(Need Advice) Moving from Digital Engineering TPM to Retail BI - Smart Move or Side step
(Need Advice) Moving from Digital Engineering TPM to Retail BI - Smart Move or Side Step?
Hey everyone, I’m at a bit of a crossroads in my career and would love some outside perspective.
I’m currently a Technical Program Manager (contractor) at a big retail e-commerce brand, working in the Digital Engineering org—specifically with a team that manages web-facing micro-frontend architecture. My day-to-day involves platform planning, cross-team coordination, and leading scrum across multiple engineering squads. I have had exposure to a myriad of tech stacks here ranging from cloud infrastructure, observability and monitoring to frontend optimization.
The Opportunity
Now, my leadership wants to move me to a Retail Tech BI team that builds Power BI dashboards and reporting solutions for stores (think sales, ops, inventory insights, etc). I’d still be in a TPM role, but the nature of the work will shift heavily toward analytics, stakeholder management with store/retail teams, and working closely with the data/Power BI toolchain.
Why I’m Unsure
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Passion for Tech: I love working with tech teams, discussing architecture, and keeping one foot in the engineering world.
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Enjoyment in Leadership: I also enjoy people leadership, cross-functional visibility, and storytelling with data.
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Financial Responsibilities: I do have financial responsibilities, so upward growth and long-term skill building are important.
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Fear of Stagnation: I worry that moving to BI might reduce my depth in tech and turn me into a “report ticket tracker.”
Questions I Have
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Has anyone made a similar switch from engineering-facing TPM to analytics/BI?
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Does BI/analytics give enough strategic exposure and growth if I’m aiming for future leadership roles?
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Is this a smart way to broaden my skills or a detour that limits long-term tech influence?
Insights and Perspectives
It’s understandable to feel uncertain when faced with such a pivotal career decision. Here are some insights based on my experience that could help clarify your path:
1. Transitioning from Engineering to BI
Making a shift from an engineering-focused role to one oriented around business intelligence can indeed be a significant change, but it doesn’t have to be a step back. Many professionals have successfully transitioned to BI roles, leveraging their technical background to bring a unique perspective to data storytelling.
For instance, I once managed a team member who transitioned from software engineering to a data analytics role. Initially, they felt their technical depth might diminish, but they discovered that their engineering skills provided a strong foundation in understanding data architecture and tools, which ultimately made them a valuable asset in their new team.
2. Strategic Exposure and Growth in BI
The BI domain is increasingly becoming a strategic driver in organizations. Given your interest in storytelling with data, you may find that the role offers substantial opportunities to influence decisions at the highest levels. You will have the chance to engage with cross-functional teams, providing insights that can shape product direction and operational efficiency.
It’s worth noting that many leaders in tech today have backgrounds in analytics, as data-driven decision-making is paramount in driving business success.
3. Broadening Skills vs. Limiting Influence
While your concerns about becoming a “report ticket tracker” are valid, consider the broader skill set you can build in BI. With the increasing importance of data literacy in tech, having a strong understanding of analytics can position you favorably for leadership roles that require both technical and business acumen.
If you can maintain ties to your engineering roots—perhaps by advocating for tech-driven solutions within the BI projects—you’ll find a way to balance both worlds.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the decision comes down to your career goals and personal interests. If you value both technical engagement and storytelling with data, this move might be a strategic way to enhance your skills while still leveraging your tech background. Remember, growth often comes from stepping outside of our comfort zones.
I encourage you to seek out conversations with colleagues who have taken similar paths and gather insights to help inform your decision. Whichever route you choose, focus on how you can stay engaged with technology while also embracing new opportunities in BI.
Would love to hear your thoughts and experiences—especially if you’ve been in either of these domains!