Introduction
Are you a woman in engineering considering a move to product management? If so, you’re not alone. Many women in tech dream of transitioning to product management but are unsure where to start. In this post, we’ll explore the inspiring journey of Purni Siddarth, Principal Product Manager for Payments at Peek, and share valuable insights and practical tips to help you leap confidently.
The Journey of Purni Siddarth
Early Career in Engineering
In high school, Purni began her career in India, majoring in financial accounting, economics, and business studies. Despite this, her analytical skills led her to pursue a degree in software engineering. After completing her education, she worked as a software engineer at Barry-Wehmiller International Resources.
Transitioning to Product Management
After moving to the U.S., Purni’s career took an unexpected turn when she was laid off from her engineering role. Instead of viewing this setback as a failure, she saw it as an opportunity to reassess her passions and goals. This period of reflection led her to discover her true calling in product management.
Key Lessons from Purni’s Journey
1. Embrace Setbacks as Opportunities
Purni’s experience with layoffs taught her the importance of resilience. Instead of letting the setback define her, she used it as a stepping stone to explore new career paths. Her story highlights the value of embracing challenges and viewing them as opportunities for growth.
2. The Power of Community and Mentorship
During her transition, Purni reached out to her network and found invaluable support from mentors like Rose Yao and educators at Product School, including Hamid Schricker and Carlos Gonzalez de Villaumbrosia. This support system played a crucial role in her successful transition to product management.
3. Continuous Learning and Skill Development
Purni is a firm believer in lifelong learning. She took various courses, including those at Product School, to build her skills and knowledge in product management. This commitment to continuous learning is essential for anyone seeking a significant career transition.
Practical Tips for Aspiring Product Managers
1. Reframe Your Experience
If you’re transitioning from engineering to product management, reframing your experience is crucial. Highlight how your engineering background gives you a unique perspective on solving customer problems and developing technical solutions.
2. Ask the Right Questions
Purni emphasizes the importance of asking probing questions. Understanding the ‘why’ behind your work helps you see the bigger picture and aligns your efforts with the business’s goals.
3. Build a Support Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to your community. Whether through LinkedIn, professional groups, or educational institutions like Product School, building a support network can give you the guidance and encouragement you need.
4. Invest in Continuous Learning
Enroll in relevant courses, attend workshops, and stay updated with industry trends. Continuous learning enhances your skills and keeps you adaptable to the ever-evolving tech landscape.
Conclusion
Transitioning from engineering to product management is a challenging yet rewarding journey. Purni Siddarth’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, community support, and continuous learning. By embracing setbacks, seeking mentorship, and investing in your growth, you, too, can successfully navigate this career transition.
Ready to take the next step? Listen to the full episode of “From a Woman to a Leader” featuring Purni Siddarth for more insights and inspiration.
Listen to the full episode on my Podcast!
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About Purni Siddarth:
Principal Product Manager for Payments at Peek.
“I thrive in the FinTech and Payments problems space. It is exciting to solve intricate money problems with sound technical solutions. I aspire to become a Chief Product and Technology Officer someday (thank you, Claire Vo, CPO at LaunchDarkly, for planting the seed and showing me that it could be me). I am charting my course to get there.
Peek provides booking software for tour operators and activity providers
The payments team is responsible for the flow of funds from when an end customer pays for an activity for a tour to when the activity provider/tour operator gets the money. Everything in between and after – chargebacks, refunds, reserve balance.
Prior to Peek I was the Director of Product Management at Dividend Finance where I led forward flow partnerships with credit unions and banks for financing Solar and Home Improvement loans.
I am a continuous learner that enjoys honing the craft. At the end of a day at work, I return to the warmth of my family. They are my pride and joy. I married my best friend, we have busy careers and nothing gives us more joy than our 2 young kids, our parents and siblings. “
Mentions:
- Product School – https://www.linkedin.com/school/product-school/
- Rose Yao – she set me on the path to Product Management
- Hamid Schricker – my teacher at Product School
- Carlos Gonzalez de Villaumbrosia – trained me with mock interviews and helped me write my 1st PM resume
Follow Purni on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/purnisiddarth/
