TL;DR
General Assembly's PM bootcamp gets you hired 3-6 months faster than a traditional degree, with a 79% job placement rate within 6 months. The bootcamp costs $14,950, while a degree can cost upwards of $100,000. Hiring managers prefer candidates with practical skills, making the bootcamp a more attractive option.
Who This Is For
This article is for individuals considering a career in product management, considering both General Assembly's degree program and PM bootcamp as viable options. With 85% of product managers holding a bachelor's degree, and the average salary ranging from $115,000 to over $200,000, it's essential to choose the right path to get hired quickly and start building a successful career.
What is the cost difference between General Assembly's degree and PM bootcamp?
The cost of General Assembly's degree program can range from $60,000 to over $100,000, while the PM bootcamp costs $14,950. This significant difference in cost can be a deciding factor for many individuals, with 71% of bootcamp graduates reporting a salary increase after completing the program.
How long does it take to get hired after completing each program?
General Assembly's PM bootcamp has a job placement rate of 79% within 6 months, with the average time to hire being 3-6 months. In contrast, traditional degree programs can take 1-2 years to complete, with an average time to hire of 6-12 months. Top companies such as Google, Amazon, and Microsoft have hired General Assembly bootcamp graduates, with salaries ranging from $100,000 to over $150,000.
What do hiring managers prefer when it comes to product management candidates?
Hiring managers prefer candidates with practical skills and experience, making General Assembly's PM bootcamp a more attractive option. The bootcamp provides hands-on training and real-world experience, with 90% of graduates reporting that they feel prepared for a product management role. In contrast, traditional degree programs often focus on theoretical knowledge, which may not be as valuable to hiring managers.
When does a traditional degree program win over the PM bootcamp?
A traditional degree program may be a better option for individuals who want to pursue a career in a specific industry, such as finance or healthcare, or for those who want to pursue a graduate degree. Additionally, some companies may require a traditional degree for certain roles, so it's essential to research the specific requirements of your desired career path.
Interview Stages / Process
The interview process for product management roles typically involves 4-6 stages, including an initial screening, a phone interview, and a series of in-person interviews. General Assembly's PM bootcamp provides training and preparation for these interviews, with 85% of graduates reporting that they feel confident in their ability to interview for product management roles. The process typically takes 2-4 weeks, with the average salary for product managers ranging from $115,000 to over $200,000.
Common Questions & Answers
Q：What is the average salary for product managers?
A：The average salary for product managers ranges from $115,000 to over $200,000, depending on the company, location, and experience.
Q：Do I need a traditional degree to get hired as a product manager?
A：No, many companies prioritize practical skills and experience over a traditional degree, making General Assembly's PM bootcamp a viable option.
Preparation Checklist
- Research the specific requirements of your desired career path
- Consider the cost and time commitment of each program
- Evaluate the job placement rates and salary outcomes of each program
- Prepare for interviews by practicing common product management interview questions
- Network with professionals in the field to learn more about the industry and job market
Mistakes to Avoid
- Not researching the specific requirements of your desired career path, resulting in unnecessary education or training
- Prioritizing a traditional degree over practical skills and experience, which may not be as valuable to hiring managers
- Not preparing for interviews, resulting in a lower chance of getting hired
- Not considering the cost and time commitment of each program, resulting in financial strain or burnout
- Not networking with professionals in the field, resulting in a lack of industry knowledge and connections
FAQ
- What is the job placement rate for General Assembly's PM bootcamp? 79% of graduates are hired within 6 months. General Assembly's PM bootcamp has a strong track record of getting graduates hired quickly, with top companies such as Google and Amazon hiring bootcamp graduates.
- How much does General Assembly's degree program cost? The cost can range from $60,000 to over $100,000. This significant cost difference can be a deciding factor for many individuals, with 71% of bootcamp graduates reporting a salary increase after completing the program.
- What is the average salary for product managers? The average salary ranges from $115,000 to over $200,000. The salary for product managers varies depending on the company, location, and experience, with top companies offering salaries over $200,000.
- Do I need a traditional degree to get hired as a product manager? No, many companies prioritize practical skills and experience. General Assembly's PM bootcamp provides hands-on training and real-world experience, making it a viable option for those who want to pursue a career in product management.
- How long does it take to complete General Assembly's PM bootcamp? The bootcamp is 12 weeks long. General Assembly's PM bootcamp is a fast and efficient way to gain the skills and knowledge needed to pursue a career in product management, with 90% of graduates reporting that they feel prepared for a product management role.
- What companies have hired General Assembly bootcamp graduates? Top companies such as Google, Amazon, and Microsoft have hired bootcamp graduates. General Assembly's PM bootcamp has a strong track record of getting graduates hired at top companies, with salaries ranging from $100,000 to over $150,000.