5 Practical Tips to Navigating the Product Career & Embracing Product Way of Thinking

Welcome to the latest issue of the Product Management Learning Series - a series of live streaming events and newsletter articles to help you level up your product career! ??

In our 37th installment, our speaker was Jiaona Zhang (JZ) (JZ), a respected technology and product leader who has built some of the most loved products at Airbnb, WeWork, Dropbox and now Webflow.? Jiaona is a sought-after speaker and lecturer at Stanford University, where she shares her expertise on product building and design. She is also an active angel investor and advisor.?

If you missed the event, you can watch the full event recording here.

Below are the main takeaways from the conversation I had with JZ:

Lean into your unique skills and insights to land your first product manager role.

JZ recommended new grads to pursue structured programs such as Associate Product Manager (APM) or Rotational Product Manager (RPM) programs. These programs indicate that a company is willing to invest in your growth as a product manager. However, she acknowledged that these programs may not be available at every company. In such cases, look for PM roles at smaller companies and highlight your unique strengths and skills: whether it's data analysis, user empathy and research, design, or communication, these strengths can help you contribute to building a product without a formal APM or RPM program.? By honing your strengths, you position yourself for a future transition into a PM role.

JZ highlighted that companies seek individuals with unique insights into the product, industry, or user when considering internal hires for product roles. By actively seeking and gaining unique insights within a company, you can continually add value and demonstrate your potential as a product manager.

Find an advocate within your company and use certification programs to build skills and expand your network (not as a silver bullet to get a PM job).

For those seeking a transition into product management after several years in a different field, JZ suggested finding an advocate within your company. Having someone internally who recognizes your potential and can vouch for your knowledge and hard work increases the likelihood of being considered for a PM role.?

When seeking PM certification, JZ stressed the importance of thoughtful selection of programs and coursework that offer an opportunity to learn from the right people and alongside a supportive cohort. JZ noted that to what extent a PM certification matters in landing a PM job varies by market and industry. The focus is your learning experience and the network you made through obtaining it, not as a proven shortcut to get a PM job.?

Raise your hands to take on product-related responsibilities and share your career aspirations to increase your chance of landing a product role in a challenging market.?

JZ stated in today’s challenging macro environment,? breaking into a product management role at a new company without prior experience can be difficult, especially when competing with candidates who possess more extensive backgrounds. She suggested considering internal opportunities within your current organization as an alternative approach. In the current market with frozen budgets, companies may be less likely to hire new employees, presenting a chance for you to raise your hands and take on product-related responsibilities internally. By volunteering to write product specifications, conduct user research, or explore the market, you can gain practical experience and approximate the responsibilities of a product manager. It is crucial to be proactive and advocate for yourself.?

JZ emphasized the importance of sharing your career aspirations with colleagues and especially with your current manager. Open communication allows for support, guidance, and potentially more people who can help you in the transition process. Engaging others and seeking help along the journey can increase the likelihood of successfully transitioning to a product management role.

Understand yourself (like how you would understand the target audience for a product), set a clear roadmap, and take intentional, iterative steps to grow your own career.

When it comes to managing one’s career, JZ emphasized the significance of understanding oneself. It is essential to identify what aspects of the product management work give you energy and fulfillment and recognize your preferences and strengths. The role of a product manager involves juggling multiple tasks, handling feedback and criticism, and effectively communicating with various stakeholders. Assessing whether these responsibilities align with your work style and preferences is crucial.?

Furthermore, setting a clear roadmap for success is necessary. Define your own definition of success and work backward to determine the necessary steps to achieve it. This roadmap should be flexible, allowing for adaptation and learning from each milestone. Taking iterative steps, such as setting monthly goals, facilitates consistent progress and helps in maintaining accountability. By understanding yourself and setting a clear roadmap, you can align your career aspirations with your personal strengths and take intentional steps toward success in product management.

Don’t pressure yourself thinking you need to “have it all”; focus on prioritizing what matters the most at a given time and making conscious decisions.

JZ busted the myth of “having it all” and proposed the importance of prioritization and making conscious choices. She drew parallels between product portfolio management and managing your own life, highlighting the need to identify priorities and allocate resources accordingly.?

JZ brought up personal experiences of balancing work and family (started as VP of Product at Webflow in her third trimester with only 90 days to onboard), acknowledging the challenges and sacrifices involved. She pointed out the value of having a supportive partner who can help navigate the demands of work and childcare. JZ concluded that "having it all" is a difficult notion to achieve and encourages individuals to focus on what matters most to them at any given time, rather than striving for an unrealistic expectation.

?? Special kudos to Niarcas Jeffrey for writing this article.

Next up, don’t miss out on an important live conversation with Marty Cagan , renowned author, speaker, and founder of the Silicon Valley Product Group , who will share insights on product leadership and how to build empowered product teams! ??

?? RSVP here (Replay available upon registration)

Next up,

• June 2: Building Empowered Product Teams & Inspiring Products with Marty Cagan
• June 16: Navigating the ‘Beautiful Mess’ of Product Development with John Cutler
• August 11: From Founding Product School to Helping Others Landing Product Jobs

More sessions coming… subscribe to stay tuned!?

Learn more about the Product Management Learning Series and view past recordings here.