How do you become a product manager?

The role of a product manager is defined differently based on many factors - company structure and size, industry, stakeholders involved, and technical complexity. But "ambiguity" seems to be the common ground - the responsibilities and the work. As a product manager, you should be able to: 1) Challenge the status quo by asking questions out of genuine curiosity. 2) Be confident in navigating ambiguous problem areas and requirements from stakeholders. 3) Articulate well through your writing and speech.

1. Research about the profession: Know what it takes and if it is something you really want to get into it 2. ?Learn the skills: Now that know about the profession, it’s time to learn the skills that makes you stand out. The good thing about being in the profession, your previous skills from your other profession whatever it was can be used to align your current interests. 3. ?Network : Now that you’ve learnt the skills, Network with like minds in the field and share your new learning. This particularly goes to say be part of various communities and groups, Be part of building something that boost your confidence. 4. ?Apply for jobs : Now that you built your networks and learnt , Apply strategically and put yourself out there.

Become a product manager for the right reasons. "I hate coding" should not be one of them. Becoming a product manager typically involves a combination of education, experience, and skills. While there's no specific educational path for product managers, many have a bachelor's or master's degree in business, marketing, engineering, computer science, or a related field. Start by gaining experience in roles that allow you to develop relevant skills. This could include working in marketing, project management, business analysis, or product development.

Read books to develop mindset - cagan, Torres, Wes bush, Olsen etc Take courses to expand: reforge, how to become pm, product school etc Build supporting muscles - ux, tech, data and marketing Follow some thought leaders: Akash Gupta, Itamar Galad, Granodas etc Apply learnings by volunteering for projects in and out of work Build product mindset: user research, data driven, having strategic focus etc

Level Up Your Product Game: 4 Beyond-the-Basics Hacks Story-Fu Master: Weave user stories, data, and trends into a captivating narrative that sells your product vision to anyone. Experimentation Guru: Embrace A/B tests, MVPs, and user feedback to iterate fast and learn from every move. Product Hacker: Befriend code, analytics, and design tools to speak tech, troubleshoot like a pro, and own your roadmap. Community Magnet: Connect, share, and mentor. The PM world thrives on collaboration, so be a sponge and a lighthouse. Bonus: Gamify your journey! Celebrate milestones and make learning fun.

The most valuable skill no one talks about is negotiation through tactical empathy. Chris Voss, former FBI negotiator, popularized the term tactical empathy as a method of using neuroscience concepts to build deeper connection. It requires demonstrating basic things like listening to their words and, thoughtfully considering their position. Now, you might think... this is about negotiating with my cross functional teams, bosses, engineers. No, I'm talking about negotiating with your customers. Customer interviews are a negotiation. They have a valuable resource you want "product insights" and they do not want to give it to you (cause they haven't processed it). If you can crack that nut, it's the difference between a good and great PM.

In the realm of product management, diversity in skill set is key. From strategic operations in Web3 to leading agile projects, my journey has underscored the importance of business acumen, user empathy, and cross-functional collaboration. Skills like analytical thinking and risk management, honed over years, are crucial. But beyond theory, it's the hands on execution navigating market demands, fostering team synergy, and driving innovation that truly builds a product manager. Dive in, experiment, and let each challenge refine your toolkit!

In my humble opinion, before learning the skills, this starts with the appetite of the role. Being a product manager means become a mini-CEO of your product or portion of it. So, you need to proactively be in the mood to learn a wide set of skills for different subjects. Prioritization will be important, since depending on whether you require more muscle in the tech/product side OR business side, you will need to absorb different learning at differen paces. Make sure you connect the dots, and try leverage the learnings between different topics and tasks. Proactivity, accountability, good communication and customer-centric focus will be must to have skills.

When I transitioned from engineering to product management, I took the following steps: 1. Self-knowledge: Powerful question: What are my main skills? Which ones do I need to develop? 2: Know the product area (and the market): Powerful tips: Courses are welcome and important, but remember that the PO/PM's role is not to apply framework (that's the way), but rather to understand the business's pain points and generate solutions (quick and low-cost). 3: Planning and execution! Powerful tip: Practice, share knowledge, create your portfolio (delivery cases) and, if possible, propose implementation in your company. Most of the time, the change in performance happens within the company itself.

The NUMBER 1 skill that will make you a great product manager and not just a good one is empathy. The next part is understanding who to empathise with. There are two main groups. If you can demonstrate empathy for both the customer i.e. the end user/s for your product AND the business, you've won. As much as we would love to do everything possible for the customer, we do need to be aware of the costs and impacts associated with each decision, for the company. It's a fine balance but one that will enable you to prioritise better.

Product management is multidisciplinary in practice, finding the places where it is feasible to develop something which delivers customer value in a way which creates business value. I believe a product manager needs a depth of experience in at least one domain - technology, user experience, or business acumen. Sociology, psychology, design - customer value. Engineering, architecture, QA - feasibility. Marketing, sales, accounting - business value. These anchors are not specific - but you need experience in one aspect of the triad. Begin to learn elements of the other aspects, first through reading and training, then workshops, coaching, and doing.

Based on my experience “Product management is all about understanding a business problem, for which the world is ready to pay and then devising a strategy to solve that problem using people, process, data and tools ensuring continuous delivery of the solution which solves that business problem for the world leading to revenue generation for your organisation” An experienced product manager will always try to understand the business problem, check if the market is ready to pay for the solution, then create a strategy roadmap, then execute the roadmap by using people, process, technology and data to deliver the solution ensuring problem is solved for the world and generating continuous stream of revenue for the company.

In my experience, Start by getting your hands dirty by working on small projects, like helping to plan a local event or creating a simple app or website. It's also great to shadow experienced PMs, so try to find a mentor or join a community where you can ask questions and share ideas. You can also offer to help with product-related tasks in your current job or volunteer for projects that let you practice skills like planning, problem-solving, and working with a team. Remember, it's about trying things out, learning from mistakes, and gradually taking on more complex products – just like mastering an art!

To become a product manager, start by gaining relevant experience in roles like project management, UX/UI design, or engineering. Develop strong communication and leadership skills. Learn about product development, customer feedback, and market analysis. Seek internships, certifications, and network in the industry to secure a product manager role.

Gaining experience of the job is very important, that will help you in two ways. You will be able to understand what is the expectation of the role, and if that matches the expectation that you have in mind. Also, you will have a hands-on experience that you can put on your resume or highlight during your interview.

Networking isn't just about connecting, it's about engaging with a community that inspires and challenges you. My journey through Web3 innovation has been enriched by the vibrant ecosystems of startups, strategic partnerships, and global projects I've been part of. Each interaction, from conferences to online forums, has been a chance to learn, share, and grow. Embrace every opportunity to meet like minded professionals, seek mentors, and contribute to discussions. Your network is your net worth in the ever evolving landscape of product management.

There are several common paths, some time ago I interviewed 17 PMs and they all came from one or a mix of the following paths: - Work in an area that interacts a lot with product (e.g. Design, product Marketing, engineering, data...) - be a customer expert (e.g. sales, cx...) - Look for a product in an industry you are an expert in (e.g. if you are a marketer, look for a product that sells to marketers) - Participate in the initial phase of a startup - Look for the (rare) internship and APM programs - Work your gaps - Do the work before you have the job

"Do the work before you have the job" is the case of a lot of product managers I know, including myself. This can be extremely unfair at the first 1-2 years in terms of compensation but it will also help a lot in other hiring processes.

Build a network by attending industry events, joining online forums, connecting on LinkedIn, and seeking mentorship. Engage in conversations, learn from experienced professionals, and showcase your skills through relevant projects or certifications. Networking can open doors to opportunities and valuable insights.

Developing a strong network is critical for aspiring product managers. Attend events, meetups, and conferences related to product management or your sector. Participate in online communities and forums to connect with others. Consult mentors or coaches for helpful advice, comments, and prospective references. Networking broadens your exposure, allowing you to learn, share experiences, and advance in the dynamic world of product management.

Stepping into the product management arena is a journey of continuous learning and growth. My path, from leading strategic initiatives at UltiArena to driving product strategy at AlphaGuilty, has taught me the importance of aligning skills with the right opportunities. Utilize diverse platforms, from job boards to professional networks, to find roles that resonate with your expertise. Prepare diligently tailor your resume, refine your portfolio, and sharpen your interview skills. Each application is a step towards finding your fit in the dynamic world of product management. Embrace the process, seek feedback, and stay "adaptable" is the must!

Build a strong resume showcasing these skills and apply for entry-level positions in product management or related fields. Network, seek mentorship, and consider certifications or courses. Tailor your applications to highlight your skills and passion for product management. Gradually gain experience and work your way up to become a Product Manager.

Product managers need to prepare for the job search and application process. They need to research the companies, products, and roles that they are interested in. They need to tailor their resume, cover letter, and portfolio to highlight their relevant skills, experience, and achievements. They also need to practice their interview skills, such as behavioral, technical, and case questions. For example, you can apply for a job by using platforms, resources, or services that specialize in product management, such as [ProductHired], [The PM Interview], [Cracking the PM Interview], or [Interview Kickstart].

Concluding your preparation, take the next step by actively applying for product management roles aligned with your skills and interests. Utilize diverse platforms such as job boards, career websites, social media, or leverage referrals to discover and pursue suitable opportunities. Prior to application, conduct thorough research on the company, product, and role. Refine your application materials, including your resume, cover letter, portfolio, and interview skills. Seek constructive feedback to continuously enhance your performance. While the path to becoming a product manager is non-linear, demanding dedication and adaptability, persistence and continuous learning will propel you toward your goal.

When applying for product management roles, it's crucial to tailor your application to each specific opportunity. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with the job description. Additionally, understanding the company's product lifecycle, market position, and competitive landscape can give you an edge in interviews. Engage with the product management community to gain insights and stay updated on industry trends, as this can inform your discussions with potential employers and demonstrate your passion for the field.

About 14 years ago when I joined S&P, I started within Technology team as Quality Engineer - I was lucky to be part of a team where my seniors as well as peers were very passionate about their work and had a very strong work ethic. I learned the importance of quality product from client perspective. In the coming years, I was fortunate to be working with Product Managers who were willing to spend time and walk the team through business use cases and their rationale. That understanding further helped me. And then someone took a leap of faith on me and rest is history. I would summarise key ingredients as strong work ethic, client first attitude, business analysis, relationship management/networking, and finally some stroke of luck!

Consider getting started by building something and getting people to pay for it. There have never been more no-code and AI-assisted tools (or community) out there for builders. By building and delivering end-to-end you do several things: - you show you can understand a problem - you show you can solve it well enough that people pay (at least a few!) - you show you can ramp and learn the technical side of things quickly - you show you have intangibles like persistence because the project will always be harder than you thought - you demonstrate your ability to define and tradeoff features in real life I'm always more impressed by seeing something built on a resume than by seeing a strategy or proposal. It's 10x more value and experience.

There is no straight path to becoming a Product Manager - its actually a winding road. My advice would be to: 1. Focus on solving user problems - don't wait until you get a PM job to start thinking/acting like one - take your favorite 5 apps on your iPhone and do a "breakdown" Ask yourself: 1) what problem are these apps solving, 2) who is the target users, and 3) how would you make it better? 2. Learn from the best - read every Product Manager book you can find but start with anything by Marty Cagan, Dan Olsen & John Doerr...start working on your Product Sense. 3. Become a subject matter expert and transfer those skills & knowledge to Product - if you are in Sales, become a expert to solve problems for Sales use cases as a PM.

The most important thing to consider is that you can learn, read and understand as much as you want about being a PM, but unless you have on-ground experience, it is difficult to transition. I highly recommend getting some real-life experience through side projects and/or volunteer stints before thinking to making a shift to a Product role, as it would enhance your resume and give you more confidence in your learnings!

I started my career as a Design Engineer in the electronics field. This role allowed me to build technical skills and gain a deep understanding of product development. Later, I moved into Project Management in the lighting technology sector, where I learned the importance of managing complex projects. Eventually, my path led me to Lifecycle Solutions where I am now working as a Product Manager. This role requires not only technical knowledge but also a strong understanding of the market My experience in various business areas has helped me develop the necessary skills – from technical expertise to project management and strategic vision. The key is to keep evolving and remain open to new challenges.