Taking the Initiative to Transition from Engineering to Product

Problem

At one point in my career I was a technical program manager. In this position I was under the engineering org but eventually I wanted to transition into the product management org. However, this task didn't prove to be very easy. There seemed to be some bias in the company I worked for, that technical program managers can't be product managers because they're a bit too "technical." So how was I going to prove to them that I was the right fit for a product management position?

Actions taken

I was looking for an internal transfer within my company (rather than searching externally to other companies), so I began by building a strong relationship with one of the VP's of product at the time. I asked if I could try out for a product management role. He agreed and for two months I was the acting product manager on a small project. Throughout the project I worked really hard to improve and impress my future hiring manager, who was the director of product and also overseeing the project I was working on. In the end, they liked the project and the work I had done. Despite the positive feedback, they still had me go through another full round of interviews after the completion of the project. So I studied thoroughly for the interviews and afterwards, I received the offer to become product manager.

Lessons learned

I think you would have the best chance of switching roles if you do a transfer internally. Utilize the resources and relationships you have already built within your company. Specifically for moving to product management, you should find a sponsor on the product team who will support you through the transition. The best person would be your future hiring manager who will give you some product responsibilities so that you can prove yourself. You can do this by proactively reaching out to directors and VPs in the company. Set up coffee meetings, chat about projects and learn about what they're working on. Think of ways you can offer to help. Ideally, they're already looking to hire product managers and you're a welcomed candidate to throw in the ring. But if they're not in the market, then try to build a strong relationship with the hiring manager and show that you're willing to take the initiative and that you're the best candidate for when the position becomes available.

"I think you would have the best chance of switching roles if you do a transfer internally."

"Utilize the resources and relationships you have already built within your company."