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Monjita Sharma- Product Manager at IBM
For 17 years, I was working in IT as a backend developer and I was working in performance engineering. I enjoyed working with intricate technologies and processes. I was diagnosing problems, creating and adapting systems, and keeping things in alignment. However, while I regularly enjoyed the experience, I often thought about what my code was actually a part of. What was I part of? What was the larger purpose that my work ultimately aided? Over time, that question grew stronger. I wanted to move closer to the decisions that shaped products, not just the execution.
About four and a half years ago at IBM, I came across product management as a role. The description immediately connected with what I had been looking for. It was about understanding customers, aligning business needs, and shaping strategy. I realized this was the bridge between technology and purpose. From that point on, I knew I wanted to move in that direction.
The real turning point came when I joined the Executive MBA in Product Leadership at the Institute of Product Leadership. I didn’t hesitate or ask for reviews. I knew exactly what I wanted, so I joined up. Looking back, this choice was among the most significant ones I have ever made in my professional life.
The executive mba in product leadership program gave me both structure and community. I value learning in person, and this format suited me well. I was able to interact with professors, peers, and industry leaders who challenged my thinking and encouraged me to stretch. Several parts of the journey made a big difference.
I had the privilege of one-on-one sessions with Sai Sir. His guidance shaped not only my approach to product management but also how I thought about my career. I still consider him my torchbearer. I also received helpful guidance from Pinkesh Sir on how to confidently convey my thoughts and conduct myself.
I made it a point to speak to product managers and leaders, both within IBM and outside. These conversations gave me clarity about the role and helped me see how others navigated their paths.
The projects we did, such as Product Lab and Go-To-Market planning, were more than exercises. I was exposed to solving problems in the real world while working in small teams. By doing rather than merely listening, I was able to learn more quickly.
Alongside the program, I benefited from colleagues and mentors at IBM. They explained how product management works in practice within our business, which helped me connect theory to my workplace.
At first, I thought this career shift would take a year and a half. I was prepared for that timeline. But my mentors encouraged me to believe it could happen sooner. They were right. Within six months of starting the program, I transitioned into my new role as a Product Manager at IBM Cloud for Financial Services.
This role has been everything I was searching for. Now I take part in planning, design, and strategy. I see how decisions shape both customer experience and business results. It has been fulfilling to finally connect the technical skills I had built over years with the strategic impact I had always wanted to contribute.
The journey has also taught me some lessons worth sharing.
• A mindset shift is essential. Technical knowledge alone prepares you for only half the job. The other half comes from learning how to think like a product manager.
• Leverage your company and your domain. Your existing experience is valuable when making the shift.
• Be open and transparent. Talk about your aspirations, ask for advice, and let people know what you want to learn. Conversations can open doors.
In many respects, switching from backend development to product management has been fruitful. It served as a reminder that jobs are based on more than simply abilities; they are also based on curiosity, bravery, and a readiness to take on new challenges. I am appreciative of the opportunity and direction that have brought me this far. I used to just dream of being able to contribute to long-term strategy and product direction, but now I feel prepared to do so.
Monjita Sharma is a Product Manager at IBM Cloud for Financial Services. She brings 17 years of IT experience as a backend developer in performance engineering to her current role. She completed the Executive MBA in Product Leadership at the Institute of Product Leadership, where she developed the skills to connect technology with business strategy and customer value.
