Tech Product/Program Manager role at companies like Salesforce/Splunk/Microsoft offer good base pay, bonus and stock options which add up to be more than a senior consultant/manager position at Big4. Why would people chose Big4 over Tech PM roles. Is there a better projection pay later in the ladder? Deloitte EY PwC Salesforce Microsoft Boston Consulting Group

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For product managers, it’s absolutely greater than 200k

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Generally speaking … true management consulting is a quicker way to build a network (especially of high achieving individuals) and thus get a better return (including eventual comp as a partner) for the work put in.

Practically speaking, not everyone gets into tech companies (lack of skills or aptitude) as product managers so they ‘settle’ for IT services delivery and live in an illusion of being in consulting!

The requirements in industry is more depth in skills while in consulting is more sales driven.

Having said, some still get into MSFT & co but as sales ppl.

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It's much more difficult to get a PM offer. A lot also require engineering degrees

likesmarthelpful

Focusing on Product Manager…

The two career paths are different and seek different people. The average hiring bar for each role is vastly different. LinkedIn’s average APM class is 5 folks, Google’s is 50, Facebook’s is 15. APM hiring is significantly more competitive and harder to get into than a Big 4.

As an example, I can’t refer someone unless they meet at least 2 of the below for our APM program for example. Usually the ones that are hired will meet 3 of the 5.

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I’m sure this is all true. I’d like to add I know m a n y PMs who got the role knowing exactly dick

Pm -> director of product -> vp of product

That’s in partner salary territory

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From being a PM at a FAANG and at MBB, I feel like PM gets put on a pedestal. At the end of the day you’re glorified PMO. You’re also not a PM for that sexy product you imagine. Usually it’s some portion of a product that’s forgotten or not the main offering.

Is the pay great for the hours? Absolutely. But if you’re at MBB comp scales quicker and you have more options afterwards. For Big4 I’d say the same. Path to true P&L ownership seems more viable via consulting.

likesmart

Definitely PM. It’s the #1 background for P&L owners

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Just like why Big4 aren't at MBB.

likesmart

Would a Product Manager role in tech prepare you to start your own products as an entrepreneur ?

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Absolutely. The role is all about knowing your customer

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Product managment is not the same as program management, so I wouldn't compare them at the same time. However, people stay in or join consulting instead because:

1. Variety. You'll see more clients, industries and functions in consulting than tech.
2. Travel, excluding pandemic. Miles, points, per diem and new places are somewhat unique.
3. Access. Big 4 and similar (accenture, ibm, random companies) recruit at far more places than tech firms looking for program managers, or product managers.

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What about Technical program manager roles? Any insights?

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A1 depends on your interests. What do you like? Do you wanna climb up the ladder? Do you enjoy working in technical work? I wouldn’t say there’s 1 answer for everyone. And everyone has a different definition of “good.” What’s yours? Look at what the job responsibilities are and see if they align to your interests. I like my role bc of what I do and I like the engineering team I work with. If I were someone who wanted to move up the ladder fast or wanted way more pay I wouldn’t say this is ideal for it. I’m happy with what I have going and what I do everyday. By that definition I think it is a good career path for me.

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What about product owner? Is this a good position and career path? What’s next ? Product manager?

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My only regret is not switching to tech sooner.

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How did you make the switch?

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Is the TC > 200k? I ask because at least at PwC an SM can easily pull in 200-210k . so unless the pay is around 250k, the difference isn’t much.

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Lol $250k could be an SMs RSUs alone.

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I’m kind of wondering that at consulting there’s a good path laid out from BA->Partner and more. But is it the same with Microsoft/Salesforce/other Tech PM roles. I’m assuming immediate return is more at Tech but is it true in the long run.

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Career pathing is relatively more straightforward in consulting- generally only two major paths of becoming a partner of MD. Progression in tech is fine, but you have many many many more possibilities.

Long run comp in tech absolutely out sustains consulting. Every. Single. Person. in my 50+ person group is a millionaire.

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No reason, everyone should leave :)

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