In the Field: Product management insights at ProductCon SF

Northeastern in Silicon Valley students share their stories of experiential learning in the series In the Field: Student Experiences.

by Kaustubha Venkata Eluri, MS in Computer Science ’26

At ProductCon San Francisco 2024, I experienced an incredible fusion of personal inspiration and professional development, surrounded by some of the most innovative minds in the product management world. Hosted by Product School, the event attracted leaders and aspiring product managers alike, eager to dive into the latest trends and technologies that are shaping the future of product development. It was a day filled with groundbreaking discussions, practical workshops, and powerful networking opportunities that left me feeling energized and ready to push boundaries in my own work.

One of the event’s most memorable moments came when the Chief Product Officer (CPO) of Grammarly took the stage. They spoke candidly about the company’s journey, the challenges it faced, and how it grew into a leader in writing assistance. The ups and downs, the need for adaptability, and the persistence in scaling despite hurdles resonated with me, reinforcing the reality that even successful companies face significant struggles along the way. This message of resilience connected deeply with my own drive to innovate within the product management space.

A speaker at ProductCon

The CEO and Co-Founder of Amplitude also shared a captivating story of how he started the company and led it to become a leader in product analytics. His talk, which covered the initial struggles, growth strategies, and the present state of Amplitude, inspired me by showcasing how starting small with a clear vision can lead to impactful success. His insights on scaling effectively and leveraging data-driven strategies hit home, further motivating me to focus on creating data-centric product solutions.

Equally impactful was the session from the CPO of Walmart, who highlighted how AI Product Management is revolutionizing Walmart’s platforms, benefiting both employees and customers. The talk explored how Walmart has integrated AI to optimize customer experiences and streamline internal processes, reflecting how technology is driving digital transformation on a massive scale. This discussion was particularly exciting for me, aligning with their interest in applying AI in next-generation product development and demonstrating the possibilities of AI-powered innovations in large organizations.

The event also had its personal highlights, including when I received a signed copy of “How to Become a Great Product Manager,” authored by the CEO of Product School. This book, renowned for its practical advice and step-by-step strategies for aspiring product managers, became a special memento from the event. The personal signature added a meaningful touch, reinforcing the commitment to becoming a standout product manager.

The author with Carlos González de Villaumbrosia, CEO of The Product School

In addition to the insightful talks, I found value in the hands-on workshops that covered essential skills like prioritizing customer feedback, building minimum viable products (MVPs), and understanding AI’s role in shaping the future of products. The interactive sessions allowed attendees to practice real-world applications, and I eagerly absorbed these lessons, leaving with new techniques to apply in current and future projects.

ProductCon San Francisco 2024 was not just an event—it was a defining moment in my product management journey. With lessons learned from thought leaders, a signed copy of a key industry book, and the motivation to apply new insights, I left the event inspired and ready to take on new challenges. The experience offered both the professional tools and personal encouragement needed to push forward in the fast-evolving field of product management.

Students who want to contribute a story to this series are encouraged to email [email protected] to suggest a topic.