TLDR;
This video provides guidance on how service planners and product managers should choose a company to work for. It emphasises the importance of understanding the specific roles and responsibilities within a company, the relevance of the industry, and the organisational culture that fosters growth. The video stresses that the decision should be based on personal career goals and the learning opportunities available at each stage of one's career.
- Focus on the actual role over the job title.
- Consider how central IT is to the company's business model.
- Prioritise a company culture that encourages growth and adaptability.
Introduction [0:00]
The video introduces the increasing popularity of service planning and product management roles in the IT sector. It highlights the importance of not only being selected by a company but also being able to assess which company is the right fit for personal growth. The speaker aims to provide criteria for selecting a company based on the specific roles and responsibilities of service planners and product managers.
Understanding IT Planning Roles [1:22]
The video discusses the different roles within IT planning, ranging from strategic planning at the corporate level to service-level execution. These roles include business planners, product managers (PMs), product owners (POs), project managers, service planners, and UI/UX planners. The speaker notes that the definition of these roles can vary across companies, so it's crucial to examine the job description to understand the expected responsibilities.
Importance of Job Descriptions [2:38]
The speaker emphasises the importance of carefully reviewing job descriptions to understand the specific expectations of each role. A company might label a position as "Product Manager" but expect service planning tasks, or vice versa. Focusing on the actual responsibilities rather than just the job title is crucial. The speaker also mentions that many senior product managers have transitioned from business planning roles, indicating a similarity in the required skill sets.
Selecting the Right Industry [4:49]
The video addresses how to choose the right industry for IT planners. With IT services now prevalent across various sectors like travel, e-commerce, HR, education, and finance, the traditional notion of targeting only IT companies is outdated. The speaker advises considering how integral IT is to the company's core business model.
Company Size and Culture [5:19]
The speaker shares insights from product managers across different experience levels, highlighting the importance of considering company size and culture. Start-ups often provide more opportunities for growth and a faster-paced environment compared to larger corporations. The speaker advises to consider whether a company outsources its IT development, as this can limit the growth potential for IT professionals.
Core Business Model [6:40]
The video stresses the significance of how closely a company's core business model is tied to IT. Companies that generate revenue primarily online are more likely to invest heavily in their IT departments compared to those with diversified online and offline channels. The level of investment and focus on IT can greatly impact the opportunities available for IT planners.
Organisational Culture [7:04]
The speaker recommends paying close attention to the organisational culture of a company. A good culture is defined as one that adapts quickly to market changes, invests in new ventures, and is open to hiring experienced professionals rather than relying solely on internal promotions. While start-ups often embody these qualities, it's important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of company size and stability.
Conclusion [7:42]
In conclusion, the video revisits the initial question of how to choose the right company for service planners and PMs. The speaker emphasises the importance of self-awareness, career planning, and selecting an environment that offers the most learning opportunities. The ideal company differs for entry-level, mid-career, and leadership positions. The speaker advises against choosing a company solely based on its reputation or salary, as this may hinder long-term career growth.
