Ashley, Product Manager at Education Non-Profit: Advize Career Interview
A career path blending business acumen with a passion for education!
A Product Manager at an education non-profit, this professional's journey began with traditional business internships but took an inspiring turn with eight years teaching math through Teach for America.
Now, the role involves curriculum development, coaching management, and working directly on educational materials, a dynamic mix that demands adaptability and flexibility within a fast-paced startup environment. The most rewarding aspect?
Being at the forefront of creating better virtual learning experiences and making a direct impact on students' lives. Aspiring professionals should explore diverse opportunities in college and embrace failure as a stepping stone to growth.
Entry-level positions abound in business, sales, operations, and curriculum development, with teaching experience proving a significant advantage.
This individual’s journey showcases the value of a winding path, a commitment to excellence, and a mission-driven approach to achieving impactful results in the exciting field of educational technology.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Ashley Michelson
Product Manager
Education Non-Profit
University of Southern California 2012
Loyola Marymount University, Urban Education
Business Management & Admin
Education
Product / Service / Software Development and Management
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Career Path of a Product Manager at Education Non-Profit
Ashley's career path began with business internships at companies like Coca-Cola and General Mills, but a "quarter life crisis" led to a pivot into teaching math with Teach for America for eight years. This unexpected path ultimately led to their current fulfilling role as a product manager at an education non-profit, successfully fusing "my love of business with my education background".
Main Responsibilities of a Product Manager at an Education Non-Profit
Ashley, a Product Manager at an education non-profit startup, describes a dynamic role where they are "the first person hired," handling curriculum development, managing coaches, and working on the educational text itself, showcasing a blend of "business acumen," teaching, and curriculum development skills. This variety makes each day different and allows for the exercise of diverse skill sets.
A Day in the Life of a Product Manager at an Education Non Profit
Ashley, a Product Manager at an education non-profit, describes a varied workday focused on bringing a curriculum product to market, noting that "every day is different". This involves extensive coordination with graphic designers, AI tech teams, and others, encompassing "everything involved with taking this product to Market".
Most Important Skills for a Product Manager at an Education Non Profit
Ashley, a Product Manager at an Education Non-Profit, emphasizes the importance of "adaptability and flexibility" and a "commitment to excellence" in this role, requiring a keen eye for company standards. Their ideal candidate possesses background knowledge in education, pedagogy, and ideally, classroom experience.
Favorite Parts of Being a Product Manager at an Education Non-Profit
Ashley, a Product Manager at an education non-profit, thrives on the collaborative environment where "ideas are just being thrown around," fostering creativity and impactful product development. This passion is further fueled by the mission-driven nature of the work, supporting students' social and emotional skills, which provides Ashley with a profound sense of purpose and meaning.
Biggest Challenges Faced By a Product Manager at Education Non-Profit
Ashley's biggest challenge as a Product Manager at an education non-profit is the inherent agility of a startup environment; the constant pivoting, where "something is a priority one day and…abandoned the next week," can be jarring despite the understanding that it's part of the learning and growth process. This requires flexibility and adaptation to changing strategic directions.
Favorite Parts Of Working In The Education Technology Industry As A Product Manager
Ashley, a Product Manager at an education non-profit, finds the most rewarding aspect of the education technology industry to be "at the forefront of trying to create a better virtual learning experience for students," a passion fueled by their pandemic teaching experience. The knowledge that Ashley's work directly impacts students' lives and "will touch their lives in some way" gives their career deep meaning.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Education Industry, According To A Product Manager At An Education Non-Profit
Ashley, a Product Manager at an Education Non-Profit, identifies key traits for success in the sector as being "passionate about education," "highly organized and motivated," and "mission-driven," further emphasizing the need for resilience, openness to feedback, and a willingness to "throw out a crazy idea." This reflects a career path requiring both strategic thinking and a commitment to innovative problem-solving within the education field.
What A Product Manager At Education Non-Profit Wishes They Had Known Before Entering The Education Industry
Ashley, a product manager at an education non-profit, advises aspiring professionals to carefully consider the reduced daily student interaction inherent in roles outside the classroom, stating, "being in front of students...fuels your soul". A successful transition requires prioritizing other aspects of the work and accepting a shift away from the daily joys of teaching.
Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Product Managers at an Education Non-Profit
Education technology offers many entry-level roles, including business, sales, operations, and internships on the curricular side. A background in teaching or tutoring is "a huge asset" for curricular roles, according to the Product Manager at the Education Non-Profit.
Significant Career Lesson From A Product Manager At Education Non Profit
Ashley's most significant career lesson, learned after transitioning from a "perfect scores" academic background, is the necessity of embracing failure. The experience of working with "hundreds of variables called children" taught the professional to process failure constructively, viewing it as crucial for growth, a lesson still being implemented a decade into their career.
How College Helped a Product Manager at Education Non-Profit Succeed
Ashley's undergraduate success stemmed from "explor[ing] multiple career paths" through diverse internships, extracurriculars, and classes outside their major, broadening their horizons and ultimately contributing to their current product management role, even if not via a direct route. Study abroad further expanded their perspective, showcasing the value of a winding path to career success.
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