A Roadmap to Becoming a Product Manager from Scratch
This is my very first post on Substack. Before the journey, I've prepared some tips to those who think about starting a career in product management.
Hi there, my name is Eugene, I’m a product manager with more than 10 years in IT, my own ups and downs, mistakes and successes. Here I want to start sharing my thoughts product management, IT, products, startups and other cool things. Hope, you won’t be bored by my scribbles and literary attempts.
Let’s begin
Becoming a successful product manager is an exciting journey that requires a blend of skills, knowledge, and experience. Whether you're starting from scratch or transitioning from another field, you must pass through the essential steps to pave your way to becoming a proficient product manager.
Start with understanding the role
Begin by grasping the core responsibilities of a product manager. A product manager is the bridge between different teams, responsible for defining, building, and launching products that meet customer needs. Research online resources, books, and industry blogs to gain a solid understanding of the role's intricacies.
“A great product manager has the brain of an engineer, the heart of a designer, and the speech of a diplomat”. – Deep Nishar, Vice President of Product at LinkedIn
Build a Strong Foundation
Learn the Basics of Product Management: Dive into introductory materials such as articles, videos, and online courses. Platforms like Coursera, edX, and LinkedIn Learning offer comprehensive courses to help you grasp the fundamentals.
Familiarize Yourself with Key Concepts: Understand terms like Minimum Viable Product (MVP), Agile methodologies, user personas, and market analysis. This knowledge will form the bedrock of your product management journey.
“At the end of the day, your job isn’t to get the requirements right — your job is to change the world.” – Jeff Patton, Veteran Product Manager and Consultant
Invest in Education and Skill Development
Attend paid specialised product management courses, such as Product School, offering certification to its graduates. Investing in your education is always a great choice.
Sharpen Soft Skills: Product managers need excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills. Engage in activities that foster these traits, such as public speaking, team collaboration, and critical thinking exercises.
“People think focus means saying yes to the thing you’ve got to focus on. But that’s not what it means at all. It means saying no to the hundred other good ideas.” – Steve Jobs, Apple
Gain Practical Experience
Personal Projects: Initiate personal projects to practice what you're learning. Create a mock product, define its features, conduct market research, and outline a plan for its development. This hands-on experience will demonstrate your commitment and showcase your skills to potential employers.
Internships and Junior Roles: Apply for internships or entry-level positions in product-related fields, such as quality assurance, customer support, or business analysis. These roles will expose you to real-world product management scenarios.
“Any damn fool can make something complex, it takes a genius to make something simple.” – Pete Seeger, Product Director at Docusign
Get Involved in Networking and Industry
Join Professional Networks: Attend meetups, workshops, and conferences related to product management. Networking with professionals in the field can provide insights, mentorship, and potential job opportunities.
Online Presence: Build a strong LinkedIn profile and share your learning journey, insights, and thoughts on product management. Engaging with the community online can help you connect with industry experts.
“At the heart of every product person, there’s a desire to make someone’s life easier or simpler. If we listen to the customer and give them what they need, they’ll reciprocate with love and loyalty to your brand.” – Francis Brown, Product Development Manager at Alaska Airlines
Keep Learning and Grow Further
Stay Updated: The field of product management is constantly evolving. Stay current by reading industry news, blogs, and participating in webinars to keep your knowledge up to date.
Advanced Learning: Once you have a solid foundation, consider pursuing advanced certifications, attending advanced workshops, or pursuing a master's degree in business or product management.
“Instagram still doesn’t have an iPad app. Twitter still doesn’t let you edit tweets or search DMs. You can launch with less than you think. You may not even need it, ten years later!” – Sahil Lavingia, Founder and CEO at Gumroad
Conclusion
Becoming a product manager from scratch requires dedication, continuous learning, and practical experience. By following this roadmap, you can build a strong foundation, develop essential skills, and position yourself for success in the dynamic and rewarding field of product management. Remember, every step you take on this journey brings you closer to your goal, so embrace the challenges and opportunities that come your way.