Recently, I had the incredible honor of being invited to Purdue University’s Product Conference as a speaker. This experience was both thrilling and humbling, and I’m beyond excited to share the journey with you. From the invitation to the conference itself and the incredible people I met, here’s a recap of this unforgettable adventure.
The Invitation: A Moment of Joy
When I first received the invitation, I was over the moon. Purdue University is renowned for its excellence, and being asked to speak at their Product Management Conference was a dream come true. Adding to the excitement, they extended my stay, allowing me to network, conduct podcasts, and even attend their Industrial Round Table—one of the largest career fairs in the United States.
On top of that, I had the chance to meet Eric, the Senior Program Director of the Engineering Management Department, and connect with several other inspiring individuals.
The Journey: From Chicago to Purdue
After landing in Chicago, I decided to rent a car for the drive to Purdue. Chicago’s skyline never fails to impress, and as a frequent visitor, I always enjoy soaking in the city’s vibrancy. Most students traveling to Purdue opt for buses or shuttles from Chicago, but for me, driving offered a refreshing change of pace and the freedom to enjoy the scenic route.
Arriving at Purdue: Warm Welcomes and New Connections
Upon arriving at the hotel, I was greeted by the brilliant organizer of the conference, T. She’s the mastermind behind the event and the person who made this experience so seamless and memorable. T’s dedication and enthusiasm were infectious, setting the tone for an incredible event.
Preparing for the Conference
My topic for the conference was Strategic Planning in Startups, specifically focusing on Program Increment (PI) Planning under the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe). PI Planning is a crucial process in agile product management where teams collaborate to outline three months of work.
Preparing the presentation was an exciting challenge. I wanted to not only share theoretical knowledge but also make the session interactive with a hands-on activity. The task of organizing an activity for 50-60 attendees within a one-hour breakout session required meticulous planning. I broke the audience into smaller teams to encourage participation and ensure a smooth experience.
The Conference: A Day of Inspiration
The big day arrived, and I joined the other speakers at Purdue’s Stewart Center. The energy was palpable, and the lineup of events was impressive. Breakfast offered a chance to network with fellow speakers, students, and professionals.
One of the highlights was meeting Pavitra, a VP from California who previously worked at Apple and HP, and John McMahan, Director of Product Management at Indeed.com. Each speaker brought a wealth of knowledge and unique perspectives on product management, making every session a learning opportunity.
My Breakout Session: Strategic Planning in Action
When it was time for my session, I shared insights into how startups approach strategic planning, emphasizing why PI Planning is essential. The hands-on activity was a success, fostering collaboration and sparking lively discussions among the attendees.
Despite the time constraints, the energy and engagement of the participants made it an incredibly rewarding experience.
The Dinner and Informal Chats
After the sessions, I joined the Product Club members and other speakers for dinner. It was a relaxed evening filled with meaningful conversations, laughter, and camaraderie. These informal interactions often provide the most valuable insights, and this evening was no exception.
Reflections from Attendees
The students’ enthusiasm was contagious. Many shared how inspired they felt by the sessions and the speakers’ willingness to give back to the community. Here are a few standout reflections:
- Star-struck yet relatable: One attendee mentioned how meeting industry leaders felt like a dream but also noted how approachable and empathetic everyone was.
- Key takeaways: Another participant appreciated the speakers’ advice on pitching ideas effectively, a skill crucial for aspiring product managers.
- Inspiration to build: The conference was a reminder of what students can achieve when they take initiative. Purdue’s Product Club itself is a testament to this, having been founded just a year ago.
Advice for Aspiring Product Managers
One recurring theme from the conference was the power of initiative. If your school or community lacks a product club or any other platform you’re passionate about, take the leap to start one. Collaborate with like-minded individuals, seek support, and make it happen.
As T aptly put it, “Don’t hesitate. Reach out to people for help and make things happen.”
A Heartfelt Thank You
As I reflect on this journey, I’m filled with gratitude—for the opportunity to speak, for the incredible people I met, and for the chance to learn from such a vibrant community. Special thanks to T and the Product Club team for their hard work in organizing this event and making me feel so welcome.
Closing Thoughts
The Purdue University Product Conference was not just an event; it was an experience that reinforced the importance of learning, sharing, and community. Whether you’re an aspiring product manager or an industry veteran, events like these remind us of the power of collaboration and continuous growth.
To all the students and professionals out there, keep learning, keep building, and always seize opportunities to connect and share. Purdue, thank you for having me—I can’t wait to return!
