Encendi

Very interesting point. All my friends are developers and they're given tangible assignments- complete your tickets on time and you've done your job.

I'm a product manager and I struggle daily to bring value to the table. So much is dependent on how you're perceived- whether stakeholders trust you, how confident you are, etc. because you don't do anything specific and no one has to do anything you say.

I’m a PM in fintech I’d say you’d make the same as the average SWE with 10x the stress

They probably had to do some pretty deep sharing of methodologies and algorithms, especially since they're a startup.

There's a host of information on Product Management online and I suggest you look into it. It's a bit of a unique career within the tech field and while a technical background is very helpful for the role, it is not necessary for every company. Common pathways are from undergrad to APM (associate product manager) programs, MBA to PM, startup founder to PM, and internal promotion/hires. I personally had a CS background, did a Masters, and was hired directly from my program.

While it sounds like it's a management position and thus higher up the ladder, you are only managing a product and have no control over people (unless you're a Director of PM or Sr. PM with PMs reporting to you) and it is up to you to convince stakeholders of your ideas. So that's why it's possible to go direct into PM from school or from other fields. However (and not to dissuade you) , it is quite possibly the most competitive career path in tech at the moment.

I am not OP but I am a PM at a large tech company. Usually there are great internal pathways at large tech companies for SWEs to become PM and it would be a good idea to ask your manager about them. It would also be a good idea (if you're not doing so already at your level) to participate in design meetings and other strategic meetings with the PMs assigned to your product. If you can gain some knowledge and network with the PMs at your firm, eventually you can ask to shadow them and get their support when you make the transition to the PM team.

If that's not the option you want to pursue, I'd recommend getting an MBA at a top 20 program. Many companies hire PMs from business school and a Sr. SWE background is the most desirable background, right after previous PM experience. Obviously this would cost a lot of money but it would open you up to more opportunities at more companies.

Finally, there's always just good old networking with alumni, friends and friends of friends, etc. There's a shortage of PMs with strong technical backgrounds so that's another path you can explore if you don't think your current company will give you the opportunity and you don't want to commit to an expensive 2 year degree.