Switching back to product management

For someone who used to work in product management but switched to product marketing for the last 8 years, why is it so difficult to get back into product management at Cisco?

Answer

3 Answers

Product Management Skills

Neil Kulkarni

Cisco Director of Product Management • 1y

While I do not have context to answer what hurdles you are encountering in your interviews for the role, here are some aspects to consider that might help you:8 years is a long span to move away from a specific career path and want to switch back - are you able to articulate the rationale of why you transitioned to product marketing when you did and why you wish to switch back to the product management path? Are you able to articulate what perspective, skills and knowledge you gained during this ...Read More

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Tammy Hahn

Ignition SVP, Product | Formerly Cornerstone OnDemand, Groundswell, Skilljar, Gainsight • 1y

While I am not familiar with Cisco in particular, I would say that my biggest concern as a hiring manager for someone that hasn't recently worked in the Product Management capacity is the ability to work cohesively and collaboratively with Engineers. While I value the core skills of Product Marketing (and have a belief that these skills make the BEST Product Managers), there's the tactical pieces of getting work through the build phase that can be difficult for those that aren't practiced in it. ...Read More

1,658 Views
Sacha Dawes

Semarchy Chief Product Officer | Formerly Flexera, Snow Software, SolarWinds, AT&T, Microsoft • 1y

As one who has switched back and forth between product management and product marketing, I thank you for your question! The first question I would ask you is why you wish to change to product management. Eight years in the same function is a significant investment in time, and so what is it that is driving you to go to product management? Once you have your why, resistance to your taking on a product management role is likely coming from that time you’ve spent in role to date. While I have no ...Read More

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