Simon Product Management Club’s West Coast Trek
Exploring Opportunities: Simon Product Management Club’s West Coast Trek
January 17, 2025
The Simon Product Management Club has returned from its highly anticipated West Coast Trek, a unique opportunity for MBA and MS candidates to explore careers in product management. Focused on connecting students with industry leaders, the trek included visits to seven leading enterprise software companies—Adobe, PayPal, Juniper Networks, ServiceNow, Intuit, Salesforce, and Autodesk. Each visit was hosted by distinguished Simon alumni who shared their experiences and insights into the dynamic world of product management.
Adobe
The first stop of the trek took students to the corporate offices of Adobe in San Jose, California. Hosted by Simon alumni Lan Hoang (13S MSF), Ankit Khandelwal (20S MBA), Happi Christian (21S MBA), and Wes Katayama, the visit set the tone for an incredible week. Students enjoyed a tour of Adobe’s innovative campus, an engaging company overview, and a panel discussion featuring employees from various functions. The session concluded with open networking, setting the stage for meaningful connections and a week of learning.
PayPal
Next, the group visited PayPal’s offices in San Jose, where they were welcomed by Simon alumni Cydney Lu (15S MSMA) and Amit Grover (16S MBA). Students gained valuable insights into PayPal’s culture and innovation-driven environment, thanks to a session led by Darshan Raju, Global Product Leader at PayPal. His advice on succeeding in product management left a lasting impression, making this stop an engaging and inspiring highlight of the trek.
Juniper Networks
Students made a stop in Sunnyvale, California, where they visited Juniper Networks. Simon alumnus Raghava Kumar Komanduri (23S MBA) and Benjamin Chen, Talent Acquisition Manager, hosted an insightful session that included a campus tour, a company overview, and a panel discussion with employees from corporate strategy and product management. This visit allowed students to explore the innovative work being done at Juniper and make valuable career connections.
ServiceNow
In Santa Clara, Simon alumni Anmol Bondada Venkata (24S MBA), Diana Castro (24S MBA), and Laryssa Smetana (23S MBA) hosted students at the corporate offices of ServiceNow. The visit included a tour of the campus, a panel discussion, and an engaging Q&A session led by Senior Recruiter Krystle Sanchez. Students were given an inside look at ServiceNow’s innovative culture and the exciting career opportunities available within the company.
Intuit
In Mountain View, students got a look at Intuit’s campus, where they explored two buildings and participated in a presentation and panel discussion. Hosted by Tiffany Wu (05S MBA), Siyi Wu (17S MSF), Chen Ma (15S MSF), and Anna Li (17S MSMA), the visit highlighted Intuit’s collaborative culture and product management career paths. Students left inspired by the engaging and thoughtful experience provided by the Intuit team.
Salesforce
In San Francisco, the group visited Salesforce’s iconic tower, where they were hosted by Simon alumnus Shah Choudhury (19S MBA), who flew in from Houston to make the experience possible. The visit included a company overview that highlighted Salesforce’s integration of AI into its products, an engaging panel discussion, and a comprehensive Q&A session. A highlight of the visit was the chance to explore the Ohana level on the 61st floor of the Salesforce Tower, offering breathtaking views and a memorable end to the day.
Autodesk
The final day of the West Coast Trek brought students to Autodesk’s offices in San Francisco. Hosted by Simon alumni Austin Nwanokwai (20S MBA) and Alex Benhaim (17S MBA), the visit included a tour of the renowned Autodesk Gallery and a Q&A session with both in-room and remote stakeholders. Students also engaged in one-on-one conversations with team members, providing a personal touch to the experience. This visit was a fitting conclusion to a week filled with inspiration, learning, and connections.
The West Coast Trek offered Simon students an invaluable opportunity to explore the world of product management through the lens of successful alumni and leading enterprise software companies. From campus tours to panel discussions, each visit provided insights into company culture, innovation, and career opportunities. The trek not only deepened students’ understanding of the industry but also strengthened Simon’s vibrant alumni network, showcasing the power of the Simon community in shaping future business leaders.