What A Senior Content Program Manager At An Edtech Company Wishes They Had Known Before Entering Edtech
Sasha's experience transitioning from program management in a school district to a leading EdTech company revealed a significant difference in scope; the new role is "much more implementation focused," requiring tactical work across numerous teams, unlike the strategic planning involved in their previous position. This highlights the contrast between vertical, strategically-focused program management and the more horizontal, connective nature of the role in a fast-paced tech environment.
Project Management, Teamwork, Communication, Industry Realities, Workplace Challenges
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Sasha Ban
Senior Content Program Manager
Leading Edtech Company
Barnard College
UCLA MBA
Biology & Related Sciences
Education, Technology
Operations and Project Management
Greek Life Member, Student Athlete
Video Highlights
1. The role of a program manager in a tech company is more horizontal and connective than in other sectors, requiring collaboration across various teams.
2. Unlike roles in other sectors, the job is primarily implementation-focused, offering less involvement in strategic planning.
3. To excel in this role, one must be comfortable with tactical, detail-oriented work while maintaining the ability to connect disparate elements and see the bigger picture.
Transcript
What have you learned about this role that you wish someone would have told you before you entered the industry?
In program management at a tech company, you handle a wide variety of tasks. The role is very horizontal and connective.
When I worked in program management for a school district, I owned specific verticals and was involved in strategic planning down to implementation. My current role is much more implementation-focused.
This allows me to work with many different teams, which is nice. However, I don't get to build and plan things at a strategic level.
You have to be comfortable with very tactical, in-the-weeds work, but still be able to connect different pieces.