So you want to be a Product Manager
Considering becoming a Product Manager? Great choice! In this article we’ll explore what it takes to become a product manager and how you can prepare for what I think is a pretty exciting career path.
Understanding the Role:
I like to think of a Product Manager as a chef in a bustling kitchen, where your ingredients are technology, creativity, and strategy. You might not always have the ingredients you need, or customers who keep changing their mind, but you’re the one that is orchestrating a symphony of ideas to create products that make people say “wow!”
Educational Background and Experience:
Educational Background: While there's no specific degree required, backgrounds in business, engineering, or computer science can be beneficial. Technical Product Manager roles will nearly always ask for a background or degree in computer science but for most Product Manager roles an understanding of how technology works will be enough.
Relevant Experience: Whether it’s a lemonade stand or tech startup, every bit counts. They say that no one really knows how to be a Product Manager until they actually start so every little helps.
Developing Necessary Skills:
Prep prep and more prep: Tryexponent or Cracking the PM Interview are two great resources for learning the different ways of product thinking and interview preparation. Unless you are going to an established PM program it is unlikely you will get all the types of questions that you see online.
Learn About Agile and Scrum Methodologies: Understanding these methodologies is crucial in modern product development. If you don’t know what a sprint is you should definitely focus some time here.
Enhance Communication and Leadership Skills: These skills are essential for leading teams and articulating the product vision. You’ll spend many hours (maybe too many) in meetings so being comfortable communicating with others is key.
Understand User Experience (UX) Design: A good product manager has a keen sense of user experience and design principles.
Building Your Path:
Networking: Connect with current product managers to gain insights and advice.
Certifications and Courses: Consider certifications like Certified Product Manager or courses in product management. Reforge is my cohort program out there. It’s expensive but well worth it in my eyes (especially if a company will help fund it).
Hands-On Experience: Gain practical experience through internships, projects, or contributing to open-source products.
Different Product Tracks: Understand the ladders that can take you towards being a product leader vs. product builder and work towards the one that is best for you
Becoming a product manager requires dedication, a willingness to learn, and a passion for creating impactful products. It's a career that offers both challenges and immense rewards, as you'll have the opportunity to shape products that can change lives and industries. Best of all, it brings something different to my life everyday.
If you want to read some concrete examples, tips and tricks for product managers check out Product Management in Practice by Matt LeMay
