Product Pioneers

Atish Dutta (MEM '25) discovered a passion for product management after spending five years leading complex embedded system projects in the automotive industry.  

"I quickly found myself drawn to product ownership,” Dutta said. “What excited me most wasn’t just solving technical problems, but aligning different teams, understanding customer requirements, and making sure what we were building really served a purpose." 

Karan Gupta (MEM '25) discovered a similar fondness while working as a consultant at Deloitte.  

"I worked on digital transformation projects and kept gravitating toward the customer and user experience side," he said. "I loved figuring out what people needed, translating that into requirements, and working with teams to bring it to life. When I came to MEM, I knew I wanted to focus fully on that and build something meaningful not just for me, but for the community here too." 

Now as co-presidents of the Northwestern Product Management Club (NUPMC), Dutta and Gupta are making that vision a reality. Originally founded in 2024 solely for students in Northwestern's Master of Engineering Management (MEM) program, the two have broadened the club's reach to include students from across campus, emphasizing the importance and accessibility of product management. 

"Product managers sit at the intersection of business, technology, and user experience," Gupta said. "They help align stakeholders, prioritize work, and ensure that teams are building the right things, not just building things right. In today’s world where speed, innovation, and customer centricity are everything, a good PM can be the difference between a product that flops and one that thrives."  

Hear from MEM alumni about making a difference as a product manager. 

The NUPMC aims to bridge the gap between academic learning and practical challenges, preparing students for this rapidly changing field.  

The club’s activities are as diverse as its membership. From hosting speaking events with industry professionals to organizing hackathons and mock interviews, the NUPMC offers a comprehensive toolkit for aspiring product managers. 

The club's featured product is ProdCats, a podcast series where product managers from a range of companies speak about career paths, day-to-day responsibilities, and advice for those looking to join the profession. These events provide invaluable insights into the realities of product management. 

For many students, the NUPMC serves as their first real exposure to product management. It demystifies the role, creates awareness, and provides structured support for those looking to break into the field. Through case studies, mock interviews, and interactions with industry professionals, students gain tangible skills that give them an edge in the competitive job market. 

The club’s interdisciplinary nature — with members from various programs across campus — mirrors the collaborative nature of product management. This diversity fosters innovation and prepares students for the cross-functional teams they will encounter in their careers, Gupta said.  

As the NUPMC continues to grow, its impact on Northwestern’s tech ecosystem is increasing. It is not just shaping future product managers; it is cultivating a mindset of innovation and user-centric thinking that will benefit students across various career paths. 

"Product management is about cultivating empathy for users, bringing clarity to ambiguity, and creating impact at scale," Dutta said. "Through NUPMC, our goal is to create a space where students can practice that mindset and begin their PM journey.”  

Gupta agreed. 

“This club is more than just events or a resume builder,” Gupta said. “It has become a tight-knit community where people genuinely support each other. We are always looking for new members and collaborators who are curious, passionate, and eager to learn. We welcome anyone, regardless of their background, to come and explore product management.”