Why I Chose a Career in Product Management Over Software Engineering and Vice Versa

Programming is not for everyone. The field can be highly stressful, especially for those who are not proficient in technical skills. This can lead some individuals to consider switching to jobs that require different skill sets. In-demand technical skills often come with high compensation, so it's not unusual for someone to contemplate transitioning from a programmer role to a position that involves different expertise.

Organic Evolution in Product Management

My journey into product management was somewhat organic. Initially, I was assessing the impact of my work and realized that I could have a greater influence through this role. Unlike a traditional move into a Legal, HR, or Sales team, product management still involves significant technical work. The extent of this technical work varies based on personal inclinations and the company's needs.

A product manager (PM) may need to code or engineer products, review technical data, and often takes on additional responsibilities such as people management and building company culture. Gradually, I began to see how my work could have a broader impact and more significant accountability. The magic of product management lies in its versatility, as it often involves a blend of business development, sales, HR, legal, and finance. This prepares PMs for more substantial roles, such as CEO or COO positions, as they progress in their careers.

Lessons from Modern Tech CEOs

Notable modern tech CEOs, such as Satya Nadella of Microsoft and Sundar Pichai of Google, have come from product management backgrounds. These individuals, who have not entirely "escaped" engineering, illustrate the potential growth path in product management. Focus on doing your best work and your heart might already know the next 'move' if you need to.

My Personal Journey

When I began my career in 2006, I knew very little about product management. However, as a software engineer, I frequently wondered about the impact of the work I was doing and why certain products were being developed. This curiosity led me to realize the importance of broadening my knowledge to understand the connections between different aspects of a business.

Consequently, I pursued an MBA to gain a broader perspective, although I didn't fully understand the role of a product manager at the time. After completing my MBA, I returned to the IT industry in a functional role, which gave me my first formal exposure to the product management role. In hindsight, I believe that the choice to become a product manager was driven by my natural affinity for being a generalist and wanting to move the needle through my work.

Conclusion

Choosing between a career in product management and software engineering depends on personal interests, skills, and career goals. Both roles offer unique advantages and challenges. For those who enjoy a multifaceted approach and want to make a significant impact, product management might be the right path. Best wishes to anyone considering this career move!