DISCUSSIONS

[Seeking advice] Jump to product consultant or keep pushing for software engineering?

Keli Chiu image

Keli Chiu

Welcome to Fairygodboss!

We’re the largest online career community helping women achieve their career goals. Gain access to articles, jobs, events, and a supportive network of women and allies. Membership is free, always.

[Seeking advice] Jump to product consultant or keep pushing for software engineering?

I would love to hear your thoughts.

I was previously a software engineer with 2 years of experience. I had a two-year period of unemployment due to family responsibilities. I am recently job searching and yes I'm experiencing challenges like many of us did these days. Last week, the company where my friend works has an opening of product consultant, and she made a referral for me on my request. I am interested in this position because their technology is very similar to what I have worked with, but I would be in a much less technical position and much more client-facing. In my previous role, I enjoyed giving demo to potential clients and kind of building relationship with them, so I think I would enjoy the product consultant role.

BUT, I'm not sure about this move. Although I just applied yesterday and not yet get an interview, I'm already overthinking. Here are my dilemmas:

# Much fewer technical tasks: I enjoyed client-facing tasks in my previous role when it's only a smart part of my time. I really enjoyed programming, and I'm not sure if being client-facing for the majority of the time is for me. I am also lack of consultancy experience, which is not something to be learned by YouTube tutorials.

# Transition back to engineering later: My friend suggested me to take on the product consultant role for now to end my career gap. If I still want to be an engineer, I just switch back later. I'm not sure how an software engineer applicant whose last job title is product consultant would be disadvantaged, or is it still better than a two-year gap?

# Career prospect: I stay as a product consultant and want to seek for other opportunities in the future, I read that the path is leaning towards the "product" side of the things. What are the positions that are in this path? If you are in the product domain, I would love to hear your experience, too!

Really thank you for reading to the end, please don't hesitate to share your thoughts. Virtual hugs.

Why women love us:

  • Daily articles on career topics
  • Jobs at companies dedicated to hiring more women
  • Advice and support from an authentic community
  • Events that help you level up in your career
  • Free membership, always

Like

6 comments

Share

Share your insight

Join an authentic community that helps women support each other at work. Share your professional experience or ask for advice — you can even post anonymously.

6 Comments

Join the conversation
  1. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist

    I can't speak to the specific differences between these two opportunites but one thing I would consider is the long term job prospects in these spaces - specifically the software engineering space.

    There have been so many layoffs of very qualified engineers with tons of experience in that space and a lot of those jobs are not coming back. AI is having an impact - how could that potentially impact your longterm job prospects?

  2. Keli Chiu

    Thank you for your input!

  3. Anonymous

    I agree with your friend that you can transition into something more technical later if this is a way to end your unemployment gap. One thing I would caution, however, is that I have worked in this space, and there is a very short window of becoming a "dinosaur." Keep your education and certifications up to date, and continue learning in new and emerging technologies, or you may find your knowledge gap is a more significant barrier than the employment gap.

  4. Keli Chiu

    Thank you for your input!

  5. Anonymous

    ># Transition back to engineering later

    ># Career prospect
    Both good options and so for now, go through the interview process. Be reasonable about how you fit the current role ONLY! and getting that job. Don't overthink things now. Take it if it is offered to you, and in 6 months reassess the items above. Getting a role in a good company where you have an internal sponsor who you can work with is everything, the rest is gravy. Go get em!

  6. Hennessssy
    Earlier this year I took on bookkeeping for a friend’s fledgling bakery only to discover my exported expense report from their vendor portal refused to import cleanly into QuickBooks. Deadlines were looming and I couldn’t risk slipping on payroll. I logged a ticket at https://quickbooks-intuit.pissedconsumer.com/customer-service.html and within a handful of emails the rep shared an alternate CSV template and a step-by-step import guide that bypassed the format errors. Watching those expenses flow in without hiccups made tax prep feel almost enjoyable. Having that resource in my back pocket gave me confidence I could tackle more complex imports down the road.

Browse recent posts

jljl3ph
Plan construction projects with the Concrete Calculator, a practical online tool for estimating material quantities, calculating concrete requirements, managing costs, and simplifying building work.
Hiii everyone!
I'm. Current looking for remote jobs
Your trusted partner for a cleaner, healthier home in Los Angeles, California. At Quick Clean Carpet Care, we've been providing top-notch carpet cleaning, upholstery cleaning, pet accident treatment, hard floor cleaning, rug cleaning, window cleaning, and house washing services for over 9 years. Our team of experts uses eco-friendly solutions and state-of-the-art equipment to leave your home sparkling clean and germ-free. From stain removal to deep cleaning, we've got you covered. Serving Los Angeles and surrounding areas, we're committed to delivering exceptional customer service and unparalleled results. Call us today to schedule your appointment and experience the Quick Clean difference!
Your trusted partner for a cleaner, healthier home in Los Angeles, California. At Quick Clean Carpet Care, we've been providing top-notch carpet cleaning, upholstery cleaning, pet accident treatment, hard floor cleaning, rug cleaning, window cleaning, and house washing services for over 9 years. Our team of experts uses eco-friendly solutions and state-of-the-art equipment to leave your home sparkling clean and germ-free. From stain removal to deep cleaning, we've got you covered. Serving Los Angeles and surrounding areas, we're committed to delivering exceptional customer service and unparalleled results. Call us today to schedule your appointment and experience the Quick Clean difference!
See more
Fairygodboss VIP
Achieve your career goals.
Be part of the largest online career community for women to find jobs, advice, and support — for free.
Fairygodboss members