Over the years product management has become one of the most popular and influential roles in any industry. Companies are recognizing the importance of having product managers on their teams as a way to fill communication gaps and drive innovation.
Product management covers every aspect of a company that makes it run efficiently which includes working with design, engineering, sales, marketing and customers. This is why PM's have been referred to as mini-CEO's (even though they don't have direct authority over anyone) they do have a lot of influence over the product.
As this role continues to evolve due to demand and popularity a lot of people wonder how they land a job in product management. Most wonder if they need a college degree or to go back to school. Product management is so nuanced that there isn't a formal study program that could help gain the industry knowledge and experience to land your first job as a PM. I believe this is very good news and what makes product management so special.
There are people from all over the world with different backgrounds who have transitioned into product management evolving it into a beautiful career. Everyone's journey will be different and there is no right or wrong way to becoming a product manager, but the following are 4 common pathways in which you can find your way into this career.
Most Common Pathways
- Side Projects
- Workplace Champion
- Joining a start-up
- Starting your own company
Side Projects 🛠️
When applying for roles as a product manager employers want to see what you have been up to. It doesn't matter the level. It could be entry level positions, mid-level, or even senior level roles. Companies that are passionate about making an impact on the world want to know that you want to as well. Some companies will ask for links on projects you have worked on. This catches their attention and shows passion for the trade.
Tips for getting involved in Side Projects
1. Reach out to product managers at your current job
2. Reach out to product managers on linkedin
3. Attend networking events
4. Volunteer at hackathons (they aren't just for engineers)
If the product team/product manager does not need an extra pair of hands you can always offer to attend meetings and take notes for the PM running the project. Any little bit of exposure will help you transition into a PM role. Also, working on a side project will give a holistic idea of the job and if it's something you would like to do long-term. This can be a very good way to transition into Product management because if you don't like the role you've still gained experience. In addition, working on side projects shows initiative which is an important trait of a Product Manager. Companies really appreciate that.
Workplace Champion 🏆
A workplace champion is usually a senior level employee that has influence to open doors for you. They can either be in your organization, outside of your team or even outside of your job. This person usually ends up being someone that will mentor and guide you.
When it comes to moving into your first product management role this person is vital as they will vouch to help get your foot in the door. Finding a workplace champion can have its challenges, but the following ways can help.
Tips to finding a workplace champion
1. Identify talent-focused managers.
2. Seek well-respected sponsors.
3. Align with leaders on key initiatives.
4. Leverage your network for introductions.
A workplace champion is committed to you and your success. This is someone that should be chosen carefully and should have a special interest in your success. The following are traits to look for when finding a workplace champion.
Champions...
1. Execute
2. Motivate
3. Commit
4. Empower
5. Engage
💁♀️ Tip: Your workplace champion should be a Product EMCEE.
Joining a start-up 👩💻
The start-up world is great! From fostering innovation to creating a diverse and inclusive cultural working environment. You'll have the opportunity to create world class products that customers love making it an incredible way to start your product management career. Working in the start-up world will most likely be the most you'll ever learn as a product manager unless you end up at a prestigious tech company like Apple, Microsoft, Google, Amazon, etc.
From personal experience, when I left Corporate America to work at a start-up it was the most I've ever learned. It helped guide the way for me to be successful in my later roles. The following tips are ways to becoming a product manager at a start-up.
Tips to becoming a product manager at a start-up
1. Start-up specific job boards like AngelList and VentureLoop
2. Networking at start-up events and conferences
3. Your university's alumni network
4. Start-up directories like Crunchbase and Founder2be to identify companies
🚨Important Note: I would advise to not just apply, but take it a step further and do your research on people and companies of interest. Prep yourself for events and show initiative by reaching out to founders, co-founders and product managers at the start-ups you are passionate about.
Starting your own company 🏰
This is the hardest route to becoming a product manager. Starting your own company is exciting and beneficial. You'll learn important lessons about yourself and what it takes to succeed or fail. A lot of founders end up being product managers without even realizing it. The strong entrepreneurial mindset and product sense is a perfect recipe to start your own company. The following are a few suggestions that may help you to get started if this is the route that you would like to take to becoming a product manager.
Tips to becoming a start-up PM without experience
1. Learn the fundamentals of Product Management
2. Take the Stanford course by Sam Altman: how to start a start-up
3. Take courses or become certified as a technical product manager
4. Understand coding basics
5. Read up on the latest infrastructures
6. Understand Business and Finance Fundamentals
7. Understand Go-To-Market Strategy
8. Learn Product Creation
There is no magic formula to starting your own company. There are many ways to lay the foundation, but the only way to know how to start a company is by doing it. Ironically, this is similar to landing your first Product Management role. Sometimes the only way to learn about Product Management is by actually doing the job whether it's through side projects, a workplace champion guiding you, joining a start-up or going out on your own to fulfill a burning desire.
Final Words 📖
Landing your first job as a product manager will be a journey. Enjoy and trust the process so that you can learn as much as possible. Everyone's experience will be different and whether easy or hard no two paths are the same. Breaking into this wonderful industry will require dedication, time and ultimately resources.
As you make your way into this role be intentional and thoughtful in your approach. Know the 'why' of what you want and 'how' you expect to achieve it. Following a guide, reading books, getting involved will all help, but it will ultimately come down to commitment.
Next Steps 🚀
1. Cracking the PM Interview
2. Mock Interview Prep
3. Product Management Interview Questions