How to Break Into Product Management?

How to Break Into Product Management: A Guide for Aspiring PMs.

👋 Hi, this is Afroz Alam with a bonus, free issue of the Mind the Product Gap Newsletter. In every issue, I cover tech topics through the lens of product and growth people.

The world of product management is booming! Tech giants have honed their playbooks, exciting new products emerge daily, and venture capital is flowing freely. It's the perfect time to learn, grow, and innovate in the product space.

Product management: it's the intersection of creativity, strategy, and user obsession. If you're intrigued by this dynamic field and eager to chart your path, you've come to the right place!

So, how do you land your dream PM role? Here are some key steps to consider:

Build Your Foundation:

Formal Education (Optional): While not mandatory, a bachelor's degree in business, engineering, or a related field can be a strong starting point.

Develop Core Skills: Hone your analytical, communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills. These will be essential for success in product management.

Gain Relevant Experience:

Start Within Your Current Role: Look for opportunities to take on product-related tasks within your existing job.

Consider an Internship: Internships are a fantastic way to gain hands-on experience and learn from seasoned professionals.

Explore Volunteer or Freelance Work: Contribute your skills to projects that align with product management principles.

Become a Product Obsessive:

Research the Industry: Stay up-to-date on the latest product trends and innovations.

Learn from the Best: Read books, articles, and blogs from leading product managers.

Analyze Existing Products: Break down successful (and not-so-successful) products to understand user needs and design principles.

Showcase Your Passion:

Build a Strong Online Presence: Create a LinkedIn profile that highlights your skills and product management aspirations.

Contribute to Open Source Projects: This demonstrates your technical skills and initiative.

Network with PMs: Connect with product managers at industry events or online communities.

If you're ready to launch your product management career, here are four unconventional ideas to get you there:

1. Build Something Yourself

Action speaks volumes. Many aspiring PMs struggle to point to a real-world product they've worked on. Don't be discouraged if you lack design or development expertise. With a computer and internet connection, you can build a web or mobile app. There are tons of free resources to teach you coding, design, customer development, and product launch.

Even a small project with a handful of users sets you apart. Focus on getting your hands dirty with product development, not achieving viral success. My advice? Build something you're passionate about. That intrinsic motivation will fuel your learning journey. Find a problem you care about, whether it's related to travel, cooking, or sports. Let your passion guide your project and get started!

2. Collaborate with Makers

Great product managers excel at working with developers and designers. Even if your current role lacks interaction with product teams, find ways to bridge the gap.

Connect with developers and designers at your company. Attend local events or network online. By spending time with those who build products, you'll gain new problem-solving perspectives and understand the development process. You might even discover a project to collaborate on. Working together will give you firsthand experience of how PMs empower developers and designers to achieve their best work.

Hackathons are fantastic environments to experiment with leading a team of makers. The time constraints push you to clearly define goals, inspire your team, and navigate challenges. You'll not only learn valuable on-the-job skills but also build relationships that can open doors to future opportunities. So, whether you attend a hackathon or grab coffee with a Tech Lead, connect with makers to explore new avenues into product management.

3. Explore Internal Opportunities

This approach is close to my heart. When I began my career, my sister gave me a golden piece of advice: focus on the company, not just the role. I landed a marketing role at a great company and eventually convinced the CEO to give me a shot on the product side. The rest, as they say, is history.

Internal hiring is a common practice for many companies. If you're delivering results and have built trust across the organization, you have a strong chance of being considered for a role in a new department, like product management. At HubSpot, nearly half our PMs came from other departments. Their diverse perspectives on customers and products make them invaluable assets.

Your existing relationships within the product team can be a plus. However, it might be necessary to reach out to hiring managers and express your interest in transitioning to product management. Keep an eye out for internal PM openings and don't hesitate to make your aspirations known.

4. Find an APM Program

Some companies offer Associate Product Manager (APM) programs for individuals new to software development but eager to learn the ropes. Google pioneered this approach, and HubSpot has followed suit with great success. APM programs identify employees who demonstrate key PM qualities, like being results-oriented and adaptable. These individuals get to own real product areas at the company and receive one-on-one coaching to support their growth. APM programs are fantastic springboards for launching a product management career.

If your company offers an APM program, apply right away! If not, explore ways to develop the necessary skills and connect with PMs at your organization to gain insights into their world. I'm confident they'd be happy to share their experiences.

These are just a few ways to pave your path to becoming a product manager. Remember, getting hands-on experience is paramount. Whether you build your own product, collaborate with makers, or explore internal opportunities, take action and immerse yourself in the product management world.

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If you have any questions about product management or want to share your own PM journey, leave a comment below!