From Consulting to Product Management: Pratik Ghosh’s Journey With ISB Online
In today’s dynamic tech landscape, the role of a Product Manager (PM) has become pivotal. According to Forrester’s 2024 Planning Guide, organizations are significantly increasing their investment in product management functions to better understand customer needs and deliver value-driven outcomes.
Despite this growing demand, many professionals aspiring to transition into product management face the classic “chicken-and-egg” dilemma: needing experience to secure a PM role, but requiring a PM role to gain that experience. Pratik Ghosh, an electronics engineer with an MBA and a background in consulting, encountered this very challenge. Determined to bridge this gap, he turned to the ISB Online Product Management Programme, offered in collaboration with Emeritus, to equip himself with the necessary skills and knowledge.
“You can’t get into product management unless you’ve built something or shown the skills for it. This programme was my launchpad,” says Pratik.
While working in the Life science and healthcare domain at Infosys Consulting, Pratik yearned to transition from advisory roles to building impactful products. A recommendation from a trusted college senior led him to the ISB Online Product Management Programme, offered via the Emeritus India platform.
“I asked him straight up—was it value for money? He said yes without hesitation. That was enough for me to give it a shot,” recalls Pratik.
His expectations were modest, anticipating a typical online course experience. However, the programme’s structure, emphasising live sessions and faculty interaction, exceeded his expectations.
“I assumed it would be like other online courses—watch videos, submit assignments. But the live sessions and faculty interaction completely changed my perception. They added so much value.”
ISB Online Product Management Programme: Bridging Theory and Practice
Even before officially stepping into a product management role, Pratik began applying the programme’s teachings to his consulting work.
“Earlier I would approach tasks mechanically. Now, with the frameworks from the course—like writing user stories or drafting PRDs—I approach them with much more clarity and depth.”
The capstone project, a culmination of the programme, allowed him to integrate and apply his learning comprehensively.
“You do things in pieces across the programme, but in the capstone, it all comes together. That’s when you know you’ve really understood the process end-to-end.”
Building a Community
Beyond academics, the programme fostered a sense of community among participants. A WhatsApp group became a hub for discussions, doubts, and resource sharing.
“We had a WhatsApp group that became our lifeline. If I had a doubt or needed a resource, someone was always there to help. Shoutout to Purujit from the cohort—he was super helpful.”
Balancing Commitments
Managing the programme alongside personal responsibilities was challenging. Pratik often had to juggle weekend classes with caregiving duties for his mother, who undergoes dialysis.
“I had to take her to the hospital and still attend classes. The flexibility of the programme, like recorded sessions and extended deadlines, made it possible. I’m grateful for that.”
Words of Encouragement
Pratik wholeheartedly recommends the ISB Online Product Management Programme.
“Absolutely. I’ve already done that through my LinkedIn post, and the response was amazing. Friends reached out asking about it. It was a great return on investment!”
For those contemplating a similar path, he offers this advice:
“Change is constant. Online learning is the new normal. If you’re serious about growth, invest in learning that fits into your life.”
Embark on Your Own Journey
Pratik’s story underscores the transformative power of structured learning and the importance of community and resilience. If you’re considering a transition into product management or aiming to enhance your skills, the ISB Online Product Management Programme on the Emeritus platform offers a comprehensive platform to achieve your goals.
If you’re a product enthusiast, aspiring PM, or a professional looking to make a career pivot, here’s what you can look forward to from the ISB Online Product Management Programme with Emeritus:
- A Structured Learning Journey
From product fundamentals to advanced topics like AI integration, the curriculum builds up logically, giving you a strong foundation and actionable knowledge. - Live Faculty Sessions That Enrich
Beyond pre-recorded content, regular live sessions and office hours foster engagement, offer real-time feedback, and deepen your understanding. - Capstone Project That Ties It All Together
Apply everything you’ve learned in a comprehensive, practical capstone project—just like Pratik did—to simulate real-world product scenarios. - A Supportive Peer Community
Exchange ideas, solve doubts, and grow your network through class discussions and peer interaction. - Directly Transferable Skills
From drafting user stories to building PRDs, everything you learn is industry-relevant and can be applied to your current role or future one. - Flexibility to Learn Without Pause
Designed for working professionals, the programme allows for manageable pacing and flexibility, especially for those juggling work and personal commitments.
As Pratik puts it, “You start slow, but by the end, you realise this wasn’t just a course—it was a transformative journey.”
