MBA for Product Managers

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MBA for Product Managers

by PrithviMission750 » Mon Jan 26, 2015 3:41 am
Hello,
I am looking for schools that have focused MBA programs for product managers(product management and marketing umbrella in specific) for IT/software companies. To be more specific I am looking to get into one of these roles
  • A role focussed on more go to market/brand management focus (under the Marketing group)
    A role focused on the development side with the engineers and designers (within a development group).
As a starting point I would like to research schools that have courses to build these competencies and that have companies recruiting folks into one of these roles

Can someone please point me to information in this regard?

Thanks,
Prithvi

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by Jon@Admissionado » Tue Jan 27, 2015 2:22 am
Hey,
although there may be some programs which have some unique programs (Kellogg is often the number one ranked marketing program), product management is something covered by any and every MBA program, and rather than looking for a specialized program, I think you can go to ANY program, and should ultimately attend the one that has the best ranking.


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by CriticalSquareMBA » Tue Jan 27, 2015 3:00 pm
Hi Prithvi,

Agree with Jon that Kellogg is a great option, but you should also consider Columbia Business School as they've grown their marketing focus substantially. Their concentration in marketing has great elective options for brand management. Another thought is that if you're set on a career in marketing within the tech sector, attending a school with a stellar marketing program out west might be your best bet. In addition to CBS, both Haas and GSB are strong feeders for brand management in technology. Or look to a program like Tepper which has tech strength. So definitely go where the brand is best but this should hopefully give you a pretty diverse top 20 list to apply to that diversifies your risk a bit. Hope this helps!

Bhavik
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by PrithviMission750 » Fri Jan 30, 2015 11:31 pm
Ive got more than what i had been looking for! Thanks very much for these quick,informative and apt responses.

Another curious question on a similar note.WIll these programs be a a part of a two year curriculum or will i have an option of picking the 1 year executive MBA and choosing these kind of electives that i will be more interested in?

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Prithvi

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by CriticalSquareMBA » Sat Jan 31, 2015 5:12 am
You're very welcome! If you're looking to make a career change, generally speaking, an EMBA won't get you there. Even a 1 year program will make it difficult because the internship is valuable. Just something to think about!

Bhavik
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by interviewbay22 » Tue Feb 03, 2015 1:57 am
Hello Prithvi

It sounds like your post MBA goals are very specific which is a good thing because when you apply to schools that fit your goals, you will have a very convincing argument for why MBA and Why xyz school. Keeping product management in mind, MIT-Sloan and Wharton offer he most promising program. But you should also take a look at McCombs, Ross, UCB-Haas and Tepper. Among these schools, Wharton, Ross and McCombs also feature among the top ten business schools for marketing. Because you are looking for a product management role in the IT sector, it makes sense to apply to universities that also have strong engineering program. As Bhavik mentioned, Tepper is one such school as CMU has the best CS department. But so do UT-Austin and UPenn, so Wharton and McCombs should definitely make your list. Purdue- Krannert is also a good option for product management and it can be one of your safe schools.

If you are interested in a one year MBA program, London Business School and INSEAD are your best bet. Both are excellent options for marketing and you can tailor your MBA to fit an internship as well. Also, spring admit in INSEAD will give you internship opportunities.

You can take a look at these articles to know more about the best business schools for product management https://www.interviewbay.com/blog/top-bu ... management and the best business schools for marketing https://www.interviewbay.com/blog/top-bu ... -marketing

Tell me more about your profile so we can get an idea of your chances for these schools.

Do get back to me.
All the Best

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by PrithviMission750 » Sat Feb 07, 2015 3:44 am
Thanks interview bay and Bhavik

Bhavik,
I am not looking for a career change. I am already a product manager. Here is my profile.

Graduation-BTech (not from a to tier college)
Work Experience: 7 years in IT (started of as a developer in IT , But I do have 4 years of business and product management experience)
GMATscore: 690( I know this is less . I am prepping hard for a second attempt). I am targetting 750+.

Thanks,
Prithvi

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by CriticalSquareMBA » Mon Feb 09, 2015 5:57 am
Hi Prithvi,

If your current title is Product Manager and you're just looking to lift the ceiling in your career, then most MBA types (PT, E, etc.) will be able to offer you what you're looking for. However, if you're looking for roles in some of the more coveted firms, you still may want to weight the full-time option a bit more. Your final GMAT score will also be a key factor on how to strategize and apply to different programs because at the moment with a 690 and a lower tiered school, the top 15, maybe even the top 20, are going to be really difficult. Keep us posted on how the GMAT turns out! Best of luck!

Bhavik
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by adichan94 » Tue Jul 04, 2017 2:30 am
Hi everyone,

I am currently working as a developer in the banking sector. I am looking to move into product management.

I have graduated from an NIT in India which is a tier 1 institute and I plan to apply with 3 years of work ex. What would be the realistic and optimistic B-Schools for me to apply to?

Thank you
Adithya