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Ask HN: Founder to product management role at FAANG?
with the pandemic having brought a number of changes in my hardware company and plans, i've contemplated throwing in the towel and joining a FAANG in a product management role. i primarily have an engineering background but have worn pretty much every hat there is in a company over the years. has anyone here made that move and has any words of advice on levels or roles to aim for and how to prepare?
- metadat 4y agoWhy PM rather than SWE or Director of Engineering? Aim higher. Start by interviewing at non-FAANGs to get some practice and build familiarity and confidence with the experience of being an applicant. You can re-apply to most FAANGs every six months, and they either don't punish you for it or even appreciate that you are so passionate about wanting to work there. Come to grips with and acclimate to the idea that in your new reality you won't be the top of the totem pole anymore, and your existence will be to serve your new manager and help them look good.
- b20000 4y agobecause I have no interest in doing coding interviews and because I think there are "ceilings" for engineering positions which is less the case for leadership roles outside engineering. engineering people also tend to get into pissing contests of who is smarter, and the crab bucket mentality is real. I've experienced this about 2 years ago when i considered engineering roles and went through some interview cycles. also, i have experience that is way broader and more valuable than my engineering skills, and in an engineering role, i will not be able to leverage those skills and be compensated for them.