Why In-Person Learning Matters for Working Professionals
- blogs, product management
- 4 min read
Authors: Nithin Churi – Senior Business Analyst at Unilever
I’m Nithin from Bangalore, and I have six years of progressive professional experience across multiple domains. My journey has included SaaS, real estate, and, more recently, the FMCG sector. I currently work at Unilever.
Working across different industries has given me varied professional exposure. As I look towards the next stage of my career, I want to build on that experience and move into product management.
Taking on Challenges With the Right Mindset
One lesser-known fact about me is that I have a strong mindset when it comes to taking on challenges.
At the same time, I have a soft corner for people experiencing poverty. This concern for people and my willingness to accept challenges are both important parts of who I am.
While there are many things I could share about myself, these qualities are particularly significant to me. They influence how I think about my future and the direction in which I want to grow.
My Journey Towards Product Management
My long-term career journey has two important stages.
The first is to become a product manager. I see product managers as the CEOs of their own products because they are closely connected to the direction and development of what they manage.
Becoming a product manager is therefore an important first step in my career plan. It would allow me to become more involved with products and develop experience in product management.
My longer-term aspiration is to become the CEO of a company. I see product management as the beginning of that journey and an important step towards my larger career goal.
Why I Chose an In-Person Program
I chose EMBA in Product Leadership at the Institute of Product Leadership because of its hands-on learning approach and real-time product experience.
The opportunity to work on projects and products was one of the main reasons behind my decision. I wanted a program that would allow me to experience product development rather than learn about it only through classroom concepts.
For working professionals, this form of learning is valuable because it connects the program with practical product work. Projects can create an environment where we think about products, apply what we learn, and develop a product-focused mindset.
Learning From Industry Experts
Another important aspect of the program is the opportunity to learn from industry experts who work with multinational companies.
These professionals bring industry experience into the learning environment. Their involvement gives us exposure to real-time product experience as well as AI-related learning.
This combination was important to me. I wanted to understand products through people who work within the industry while also learning about the role of AI.
The experience encourages us to approach product creation with a different mindset. For someone who wants to become a product manager, learning directly from industry professionals is one of the major advantages of an in-person program.
Returning to a Classroom With Working Professionals
Being back at school is an exciting experience for me. I had missed those days, and this program has given me an opportunity to return to the classroom.
What makes the experience particularly relevant is the working professional cohort. I am not simply returning to school. I am learning alongside people who bring their own professional experience into the classroom.
Meeting people is an important part of the journey. An in-person learning environment allows me to interact with the cohort and develop connections while pursuing the program.
This is one of the reasons in-person learning matters for working professionals. The experience includes projects, industry interaction, and conversations with peers who understand the realities of professional life.
Starting the Next Phase of My Career
I am enthusiastic about beginning this two-year journey in product leadership. It gives me the opportunity to return to school, learn with an experienced cohort, meet new people, and prepare for my next career step.
My immediate goal is to become a product manager, while my long-term aspiration is to become a CEO. The hands-on projects, real-time product experience, AI-related learning, and access to industry experts are all connected to that journey.
I am happy to be back in a learning environment and look forward to growing through the program, meeting people, and succeeding in my career.
