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.
Project Management, Adaptability, Strategic Decision-Making, Overcoming Challenges, Startup Environment
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
Video Highlights
1. Dealing with changing priorities in a fast-paced startup environment is a common challenge. A project you invest significant time in might be dropped due to strategic shifts.
2. The ability to be agile and adapt to change is crucial for success in this role. Priorities can change rapidly, requiring flexibility and the ability to adjust accordingly.
3. Product Managers need to balance individual project work with the overall strategic direction of the company. Understanding the bigger picture is key to making effective decisions, even when faced with setbacks.
Transcript
What is your biggest challenge in your current role?
Working in a startup environment, a priority one day can be totally abandoned the next week because we are in the ideation stage. You can spend hours putting your efforts towards one thing, and then the company pivots and goes in another direction.
Sometimes that means you have a project you've worked hard on, but realize it's not aligned with the company's direction. It's not that your work was bad; it's just that a strategic decision was made.
That can sometimes feel jarring. But that's what being in a startup is all about: being agile and flexible, and changing as the team is learning and growing.
Advizer Personal Links
No