CleverTap PM: Drop for CAT & GMAT Prep
Product Manager 26 LPA 2 YOE Tier 1 Bachelors
I wanted to go for an MBA because apparently it will help in the long run for a career in product, strategy and cxo roles + more shortlists + Job in big (FAANG) like companies.
I want to pursue it from IIM ABC, ISB, NUS, Oxford and HEC. Hence need time for CAT, GMAT prep + profile enhancement.
Current job takes time from 10-8 pm including travel. Therefore need more time. CAT specially needs complete dedication due to being GEM.
What to do?
Talking product sense with Ridhi
9 min AI interview5 questions
Are you independent and don't have any financial crunch or responsibilities of family etc? Can your family support you in case something goes south?
All financial responsibilities are already covered. The family is independent and can help with the fee if required. I have enough savings too.
Then quit the job and prepare full time. Aur kuch nahi hai sochne ka
I often see people doing MBA to move from tech to PM or Business roles. Considering that, you are already at a better place with better pay for your YoE.
Opportunity cost would be losing out around 60 LPA ( 2 years of CAT and considering you get a min 10% hike YoY, if promotion is in place, this can be 70 LPA) + MBA fees at IIM (30-40 Lakhs). So you should be ready to afford this 90Lakh drop from your portfolio. Also check for the placement reports. Market is a bit unstable, it might even be possible that you might not end up with the same package as pre MBA.
On the positive side, if things go well, you can get in a Business role at the campus placement itself and you'll also have expose to different industries via internship.
Agreed. These 2 are really big concerns that keep me at bay and awake at night. Don't know how to decide on this.
Considering you are already a PM and have a tier 1 bachelors, MBA should be out of question unless it’s from tier 1+ in India: A/B/C/L/FMS…
As others have indicated, the opportunity cost and differential is something to consider as well. But focusing on more experience and switching will land you better if money is the key driver only.
MBA can always be pursued in later stages if it’s just the paper value u r seeking
If I do an MBA it will only be from a very premiere college.
I'm looking for three things:
- Fastrack Career/Promotions
- PM roles in big/FAANG level companies
- Edge in senior roles
- Easier to get resume shortlis in case of switching/layoffs
Can you help menavigate any upskilling methods I can employ to achieve the aforementioned?
Let me know if this looks valid
Get your fundamental skill set spot on & be an excellent communicator.
Try to get hot referrals and intro to hiring managers.
Fast track promotions and Senior roles are dependent on your visibility working your org & your brand apart from excelling at the fundamentals.
And after a point, org politics may also impact but sometimes they aren’t in your control regardless of an MBA.
As a PM myself out of top 5 MBA - I can assure you PM roles at bschools pay less than your current package. Better do it from abroad
-
Since my experience is only 2 years, hence I was sceptical of applying abroad.
-
The long term goal is to settle in India, so not sure on the ROI.
-
Will ISB or IIM ABC really help in faster promotions & easier switches along with working in reputed MNCs as opposed to in a startup?
Thanks for replying! Looking forward to your response.
Hello @GrimDredger
If you want to switch roles, as in want to move to finance/marketing from PM, it makes sense. If you just want to be PM even after MBA, don’t.
I'm looking for three things out of an MBA:
- Fastrack Career/Promotions
- Edge in senior roles
- Access to other roles like strategy in case I get bored of PMing or laid off
Let me know if this looks valid
you'll get all that by working at a fast growing series A, B or C startup in a strategic role
One switch and you will be at ctc of 45-50, what would you think about mba then ? Is it worth doing it ?
Is it possible to get these high salaries at 2-3YOE? I'm not getting shortlisted by FAANG and the startups that I got shortlisted are not willing to give 30-40% hike while switching.
Can you tell your views on this? Or a solution?
Thanks
Any way what is the risk to reward ratio after doing an MBA. If that's skewed on reward side definitely go for it.
What is the average and max you can get out of it.
Education> money. You are studying for a 25 year career. You will be able to find a great job post a good MBA if you HV been able to achieve so much already
I see. Thanks for your comment. Also can I know your YOE and College as well since you too are in product?
Haha am too old, 20 years of experience. Did my MBA from MICA. Still amazed how much the fundamentals of marketing and consumer behaviour that I learnt from there shapes my thinking!
