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Clara Lee

AMA: PayPal VP, Product, Clara Lee on Product Management Career Path

October 22, 2024 @ 9:00AM PT

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  1. How can a PM crack into new domain area (say for example, AR/VR) when they work for a non-AR/VR company ?

    Clara Lee
    Clara Lee

    PayPal VP, Product | Formerly Apple, Automattic, Deloitte • 1y

    It can be difficult to change companies AND domains in one step. I would advise you to consider the possibility that this may be a two step process, where you focus on changing one variable at a time:

    1. Change companies while keeping domain constant.

    2. Change domains once you are internal and you’ve built up enough credibility.

    Ultimately, it is up to you what you are comfortable with. Personally, I have found gradual transitions have allowed me to achieve greater success at each stage.

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    2 requests

  2. How to justify resume points where you have not created any impact as a PM? You had no choice but to just build these features

    Clara Lee
    Clara Lee

    PayPal VP, Product | Formerly Apple, Automattic, Deloitte • 1y

    This "problem" is not uncommon, especially at junior PM levels. If customer or business impact is unclear, I would recommend speaking to how closely your work aligned with the company’s strategic plans. While your contributions maybe did not have direct impact on customers or the business, you can allude to their indirect impact via supporting top-level corporate initiatives.

    503 Views
    3 requests

  3. How do you break into industry from consulting?

    I'm a Product Management consultant at Accenture and want to begin working in industry on products that I can feel more ownership of -- when is the right time to make that transition and is there a good way to do it? e.g. start client side, startup, MBA

    Clara Lee
    Clara Lee

    PayPal VP, Product | Formerly Apple, Automattic, Deloitte • 1y

    There are many ways to move from Product Management consulting to Product Management in industry. Shifting to a current or former client is a popular path. But if you don’t have those connections or aren’t particularly jazzed about your clients, there are other aspects of consulting that you can leverage in an independent search: The alumni network. Seek out firm alums who have moved into companies that you would like to work for, ideally in the function you are targeting (Product Management). T ...Read More

    1,049 Views
    2 requests

  4. How do I break into an entry-level strategy role?

    My previous roles have been as a product designer for early-stage startups, but I am itching to break into the strategy realm. I have the business intuition and creative thinking to bring to a team willing to see my potential!

    Clara Lee
    Clara Lee

    PayPal VP, Product | Formerly Apple, Automattic, Deloitte • 1y

    Business intuition and creative thinking are only part of the expectations for junior strategy candidates. Analytical rigor is typically table stakes for these types of roles, especially at entry levels where you may be competing with Business Analyst-types. Junior strategists often run the financial and operational modeling and the detailed quant behind the opportunities that are identified, sized, and recommended. Additionally, strategy positions typically involve case interviews where your in ...Read More

    621 Views
    2 requests

  5. As someone thinking of transitioning from marketing to product management, what are some hard skills you'd recommend learning ahead of applying/interviewing? (Bachelor's degree was in business/communication)

    Clara Lee
    Clara Lee

    PayPal VP, Product | Formerly Apple, Automattic, Deloitte • 1y

    Coming from a Marketing background, you’ve probably got customer focus and communications down pat – those are very important parts of the Product Management "package". Depending on what type of marketing you are doing, here are some other areas worth highlighting or augmenting: Managing execution. Bringing a product to market is a great example. Even if it’s from a marketing angle, you can show that you've worked closely with product and understand phased delivery. Design thinking. Consider exa ...Read More

    714 Views
    1 request

  6. Can I move from Customer Success/Experience role to Product Manager? If yes, how should I prepare myself for it? What certifications should I get? Are fully remote opportunities available for the product manager role?

    I am a Customer Success/Experience team manager with over 3 years of experience and I am currently pursuing Project Management certification. I am also interested in Product Management role and would love to understand how I can work towards it.

    Clara Lee
    Clara Lee

    PayPal VP, Product | Formerly Apple, Automattic, Deloitte • 1y

    While obtaining a relevant certification does not hurt, being able to speak to hands-on functional experience will be more interesting, to internal and external interviewers. To that end, I would start by exploring internal opportunities:  Are there open Product Management roles in your company that you can network toward? Internal Product Management teams be open to helping you ramp up in a new function, valuing that you already know how the company works. I would suggest highlighting your fron ...Read More

    634 Views
    1 request