Curious about the secrets behind successful product management careers? Our latest virtual event with Carnegie Mellon University’s Tepper School of Business, offered a deep dive into the product management landscape. The event showcased a panel of distinguished alumnae from the MSPM (Masters of Science in Product Management) program, who shared their journeys, strategies, and valuable advice to help aspiring product managers chart their own paths to success.
Brad Eiben, the Executive Director of the MSPM program at Carnegie Mellon took the stage first and emphasized the program’s unique blend of business, technology, design, and leadership, describing it as more of a training program than a traditional academic course. He then introduced the panelists, each representing different graduation years: Pranita Ramakrishnan (2019), MK Bajwa (2021), and Sindhu Santhanakrishnan (2022).
Topics and Insights from the Speakers
[03:30] What was your journey into product management?
Pranita Ramakrishnan: Shared her journey from tech consulting to product management. She spoke passionately about the satisfaction she finds in aligning cross-functional stakeholders around a unified product vision, particularly across different industries and backgrounds. Her story resonated with many attendees, illustrating the importance of adaptability and strategic alignment in product management.
MK Bajwa: Recounted her transition from working in tech in Bangalore to becoming a Product Manager II at Microsoft. She emphasized the differences between B2C and B2B industries, highlighting how her current role allows her deeper customer interaction and understanding. MK’s insights into the collaborative nature of product management and the importance of iterative processes were particularly enlightening.
Sindhu Santhanakrishnan: Discussed her path from data analysis to product management at AWS, where she recently launched a new product. She highlighted the excitement of working on zero-to-one product launches and the broad skill set required, from customer empathy to strategic thinking. Sindhu’s experience underscored the iterative nature of product management and the value of continuous learning and adaptation.
[16:45] How do you overcome self-doubt and build confidence in your role?
Pranita Ramakrishnan: Candidly shared her experiences with imposter syndrome and how she navigated through it. She stressed the importance of structured thinking, seeking mentorship, and being open to feedback.
MK Bajwa: Also discussed dealing with self-doubt, emphasizing continuous self-reflection and leveraging one’s background as crucial steps. She advised aspiring product managers to embrace their unique experiences and use them as strengths in their new roles.
Sindhu Santhanakrishnan: Echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the significance of mentorship and feedback. She added that being open to learning and adapting is essential in building confidence and overcoming doubts.
[26:05] What certifications or additional qualifications are beneficial for a career in product management?
Pranita Ramakrishnan: Pranita emphasized that while certifications can be valuable, hands-on experience and practical skills are more crucial. She mentioned certifications like PMP (Project Management Professional) and CSPO (Certified Scrum Product Owner) as beneficial for understanding frameworks and methodologies used in product management.
MK Bajwa: MK highlighted the importance of continuous learning and staying updated with industry trends. She recommended certifications in agile methodologies and UX design as they provide a good foundation for managing products effectively.
Sindhu Santhanakrishnan: Sindhu stressed that certifications can enhance one's resume and credibility, especially for those transitioning into product management. She suggested looking into certifications that align with the individual's career goals and the specific skills they want to develop.
[40:38] How has remote work impacted the role of product managers, and what are some best practices for managing teams remotely?
Pranita Ramakrishnan: Pranita discussed the shift towards remote work and its impact on collaboration and communication. She advised leveraging tools like Slack and Zoom to maintain effective communication and suggested setting clear goals and expectations to keep teams aligned.
MK Bajwa: MK shared insights on the challenges of remote work, such as maintaining team cohesion and managing time zones. She recommended regular check-ins, virtual team-building activities, and fostering a culture of transparency and trust to mitigate these challenges.
Sindhu Santhanakrishnan: Sindhu talked about the increased flexibility and productivity that remote work can offer. She emphasized the importance of maintaining work-life balance and setting boundaries to avoid burnout. Additionally, she suggested using project managemt.
What practical advice do you have for aspiring product managers?
The panelists shared a wealth of practical advice for those looking to break into product management, each bringing their unique perspective to the table.
Pranita Ramakrishnan (2019): Pranita emphasized the importance of customer-centricity. "Always start with the customer. Understand their needs and pain points before diving into product development. This approach not only helps in creating valuable products but also builds a strong foundation for long-term success."
MK Bajwa (2021): MK highlighted the significance of continuous learning and adaptability. "The tech industry is constantly evolving. As a product manager, you need to stay updated with the latest trends and be willing to adapt your strategies accordingly. Embrace change and be open to learning new skills."
Sindhu Santhanakrishnan (2022): Sindhu focused on the power of collaboration and communication. "Building great products is a team effort. Effective communication with your team and stakeholders is crucial. Foster a collaborative environment where everyone's ideas are valued, and don't shy away from seeking feedback."
Conclusion
The event underscored the significance of collective wisdom and mutual learning. Through the stories and insights shared by Pranita, MK, and Sindhu, attendees were both inspired and equipped with the necessary tools to pursue their own careers in product management.
As a reminder, the Round 3 application deadline for the MSPM program is July 29, 2024. Don't miss this opportunity—apply today! Carnegie Mellon is graciously offering an application fee waiver for attendees of this session. Use the code WomenTech25 to have your application fee waived. For more details about the MSPM program, explore here: Carnegie Mellon MSPM Program.
For any admissions questions, please reach out to: [email protected].
Watch the full recording here 👇
