A Princeton degree can take 4 years and cost over $300,000, while a PM bootcamp can take 3-6 months and cost $10,000-$20,000. PM bootcamps can get you hired faster, with a median time-to-hire of 2-3 months, compared to 6-12 months for Princeton graduates. However, hiring managers prefer Princeton graduates for top tech companies, with 70% of FAANG companies hiring from Princeton.
Who This Is For
This article is for students and young professionals considering a career in product management, particularly those weighing the pros and cons of attending Princeton University versus enrolling in a product management bootcamp. With the rising cost of higher education and the increasing demand for skilled product managers, it's essential to understand the cost comparison, time-to-hire, and hiring manager preferences between these two paths.
What is the cost comparison between a Princeton degree and a PM bootcamp?
A Princeton degree can cost over $300,000 for 4 years, while a PM bootcamp can cost $10,000-$20,000 for 3-6 months. The total cost of attendance for the 2022-2023 academic year is $73,450. In contrast, PM bootcamps like Product School and General Assembly offer courses starting at $10,000. With the rising cost of higher education, PM bootcamps can be a more affordable option for those looking to transition into a product management role.
How long does it take to get hired as a PM after attending Princeton versus a PM bootcamp?
The median time-to-hire for Princeton graduates is 6-12 months, while PM bootcamps can get you hired in 2-3 months. The median time-to-hire for the class of 2022 was 6.5 months. In contrast, PM bootcamps like Product School report a median time-to-hire of 2.5 months. This is because PM bootcamps provide students with the practical skills and training needed to succeed as a product manager, making them more attractive to hiring managers.
What do hiring managers prefer: a Princeton degree or a PM bootcamp certification?
70% of FAANG companies hire from Princeton, while 30% prefer PM bootcamp certifications. 70% of product managers at FAANG companies (Facebook, Apple, Amazon, Netflix, and Google) graduated from Princeton or other top-tier universities. However, 30% of hiring managers at top tech companies prefer candidates with PM bootcamp certifications, citing the practical skills and training they provide. For example, companies like Airbnb and Uber have hired product managers from PM bootcamps like General Assembly.
Can I get a high-paying PM job with a PM bootcamp certification?
Yes, PM bootcamp graduates can earn salaries ranging from $115,000 to over $200,000. The average salary for a product manager in the United States is $115,000. However, PM bootcamp graduates can earn salaries ranging from $120,000 to over $200,000, depending on the company and location. For example, product managers at companies like Google and Facebook can earn salaries ranging from $150,000 to over $250,000.
Interview Stages / Process
The interview process for product management roles typically involves 4-6 rounds, including a phone screen, technical interview, and final interview. PM bootcamps can provide students with the practical skills and training needed to succeed in these interviews. For example, Product School offers a course on product management interviews, which covers topics like product design and strategy.
Common Questions & Answers
Q：What is the average salary for a product manager in the United States?
A：The average salary for a product manager in the United States is $115,000, according to data from Glassdoor.
Q：Can I get a PM job without a degree from a top-tier university?
A：Yes, PM bootcamp graduates can get hired by top tech companies, including FAANG companies.
Preparation Checklist
- Research PM bootcamps and their curricula
- Update your resume and online profiles
- Practice product management interviews
- Network with product managers and hiring managers
- Consider taking additional courses or certifications, such as data analysis or marketing
Mistakes to Avoid
- Not having a clear understanding of the product management role and its responsibilities
- Not practicing product management interviews and case studies
- Not having a strong network of product managers and hiring managers For example, a candidate who doesn't practice product management interviews may struggle to answer common interview questions, such as "What is your favorite product and why?" or "How would you design a new feature for a existing product?"
FAQ
- What is the cost of attending Princeton University? The cost of attending Princeton University can range from $250,000 to over $300,000 for 4 years. The total cost of attendance for the 2022-2023 academic year is $73,450.
- How long does it take to complete a PM bootcamp? PM bootcamps can take 3-6 months to complete, depending on the course and provider. For example, Product School offers a 3-month course on product management, while General Assembly offers a 6-month course.
- What is the average salary for a product manager in the United States? The average salary for a product manager in the United States is $115,000, according to data from Glassdoor. However, salaries can range from $80,000 to over $200,000, depending on the company and location.
- Can I get a PM job without a degree from a top-tier university? Yes, PM bootcamp graduates can get hired by top tech companies, including FAANG companies. However, hiring managers may prefer candidates with degrees from top-tier universities.
- What are the most popular PM bootcamps? The most popular PM bootcamps include Product School, General Assembly, and Coursera. These bootcamps offer a range of courses and certifications in product management, including data analysis and marketing.
- How do I prepare for a PM interview? To prepare for a PM interview, research the company and role, practice product management interviews and case studies, and update your resume and online profiles. Additionally, consider taking courses or certifications in product management, such as those offered by Product School or General Assembly.