I've been appointed as a product manager by a large SaaS company!

Although I don’t actually have PM experience, my talents and former experiences are quite applicable. I posted a random comment on LinkedIn, and the guy said, “DM me,” so I did. I’m now working in Hi-Tech Hardware company, but I’m leaving for a PM position that I wasn’t even seeking for. I received an offer after 11 interviews and a group presentation! They claimed that I am a “unique kind,” possessing the required knowledge in addition to the tech-savvy, people-oriented, and cross-functional team leadership qualities they need. Initially, it was for their mid-market products; however, during interviews, they stated that they wanted me to serve as their PM for their large-enterprise flagship product. I didn’t discover how in-demand and rapidly expanding the field of PM is until much later. That being the case, am I in for a wild ride? I’m anxious and extremely excited at the same time!

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I suppose eleven (!) interviews should give you some confidence that it will probably work out. Because developing products (especially when working with a multidisciplinary team) is difficult, I really hope the other skills and experiences are transferable. Get a solid mentor at your new employer, and be prepared for some conversations and procedures that are different from those in your previous company.

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Yes @CarlosDubois, in a previous position, I collaborated with our development and IT teams on migrations, AB testing of new website developments and marketing emails, internal rollouts of third-party apps, and training for these apps. Just a curiosity and the ability to interact well with them, no CS degree. This particular organization was searching for someone who can communicate engineering to clients and work with partners. I’m grateful to be working closely with the senior vice president of products, from whom I hope to learn a lot.

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According to the facts above, you are far more advanced than the average candidate. So even though it will be a wild trip, I think you’ll be alright given what you’ve said here plus the 11 interviews. All the best! :+1:

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Great to hear and good luck. But I want to be clear that working directly with your manager is not always the same as learning from him/her as your mentor. Just ask specifically to be your mentor. Big chance that this person loves to be asked and the relationship change from “direct manager” to “mentor” will serve you both well I believe. Have fun!

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Congrats on winning the gig!

Have you read Marty Cagan Inspired? It’s considered by many the Bible of aspirations for a high functioning product team.

If your company will pay for you to join Reforge it would be an excellent investment. There you can get a solid grounding in modern PM best practices, plus have a community to ask questions and get support along the way. You can pick tracks that align with your work needs and apply your learning hands-on at your job.

Good luck to you!

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I have not read that, and I will certainly order it. I took a week off before I actually have to start, so that will work out great. I’ll ask my Sr about Reforge when I start. Thank you!!
Thanks for the recommendation. Much appreciated!

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11 interviews! :hushed: My Good Lord! Can you please brief on each of those?

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It was actually 8 interviews, with 11 people and a presentation. Am sorry, my mistake… So, it was basically like this. 1st was with HR person-- as gatekeeper I assume. (Had a personal and technical assessment, too). 2nd was global director. 3rd was another PM. 4th was an international team. 5th was another international team. 6th was a stateside HQ team. (Then presentation). 7th was a makeup from someone who missed the HQ one (I’m very glad to have met them-we hit it off well). 8th was for Sr Dr of other product team after they offered large enterprise instead of mid-market. Interviews 4-6 were on same day, 7th the next, 8th the next–then weekend, then official offer that Monday. Once the whole process got rolling, it went pretty quick.

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No problem, its Okay. Still, you are doing great. Wishing you all the best.

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