UIUC degree and PM bootcamp both lead to product management roles, but the degree takes 4 years and costs $200,000, while the bootcamp takes 3-6 months and costs $10,000-$20,000. Hiring managers prefer UIUC degree holders, but bootcamp graduates can get hired faster with relevant skills. UIUC degree holders have a median salary of $125,000, while bootcamp graduates have a median salary of $110,000.
Who This Is For
This article is for University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) students and graduates who are considering a career in product management. With over 1,500 students graduating from UIUC's College of Business and College of Engineering each year, many are looking for ways to break into the tech industry as product managers. This article will help them decide between pursuing a UIUC degree and attending a PM bootcamp.
What is the cost difference between a UIUC degree and a PM bootcamp?
A UIUC degree costs around $200,000 for 4 years, while a PM bootcamp costs $10,000-$20,000 for 3-6 months. The average cost of attending a public university like UIUC is $20,000 per year for in-state students and $35,000 per year for out-of-state students. In contrast, PM bootcamps like Product School and General Assembly offer courses for $10,000-$20,000.
How long does it take to get hired as a product manager with a UIUC degree vs a PM bootcamp?
It takes around 6-12 months to get hired as a product manager with a UIUC degree, while it takes around 3-6 months with a PM bootcamp. The average time to hire for product managers is 6-12 months, with a median salary of $125,000. In contrast, PM bootcamp graduates can get hired faster, with a median salary of $110,000.
What do hiring managers prefer: a UIUC degree or a PM bootcamp?
Hiring managers prefer UIUC degree holders, but also value relevant skills and experience. 60% of hiring managers prefer candidates with a degree from a top-tier university like UIUC. However, 40% of hiring managers also value relevant skills and experience, such as those gained through a PM bootcamp.
When does a UIUC degree win over a PM bootcamp?
A UIUC degree wins over a PM bootcamp when it comes to long-term career prospects and networking opportunities. UIUC graduates have a strong network of alumni in the tech industry, with companies like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft. Additionally, a UIUC degree provides a strong foundation in business and engineering, which can lead to long-term career prospects.
When does a PM bootcamp win over a UIUC degree?
A PM bootcamp wins over a UIUC degree when it comes to time-to-hire and cost. Graduates can get hired faster and at a lower cost than UIUC degree holders. Additionally, PM bootcamps provide relevant skills and experience, which can be valuable to hiring managers.
Interview Stages / Process
The interview process for product managers typically involves 4-6 rounds, including a phone screen, technical interview, and final interview. The average interview process takes around 6-12 weeks. PM bootcamp graduates can prepare for the interview process by practicing common product management interview questions and completing projects and case studies.
Common Questions & Answers
Q：What is the average salary for a product manager with a UIUC degree?
A：The average salary for a product manager with a UIUC degree is $125,000.
Q：What is the average salary for a product manager with a PM bootcamp?
A：The average salary for a product manager with a PM bootcamp is $110,000.
Preparation Checklist
- Research PM bootcamps like Product School and General Assembly
- Practice common product management interview questions
- Complete projects and case studies
- Network with UIUC alumni in the tech industry
- Consider taking courses like CS 126 and CS 427 at UIUC
- Prepare for the interview process by practicing technical interviews and final interviews
Mistakes to Avoid
- Not having relevant skills and experience
- Not networking with UIUC alumni in the tech industry
- Not preparing for the interview process
- Not considering the cost and time-to-hire differences between a UIUC degree and a PM bootcamp
- Not researching PM bootcamps and their outcomes
FAQ
What is the cost of a UIUC degree? The cost of a UIUC degree is around $200,000 for 4 years. The cost includes tuition, fees, and living expenses. The estimated cost of attendance for the 2022-2023 academic year is $26,000 for in-state students and $43,000 for out-of-state students.
What is the cost of a PM bootcamp? The cost of a PM bootcamp is $10,000-$20,000 for 3-6 months. The cost includes tuition and fees. The cost of their PM bootcamp is $13,000 for 3 months.
How long does it take to get hired as a product manager with a UIUC degree? It takes around 6-12 months to get hired as a product manager with a UIUC degree. The average time to hire for product managers is 6-12 months. UIUC degree holders can get hired faster by networking with alumni and practicing common product management interview questions.
How long does it take to get hired as a product manager with a PM bootcamp? It takes around 3-6 months to get hired as a product manager with a PM bootcamp. Graduates can get hired faster by practicing common product management interview questions and completing projects and case studies.
What do hiring managers prefer: a UIUC degree or a PM bootcamp? Hiring managers prefer UIUC degree holders, but also value relevant skills and experience. 60% of hiring managers prefer candidates with a degree from a top-tier university like UIUC. However, 40% of hiring managers also value relevant skills and experience, such as those gained through a PM bootcamp.
What is the average salary for a product manager with a UIUC degree vs a PM bootcamp? The average salary for a product manager with a UIUC degree is $125,000, while the average salary for a product manager with a PM bootcamp is $110,000. The median salary for product managers is $125,000. However, PM bootcamp graduates can increase their salary by gaining relevant skills and experience.