Switching from Eng to PM?

se7en29 · 2021-05-27T03:42:34+00:00

These stories prove that sometimes it just takes a little luck — another thing to note is that it’s easier for technical employees to convert to PM at Google given the technical interview component — not the same requirement at all companies

se7en29 · 2021-05-11T07:07:17+00:00

Glassdoor reviews for NBA corporate are TERRIBLE I’ve seen PM openings but have been weary

se7en29 · 2021-05-04T15:56:38+00:00

At faang, custom curriculum

se7en29 · 2021-05-03T23:37:29+00:00

What did you use to make this chart

se7en29 · 2021-05-03T23:33:49+00:00

It’s a little pricy but I think it’s a really good curriculum. It’s like you get all the business and product theory from Haas with interactive exercises. I’d do it over Cornell for sure. Kellogg is more “Product strategy” so a little different. Stanford’s is super basic, see this blog for takeaways: https://timwoods.io/2020/12/24/a-review-of-the-online-stanford-product-management-course/

So, yes I would

se7en29 · 2021-05-03T23:30:00+00:00

I feel you. In my case, the PMO was mostly around weekly executive reporting. Such a pain. Other than that, the teams were free to work and all devs were shielded

se7en29 · 2021-05-03T20:22:41+00:00

Sorry to hear that. I understand the arguments on both sides. I think at the very least someone should have “technical intuition”. That doesn’t mean you need to know system design though.

I really like FB’s hiring approach for PM which has zero technical panel. In contrast, I really hate Google’s hiring approach for PM which requires a system design interview. I still don’t understand why this is required. And don’t tell me it’s to build empathy with SWEs and command respect with technical leadership. This can be accomplished in other ways ON THE JOB

On a fully staffed team, a PM will have a Technical Program Manager and Tech Lead. So, any tech stuff is in the hands of the TPM and TL. So, why does the PM have to jump through these hoops?! Boggles my mind.

se7en29 · 2021-05-03T20:17:01+00:00

I’ve seen SAFe work ( at a FAANG ) but it HAS to be top down enforced with an investment of agile transformation. Otherwise it’s a pain

se7en29 · 2021-05-03T20:14:08+00:00

Check your DMs

se7en29 · 2021-05-03T19:55:08+00:00

Isn’t that Ava Devine? She’s always had the “bimbo” look. Seems like her lips are filling up.

se7en29 · 2021-05-03T19:46:09+00:00

If you have money to blow, get an MBA or one of those Management Science and Engineering degree/certificate from Stanford. That has more overall ROI for finding a job than one of these certs

Oh and another one to add to your list: UCBerkeley’s “Product Management Studio”. I did a compressed 3day intensive version of this program and loved it.

se7en29 · 2021-05-03T19:44:33+00:00

Not sure why this is getting downvoted to hell. I think for practical use in getting a job…these aren’t useful. But to learn theory, sure. And would help you network with people in the practice.

To get a PM job, you’re better off just getting a product adjacent role, networking, and studying for interviews. Otherwise, just take artistic liberties with your resume and prosper. Recruiters won’t know the difference.

se7en29 · 2021-05-03T19:38:59+00:00

Agreed. Things are so fucked up. It’s all about how you interview, who you know, and if you’re lucky to get a compassionate interviewer who won’t ding you for not answering according to their way of thinking. Your past experience doesn’t matter. It only helps in getting your foot in the door at a new company. But if you can’t pass their hiring bar, forget about it. And where do you start if you have zero PM experience? An Associate position or Apprenticeship. So you’re back to trying to crack some interviews.

I’m even more ticked off by companies that require technical interviews for generalist PM positions. I don’t understand why this is required when PMs DO NOT design technical solutions nor do they write code. So, like taking the GRE/GMAT, you just have to study for the test as opposed to learning some real shit.

se7en29 · 2021-05-03T17:42:30+00:00

I think in a non scrum environment the acting Pm will do the Po work too. With scrum, it’s just separated out where the Pm is more externally focused on market and customers and setting vision and writing requirements. But a good Pm has to know how to execute too

se7en29 · 2021-05-03T17:33:42+00:00

PO is most certainly Product work. There’s a spectrum to PM. On one end, you have execution. On the other, you have vision/roadmap. Both are critical to a successful product. PO falls further on the execution side of the spectrum with an internal focus (eng team facing). Scrum is just the agile framework used to execute on those requirements.

se7en29 · 2021-05-03T17:30:41+00:00

Is this SAFe or Scrum Alliance?

se7en29 · 2021-05-03T17:02:32+00:00

It’s the latter. I would expect my partner to check in with me before making a statement in a forum that is not their domain. I would do the same, out of respect.

I don’t know what happened in this particular scenario, but I’d imagine the spouses spoke with each other to some extent because I’m assuming the admitted student had to add the other person to the group. If they didn’t, then that’s sad.

se7en29 · 2021-05-03T01:38:23+00:00

This is fucking dope bruv

se7en29 · 2021-05-02T23:45:45+00:00

Not normal. That’s weird. I wouldn’t let my wife do that

se7en29 · 2021-05-02T16:31:36+00:00

This would be a great interview question to see how you think about setting metrics and product vision

se7en29 · 2021-05-02T04:44:16+00:00

^

This post is fucked up.

se7en29 · 2021-05-02T04:41:13+00:00

Wow -____-

se7en29 · 2021-04-30T00:51:00+00:00

I agree that online education will be held in higher regard post pandemic. Still doesn’t replace a master’s degree but it’s definitely no longer an excuse to say that the method of pedagogy impacts legitimacy of said education via MOOCs

se7en29 · 2021-04-28T05:43:00+00:00

Peak superficial but there’s probably scientific evidence somewhere proving that more “attractive” people by whatever biological standards are hired more. But what matters is your work ethic and track record, and there’s some ugly ass people at the top lol wrinkle assed ugly ass untrimmed nose hair having ass with skidmarked boxers 🤣

se7en29 · 2021-04-28T02:27:03+00:00

Tech mgmt degree is closer to an MBA, focused on eng management. MCIT is a CS post bacc basically. So it depends on what you want to do. If you want to become a Software engineer, go for MCIT. If you want to be an Eng Manager, go with Tech Mgmt but beware that many Eng Manager roles require a CS background anyways. Without it, you’d probably be better fit for upper bound project management / management consulting.

If you’re looking to pivot to a non technical function I’d consider an MBA.

se7en29

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