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Deepak Sharma – Product Manager at Google
Changing careers is rarely a straight path. For many of us, it’s a winding journey, often driven by curiosity, new passions, or the desire for a different challenge. I’ve always believed that stepping out of your comfort zone is the key to growth. That’s exactly what happened to me when I decided to move from a technical engineering role to product management—a transition that wasn’t just a career change, but a complete shift in how I approached my work and thought about technology.
This is my story of how I navigated that transition, the challenges I faced, and what ultimately led me to a product management role at Google.
I started my career in engineering, working on embedded systems and technical projects. Over the years, I worked at companies like Cisco, Ericsson, and Nokia, as well as a few startups. These roles helped me build a solid foundation in technology and gave me a deep understanding of how things worked behind the scenes.
While I enjoyed engineering, I started getting curious about the business side of things. I kept wondering why some products succeeded while others failed, even when they seemed similar. That curiosity led me to pursue an MBA in Product Management. I wanted to understand more than just the technical aspects—I wanted to know what made products truly valuable to customers.
The MBA in Product Management program changed how I thought about technology. I started to see the bigger picture, understanding the importance of aligning products with customer needs and business goals. This experience gave me the tools I needed to start thinking more like a product manager, rather than just an engineer.
After finishing my MBA in Product Management, I made the leap into product management. It wasn’t easy, but it felt right. Joining Google was a big step. As a product manager, I now focus on not just building great products but making sure they solve real problems for users. I work on creating product roadmaps, setting pricing strategies, and bringing new ideas to life, all while keeping the customer at the center.
At Google, my job is a mix of technology and business. I help shape products that impact millions of people. It’s a role where I use my engineering background to understand the technical details, but I also think strategically about how these products fit into the larger picture. It’s exciting work that constantly challenges me to think differently.
If you’re thinking about transitioning from engineering to product management, my advice is to embrace your curiosity. Learn as much as you can about how business and technology intersect. It’s not an easy path, but it’s a rewarding one. Keep pushing yourself to grow and take on new challenges—you never know where it might lead.
.If you’re considering a career transition into product management, pursuing an Executive MBA in Product Management at the Institute of Product Leadership could be the game-changer you need. This program is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge to confidently take the next step in your journey and thrive in the world of product management.
Transitioning from engineering to product management involves building business acumen, developing communication skills, and gaining an understanding of customer needs. Pursuing an MBA in Product Management or similar courses can help bridge the gap between technical expertise and business strategy.
While an MBA is not mandatory to become a product manager, it can provide valuable knowledge and skills in business strategy, leadership, and market understanding, making the transition smoother and increasing your chances of success.
Key skills include strategic thinking, customer empathy, communication, market analysis, and an understanding of business objectives. Engineers should focus on honing their ability to translate technical solutions into business value.
An engineering background helps product managers understand technical limitations, communicate effectively with development teams, and make informed decisions about product features, ensuring products are both innovative and feasible.
Common challenges include shifting from a technical mindset to a business-oriented one, learning to focus on customer needs instead of just product features, and developing leadership and communication skills to manage cross-functional teams effectively.
Deepak Sharma – Product Manager at Google
