Former Software Engineer Switches to Product Management After MBA

Harshita Pal left her well-paying job to pursue a new career path, sharing 3 steps that helped her pivot successfully.

Published on Feb. 3, 2026

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After nearly a decade as a software engineer, Harshita Pal quit her job to pursue a career in product management. The 33-year-old earned an MBA, landed an internship at a Big Tech company, and ultimately received a full-time offer as a product manager at the same company where she interned.

Why it matters

Pal's story highlights how an engineering background can translate to a product management role, and the value of an MBA and strategic internship in making a successful career pivot. Her experience demonstrates that with the right preparation and determination, professionals can make unconventional moves to find more fulfilling work.

The details

Pal enjoyed her work as a software engineer, but felt disconnected from the broader business context and user impact. She decided to pursue product management, which allowed her to influence what products were created and why. To make the transition, Pal joined an MBA program to develop business skills, landed a product management internship at a Big Tech company, and ultimately received a full-time offer there after impressing her team.

  • Pal quit her software engineering job in 2021.
  • She started an MBA program at the University of California, Irvine the same year.
  • Pal completed a 3-month product management internship at a Big Tech company.
  • After graduating, Pal received a full-time product manager offer at the same Big Tech company.

The players

Harshita Pal

A 33-year-old former software engineer who made a career pivot to product management after earning an MBA and completing a Big Tech internship.

University of California, Irvine

The university where Pal pursued her MBA to gain business skills and prepare for a product management role.

Big Tech company

The technology company where Pal completed a product management internship and was later offered a full-time product manager position.

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What they’re saying

“It wasn't about leaving engineering behind; it was about moving toward a place where I could add value on a different level.”

— Harshita Pal, Former Software Engineer (Business Insider)

“To transition from engineering to a product role and excel in it, I realized I had to develop a solid grasp of finance, marketing, strategy, and entrepreneurship — areas that weren't really part of my daily routine as a software engineer.”

— Harshita Pal, Former Software Engineer (Business Insider)

“I showcased my problem-solving abilities, technical know-how, and passion for user and business outcomes.”

— Harshita Pal, Former Software Engineer (Business Insider)

What’s next

Pal's successful career pivot could inspire other engineers or technical professionals to explore product management as a new path. Her story demonstrates that with the right preparation and determination, unconventional career changes are possible.

The takeaway

Pal's journey shows that an engineering background can be an asset in transitioning to product management, and that an MBA, strategic internship, and a compelling narrative can help professionals make a successful career pivot to a new field.