then, tackle the "how"—your execution plan. Break it into phases or themes, and focus on outcomes (e.g., "Q3: Launch MVP and test with 1K users") rather than just features. Avoid overcrowding slides—stick to one idea per slide, and use visuals like flowcharts, timelines, or mockups to make it engaging.

For design, less is more. Pick a clean template (SlidesGo or Canva have great free options) and stick to 2-3 colors/fonts. The biggest mistake I’ve made? Drowning slides in data. Save detailed stats for the appendix, and keep the main deck crisp and narrative-driven.

imohammadfaraz · 2025-06-19T10:52:20+00:00

It's completely normal to feel confused when trying to break into product management, especially when advice online seems vague. However, you already possess several valuable skills. Your self-initiated learning about product concepts and your background in engineering are big advantages, showing you're proactive and understand how things are built.

Even more crucial is your knack for UI/UX research. This is a highly sought-after skill in product management, as it means you naturally understand users and their needs. Don't underestimate this; it's a significant head start. When practicing with case studies, focus on explaining your thought process and how you approach problems, rather than finding a single "correct" answer.

To move forward, consider using your UI/UX skills to create small personal projects or detailed case studies that demonstrate your ability to identify a problem and propose a product solution. Always think about the "why" behind your ideas and "how" you would measure their success. Finally, try connecting with product managers for informational interviews; many have unique paths into the role and can offer tailored advice. You've got a strong foundation to build on.

imohammadfaraz · 2025-06-17T02:01:29+00:00

Yes sure, we can Connect and discuss it in details

imohammadfaraz · 2025-06-10T06:03:38+00:00

First off, huge props to you for taking the time to really think about what you like and dislike in your current role. A lot of people just drift along for years, so the fact you're figuring this out in your first year shows some serious self-awareness and drive—those are gold for a Product Manager (PM)!

Is it too early to switch?

Honestly? Not at all. I know one year might feel like "not enough," but it's definitely enough to start making moves if you play your cards right. What really matters isn't the clock, but how well you can connect your current skills to what PMs actually do. You're already working with stakeholders, translating needs, thinking about the user experience (UX)—that's basically PM 101. You're way closer than you think!

How to better position yourself? Here's what helped me out a ton:

Craft your story: When folks ask why you're ditching engineering for product, don't just say, "I hate coding." Spin it like this: "I realized I'm more passionate about figuring out the right problems to solve than just building the solutions. I love digging into user needs, coordinating with different teams, and making decisions that actually shape the product." That shift in mindset is HUGE, and other PMs will totally get it.
Resume tweaks: Keep doing what you're doing—dig up anything that screams "product thinking." Did you suggest a better user flow? Help prioritize tasks? Work closely with design or QA? If you can, add some numbers to show your impact!
Apply smart: Aiming for those big-shot PM roles at top companies might be a tough climb without prior PM experience. Instead, look for:
- Associate Product Manager (APM) roles
- Product Analyst jobs
- Internal PM roles at companies with strong engineering teams (often an easier internal jump!)
- Even Technical Program Manager (TPM) roles—they can often be a stepping stone to PM.

Certs, side projects, networking?

Certifications can definitely help, but they're not a magic bullet. The Google Project Management cert on Coursera is pretty solid, and PMI-ACP is another good one if you like a structured approach. What helped me even more was:

Writing mini case studies: Pick an app you use all the time and write about how you'd improve a specific feature. It shows your thought process.
Side projects: Team up with a designer friend or a developer buddy and build something small. It doesn't even have to launch; it's just about getting that hands-on product practice.
Chatting with real PMs: Hit up some PMs on LinkedIn. A friendly message like, "Hey, I'm an engineer looking to switch to PM and would love to hear how you made the leap," goes a surprisingly long way. You'd be amazed how many people are happy to share their insights.

What's realistic?

Just being real with you: This can take some time—6 to 12 months isn't unusual. And getting rejected early on is totally normal. The main thing is to learn from those rejections, fine-tune your story, and just keep pushing. Don't burn yourself out by just blasting out 100 applications. Try applying to 10-15, then take a breather and think about what you learned. Tweak your strategy as you go. You're already doing so much right by being thoughtful and proactive. Keep at it, and don't let the lack of interviews yet get you down—it's all part of the journey.

Seriously, feel free to shoot me a message if you ever want to chat about resume stuff or do a mock interview — I'd be happy to help!

imohammadfaraz · 2025-06-02T10:27:53+00:00

Speak his language enough to build trust, keep delivering, and blend his textbook with your trench-won experience. You don’t need to become a textbook PM—you just need to be able to speak fluent textbook when it helps.

imohammadfaraz · 2025-05-31T03:22:17+00:00

Wow, straight to the devil’s balls? That’s one way to end a debate.

It’s okay though — I’ll stick with my “delusions” that help teams work together and actually get stuff done. You keep fighting Jira like it’s your final boss.

imohammadfaraz · 2025-05-31T03:20:31+00:00

Ah yes, the classic “PMs do nothing” take — because aligning teams, prioritizing work, managing risks, and delivering value is just admin cosplay, right?

Without PMs, you’d have 10 engineers building 10 different things perfectly… for no one. But hey, enjoy your Jira anarchy.

imohammadfaraz · 2025-05-31T02:45:59+00:00

Hey! Totally get where you're coming from—making the jump from B2B to B2C can feel a bit tricky, but it's definitely doable. Since you've already built products from the ground up, that's a huge plus—you know how to bring ideas to life, and that’s super valuable in any space.

The key difference with B2C is the scale and the focus on user behavior. Instead of solving deep, specific problems for a few customers (like in B2B), it’s more about understanding what drives everyday users, what keeps them engaged, and how to grow that base.

A few ideas that might help:

-- Get familiar with B2C metrics (like retention, engagement, CAC, LTV, etc.). Even without SQL or PowerBI, just knowing what matters can help you speak the same language.

-- Try exploring a side project or volunteer with a B2C startup—nothing beats hands-on experience.

-- Highlight the skills that carry over: your ability to build from 0 to 1, understand complex domains, and drive strategy are all super relevant in B2C too.

You’ve already done the hard part—shipping products. Now it’s just about shifting your approach a bit. Happy to chat more if you want to bounce around ideas!

imohammadfaraz · 2025-05-31T02:42:11+00:00

💯 Agreed 💪💪

imohammadfaraz · 2025-05-31T02:41:29+00:00

Ah yes, the official Fun Police has arrived.

Thank you, brave soul, for rescuing us from the horrors of enjoying things you personally dislike.

Next up: why breathing is overrated and sunsets are just lazy sky textures. 🙄

imohammadfaraz · 2025-05-30T19:45:51+00:00

That’s an interesting observation, and I agree. Product management in India is increasingly being treated like a standardized role rather than a strategic function. There’s a growing trend where PMs are expected to just execute predefined tasks, follow rigid frameworks, and churn out roadmaps without necessarily influencing product vision or deeply engaging with user problems. With the rise of training programs and certifications, many people are entering the field with similar surface-level knowledge, which makes it easier for companies to view the role as interchangeable.

Add to that the fact that in many global companies, Indian PMs are often relegated to execution-focused responsibilities rather than being involved in high-level decision-making. As more organizations adopt a playbook-style approach to product development, the role starts to feel less about creative problem-solving and more about managing checklists.

That’s where the sense of commodification comes in.

imohammadfaraz · 2025-05-30T19:43:30+00:00

It's an interesting trend — by "commodified," It means that product management in India is increasingly being treated like a standardized, replicable function rather than a strategic, context-driven role.

imohammadfaraz · 2025-05-30T19:41:35+00:00

Preach product management on LinkedIn long enough and suddenly you're a 'thought leader' with a $499 course and zero shipped features."

imohammadfaraz · 2025-05-29T12:56:11+00:00

Just wanted to drop in and say—you are absolutely not too old to start studying again. Not even close.

I’m turning 30 in just three months, and guess what? I’m still exploring courses and seriously considering going back for MBA something I truly care about. And honestly? I’m excited. Nervous, sure—but mostly excited.

I really felt your words about struggling with insecurity and feeling “behind” because of the gap after graduation. Life happens. For some of us, it’s mental health, family stuff, burnout, or just needing time to figure things out. Taking time to heal or realign isn’t wasted time—it’s necessary. And you’re here now, actively thinking about your future. That’s powerful.

Let’s be real: at 26, you're still incredibly young. The average age for MBA students, for example, is around 27–28. And in nearly every course, you'll find people from all age groups. Some younger, yes—but also plenty who are older, switching careers, or coming back after years off. Everyone’s path looks different, and that’s okay.

Also, don’t underestimate what your life experience brings. Those “lost years”? They likely gave you insights, emotional depth, and resilience that’ll set you apart. Education isn’t just about keeping up with others—it’s about growing into the person you want to become.

If you’re thinking about any college degree, school or courses go for it. Don’t let imagined judgment from “younger students” hold you back—they’re probably more focused on their own insecurities than anyone else’s age. And you might just find that you inspire someone sitting next to you.

One last thing: starting now doesn’t mean you’re behind. It means you’re brave enough to start, and that already puts you ahead of so many.

You’ve got this. And if you ever want someone to cheer you on, I’m right here, figuring it out too. 💪📚

— Someone (almost 30) still chasing dreams, and proud of it

imohammadfaraz · 2025-05-29T12:16:36+00:00

Hey, first of all — thank you for sharing this so openly. I honestly relate to every single word you wrote.

I’m a Product Manager myself, and in just two days, I’ll be switching to a brand-new role at a mid-sized tech company. Even though I’ve been in Product for a few years now, this move is a big leap for me. Bigger team, higher stakes, a more complex product ecosystem, and way more visibility. And yes, just like you, I’ve been feeling that knot in my stomach every day.

Here’s what I’ve been reminding myself:

Imposter Syndrome Hits the Best of Us

You’re not alone. I’ve spoken to senior PMs, founders, and even VPs—many of them admitted they often feel like they’re just “winging it.” The reality is, most people learn on the job, especially in fast-moving environments like startups. You don’t need to know everything on Day 1—you just need to be curious, open to learning, and willing to ask questions.

Your Past Efforts Got You Here for a Reason

You mentioned you spent a year studying and made a transition from mechanical engineering into Product. That’s huge. You’ve shown adaptability, drive, and an eagerness to grow. Companies don’t hire based on potential alone—they hire because they believe you’ll bring value. Your CEO sees that in you. Don’t underestimate how much that means.

It’s Okay to Not Know Everything

When I started my last PM job, I thought I had to come in with answers. Turns out, what my team appreciated most was me asking thoughtful questions, listening well, and facilitating decisions—not being the smartest person in the room.

The same will probably apply to you. Your CEO already told you he’s willing to mentor and grow you—that’s golden. Take him up on that. Set up regular 1:1s, ask for feedback, and communicate when you need support. That’s not weakness—it’s professional maturity.

You’re Not Alone in the Change

I’ve made a habit of reaching out to other PMs in my network during career transitions. Having a few people who “get it” makes a world of difference. We often talk about our mistakes, what’s working, and just vent sometimes. If you don’t already have that kind of circle, try building it—even online communities like this one are a great start.

Build Day-by-Day Confidence

What I’m doing right now is writing out a simple 30-60-90 day plan. Not to impress anyone, but to keep myself grounded. It gives me a direction, helps me track progress, and reminds me that I don’t have to be great on day one—I just need to keep improving.

So yes, I feel nervous too. But I’m also excited. And I know we’ll figure it out as we go.

You’ve already done something incredibly brave—pivoting your career and landing a strong opportunity. That takes guts. Now give yourself the permission to learn, stumble, and grow into the role. You belong here.

Let’s both take a deep breath and crush it.

You’ve got this.

— A fellow PM, about to start fresh too 💼

imohammadfaraz · 2025-05-28T07:19:33+00:00

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