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Corp Finance and Strat are definitely more traditional just do to visibility across the enterprise vs visibility to a single product
This is why they make jokes about us, Millennials. We want a job that reports to the CEO because we need meaningful jobs. The only place, to report directly to a C-executive, is a startup. Otherwise, you need to specialize, get to know different lines of work; Perhaps, get your MBA, and start climbing the ladder just like everyone else. Sorry to break the bad news.
A1, you may have misunderstood. I was not saying jumping and immediately report to a C level exec. My question is, is product management/development a function that has enough visibility and respect to allow opportunities for growth into a P&L owner and eventual reporting up to C level.
A1, OP clearly said "grow into," meaning he expects to be climbing the ladder, not reporting to the CEO immediately
@OP, in theory any role can grow to be a C Suite exec. That said, prod management is an abnormal path, not because the potential isn’t there, but more so that the skills generally don’t align. A great product manager is execution focused with an eye for detail and focused on tactics. Most C Suite execs require broader skills focused more on big picture vision and strategy. If you can find a way to develop both skill sets as a prod manager - then go for it!
A2, thanks for the perspective. Is it safe to assume product management coupled with a bit of finance, strategy, business development and people management can push you up the ranks? Or would you say Corp finance and/or strategy are usually the optimal path to C level
Soft/ people skills will push you up the ranks, not your hard skills.
Product Management in a software company is the easiest path to c-level because you have to touch most functions