MSEM alum Jigar Shah (’19) is a senior product manager at Asana, where he leads the product strategy and execution for reporting. We caught up with him to learn more about his current role and how pursuing an MSEM degree impacted his career.
Why did you pursue an MSEM degree?
After starting my career as a Data Analyst and Sales Manager in B2B SaaS, I got a firsthand but siloed look at both technical and business roles. I quickly realized I wanted more—I craved solving complex problems while directly driving business impact. I wasn’t ready to leave my technical roots behind, and traditional MBA programs didn’t offer the right balance. MSEM was the perfect fit, blending technical depth with business strategy and equipping me to bridge both worlds effectively.
Jigar and classmates at Technion, Israel Institute of Technology during the T2MED Hackathon.
What is your most memorable moment from the MSEM program?
There are many, but one that stands out is traveling to Technion University in Israel for the T2MED Hackathon. Collaborating with a cross-functional team, we powered through sleepless nights, endless pizza, refining our pitch over multiple mock runs. The highlight? Winning the hackathon and transforming an idea into a working prototype. That experience reinforced my passion for building things that matter—something I carry with me to this day.
What is your current role, and what do you enjoy most about it?
I’m a product manager at Asana, leading the reporting product suite and strategy. My job is to define, design, and deliver features that help enterprise customers get actionable insights. What excites me most is the opportunity to craft a bold vision, then rally a team of talented engineers and designers to bring it to life. It’s a dynamic role—every project is a new challenge, no two days are the same, and that keeps things exciting.
Tell us about a recent accomplishment you’re proud of.
This past year, my team at Asana delivered a series of impactful product enhancements. We launched industry-differentiating features, tackled high-priority customer requests, and exceeded our adoption targets. It was a testament to what a strong, focused team can achieve—supported by great leadership at Asana and the foundational skills I developed through MSEM.
How did the MSEM program prepare you for your career?
Jigar and classmates after the Patient Safety Collaboration presentations at Johns Hopkins Hospital, part of Pam Sheff’s course Strategies for Innovation and Growth.
MSEM played a huge role in shaping me as a product thinker and builder. Pam Sheff’s Strategies of Innovation and Growth course sharpened my structured thinking and memo-writing skills, which I use daily as a product manager. Larry Aronhime’s Innovation & Entrepreneurship course taught me how to define problem statements and uncover business opportunities in any industry. Eric Rice and Julie Reiser’s Negotiations and Professional Presentations courses provided the foundations for effective storytelling—critical for influencing stakeholders. Beyond the coursework, the program’s hands-on approach gave me the confidence to operate at the intersection of technology and business.
Why would you recommend the MSEM program?
Jigar and classmate traveling abroad during the Immersion Program.
For technical minds with a passion for business impact, MSEM is the best of both worlds. It equips you with strategic thinking while keeping you deeply connected to technology and innovation—making it an ideal launchpad for careers in product management, tech leadership, consulting and beyond.