How my MBA made me a better product manager

After studying computer science and econ-math in undergrad, I began my career in investment banking at a large financial institution. While the job was intense and intellectually demanding, I soon realized it wasn't the path for me. I wanted to be at the intersection of technology and business—working on something more creative, more tangible, and more cutting-edge. That realization led me to transition into data analytics and eventually into product management at a startup, where I found my passion in product management.

To deepen my skills and stay ahead of the rapidly evolving tech landscape—especially with the rise of AI products—I decided to pursue an MBA at MIT Sloan, focusing on product management and business analytics. Here's how that experience helped me become a better product manager:

1. Staying ahead of technology trends

At work, it's easy to stay heads-down and miss out on emerging technologies. Business school gave me the space and encouragement to explore. At MIT, curiosity is rewarded. There’s always something happening, from hands-on workshops to speaker series and student-led initiatives. I took classes in deep learning, participated in generative AI labs, and got involved in several technology-focused clubs. These experiences not only helped me stay ahead of tech trends but also reignited my passion for building and experimenting.

I started coding up transformer models, joined hackathons, and vibe-coded some prototypes around ideas I was curious about. The environment encouraged hands-on experimentation and learning new innovations, something I will carry into my product management work.

2. Building a broader, stronger network

One of the most important aspects of the MBA program is the network. I met classmates from all over the world, with diverse professional backgrounds—from engineering to filmmaking—and connected with peers working in product at companies ranging from early-stage startups to big tech.

In addition to the business school community, I participated in MIT-wide activities and got to know PhD students, other graduate program peers, and undergrads. I was a SERC Scholar at the MIT Schwarzman College of Computing, took part in the Riccio-MIT Engineering Leadership Program, joined lab tours across campus, and even danced with one of the student dance teams. Engaging in these activities introduced me to students across different disciplines, expanding my network beyond the MBA program.

Beyond the classroom, the alumni network and the school’s reputation opened doors to people I would not have met otherwise. Through events like the AI, product, and technology conferences and various speaker series, I had the opportunity to engage with industry leaders and stay on top of emerging trends. These experiences and the relationships formed through them have been invaluable for exchanging ideas, navigating career transitions, and staying connected to the fast-evolving world of product and technology.

3. Sharpening communication and leadership skills

We often default to communication styles shaped by our past workplaces or personalities. Business school challenged me to grow beyond that. Through courses, mock simulations, and real-time feedback, I learned how to:

• Influence without authority
• Navigate difficult conversations
• Give and receive feedback constructively
• Establish team norms and foster high-performing team dynamics

I took communications and leadership classes like Power and Negotiation, Communications for Leaders, Communicating with Data, Leading in Ambiguity, and Leading Creative Teams. These courses, combined with peer learning, allowed me to reflect on my leadership style, experiment with new approaches, and gain practical tools for managing teams effectively.

These capabilities are just as critical as technical or strategic ones, especially when leading cross-functional teams or aligning stakeholders around a product vision.

4. Thinking more strategically

Through case-based discussions and structured problem-solving in strategy, marketing, accounting, laws, and operations courses, I learned to take a step back and think more holistically. While product managers may not work directly in all these areas, we constantly collaborate with teams who do. Understanding their perspectives and priorities has made me a more effective and empathetic partner.

My MBA training gave me a structured framework for connecting product decisions to broader business outcomes—a crucial skill for any PM aiming to drive real impact. Seeing the bigger picture enables product managers to make more informed, strategic decisions that align with company goals and create lasting value.

5. A launchpad for entrepreneurship

An MBA is also a great stepping stone if you're interested in starting your own company. Many of the skills you develop as a product manager—pain point discovery, prioritization, iteration, storytelling—translate directly to being a startup founder. At MIT, I met classmates who could be potential co-founders, and I saw many of them turn ideas into real ventures through resources like MIT Sandbox, MIT delta v, the MIT $100K Entrepreneurship Competition, etc.

I took courses in entrepreneurship and venture capital to better understand how to operate and finance a business. The school offers access to incubators, mentorship, and early-stage funding, giving students a safe space to build and iterate. While I didn’t take the startup route myself, watching peers launch and grow their ventures showed me how transferable product management skills can be in the world of startups.

But an MBA is not for everyone

Pursuing an MBA is a significant investment, both financially and in terms of time. The opportunity cost is real. But for me, it was worth it. The personal growth, professional clarity, and expanded skill set I gained have fundamentally reshaped how I approach product management.

That said, an MBA isn’t the only path. If you already have a strong background in business or can develop these skills through work experience, self-study, or targeted programs at a lower cost, it may not be necessary to take the MBA route. It really depends on your goals, learning style, and where you are in your career.

If you're considering an MBA to support your product management journey, my advice is simple: be clear about what you want to get out of it, and stay curious along the way.

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