Phuc joined Home Credit Vietnam in February 2021 as Head of Online. Previously he’d worked in the Consumer Technology industry for more than 14 years, mostly in Product Management and Entrepreneurship roles.
Let’s talk to him to find out what brought him to Home Credit, what Online Product team does, and his advice for aspiring Product Managers.
1. Tell us a little more about yourself, and how you arrived at Home Credit.
Consumer Technology was my home base for such a long time, it became a bit like my own comfort zone – if I do say so myself. At the same time, Fintech fascinates me, so why not? For one, the sector is on the rise, and for good reasons too. And two, a change of scene is good for learning and growing myself further.
So all things considered, I’m pretty happy that I’m here at Home Credit.
2. We’re happy that you’re here, too. Could you elaborate on your industry and career choice?
Sure! First off, Fintech provides liquidity services and thus facilitates the operation of our modern society. I would say that it plays an integral part in the foundation of other industries, such as e-Commerce, On-Demand, HealthTech, and EdTech. If the economy was a body, I’d say Fintech acts as the bloodline. It’s only natural that people started paying attention to this sector.
Secondly, Fintech is where you have a real shot at making impacts. Because here we solve practical problems and work on massive-scale products. What Product Managers do will potentially affect not only the sector but also the society as a whole. Isn’t it exciting?
Now that we all agree about why Fintech is turning heads, let’s take a closer look at several career choices. There’s Consumer Finance (which is what Home Credit does), then there’s Banking, Wallet Gateway, to name just a few. In my opinion, Home Credit as a Consumer Finance company is a promising place for the following reasons:
- About what you’re working on: Home Credit boasts a large customer base and is one of the biggest players in the game right now. That’s the best playground for any Product Manager.
- About what you’re working with: At Home Credit, we have access to cutting-edge technologies, and we work alongside some of the brightest minds in the Consumer Finance field too. So there are toys and there are playmates – never a dull moment here.
- To top it off, there’s a very competitive package waiting for those who rise to the challenge.
3. Thanks for the detailed explanation. So in the context of Consumer Finance, what does Online Product mean?
That’s a good question. In a typical Fintech company, the Product team works on financial products, such as credit cards, virtual cards, or cash loans. By that logic, Home Credit’s Product team, which is under Digital Transformation department, supposedly works to build a superapp. That’s a common misperception. To dissect this, let me start with the mission of the team.
4. That’s very insightful. As Head of Online Product, would you briefly describe what your team does?
With the mission I’ve just discussed, we:
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Continuously enhance and maintain the local mobile application, as well as join forces to build and launch group's global mobile application. The next goal would be to gradually migrate and integrate into one global mobile application for all countries.
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Support all company's departments in the analysis, planning, and execution of the company’s key initiatives.
- Build up an online ecosystem to enhance the presence of Home Credit Vietnam on online channels and user engagement via partners.
5. Sounds exciting! Just one more question. What is your advice for aspiring Product Managers?
I have several actually.
First, distinguish between Product Management and Agile Delivery Management (this role is also called Agile Product Owner in some companies). It should be noted that each company approaches Product Management differently. A holistic understanding of Product Management will help you steer clear of possible confusion down the path.
Second, and I’m speaking from experience: don’t worry if you’re from a different background.
A Product Manager is someone who thinks like a businessperson, tackles problems like an engineer, visualizes like a designer, persuades like a diplomat - and above all: curious like a learner. So arm yourself with a business mindset & knowledge, develop a love for technology, equip necessary UI/UX understanding, practice communication and leadership skills. A sense of marketing doesn’t hurt either. These are transferable skills, not specific to any industry.
Third, never stop learning. By learning, you can improve critical thinking, attitude, and mindset. Ultimately, mindset will get you anywhere you want to go.
Although I just mentioned some skills that PM should have, don’t obsess over any specific skills or trending tools. Because you can learn anything, given time and effort. It’s okay to improve your skillset and toolset gradually. Sometimes you’ll have to unlearn to relearn or learn totally new things, and that’s okay too.
At Home Credit Vietnam, we are committed to bringing positive financing experience and benefits to our customers, let’s join us to transform the way the world shops: https://career.homecredit.vn/position/jobs_at_online_team
