L131 : Mastering Career Transitions: How Nat MacDonald Moved from Engineering to Product Management

In this captivating interview, we dive deep into the career journey of Nat MacDonald, who transitioned from a senior mechanical engineer at BuroHappold to a product manager at TestFit. Nat shares invaluable insights into his shift from the architecture and engineering industry to the tech startup world, highlighting the unique challenges and learning experiences along the way. The audience will be intrigued by Nat's passion for process improvement through technology and his role in enhancing efficiencies within AEC firms. Throughout the conversation, Nat elaborates on the dynamics of working at a growing startup, the importance of customer feedback, and the collaborative culture at Test Fit. He also touches on the potential impact of advanced technologies like ChatGPT on the AEC space and offers sage advice for aspiring engineers and product managers. Join us to learn more about how domain expertise can shape a fulfilling product management career and the exciting future of AEC technology. 00:50 - Career Transition: Mechanical Engineer to Product Manager 03:05 - Joining TestFit and Role at a Startup 04:17 - Interview Process and Preparation 05:34 - Daily Work as a Product Manager 08:23 - Tools and Systems for Product Management 10:11 - Conducting Effective Customer Interviews 12:12 - Customer Engagement and Conversion 14:11 - Advantages of Domain Expertise in Product Management 16:35 - Recommended Resources for Product Managers 17:58 - Misconceptions About Transitioning to Product Management 19:41 - Future of AEC Tech Space 22:26 - Challenges as a Mechanical Engineer 24:38 - Impact of AI Tools like ChatGPT on the Profession 27:54 - Advice for Aspiring Engineers 29:46 - Measuring Progress as a Product Manager 31:55 - Culture at test fit and Remote Work 34:17 - Final Thoughts and Industry Passion #natMacDonald #testfit #aecproductmanger