How to Transition into a Product Manager Role II

In my previous article, I narrated my story from a degree in geography to building my career in product management. I also explained some ways to transition into product management from any field. I promised to drop a continuation. Here it is.

Without much ado, let us dive in:

1. Taking an introductory course on product management from Edx or reading books such as The Product Manager’s Survival Guide: Everything you need to know to succeed as a product manager; Product Management for Dummies; Hooked: How to build habit-forming products; The Product Book; Inspired: How to create products customers love; etc. Reading exposes you to the tools a PM needs to execute the job. I wrote about these tools here. All these resources are helpful guides for entry-level PMs, intermediates, and experts.

2. Getting certified as a PM: A product management certification is a confirmation from a recognized body that an individual has the skills, knowledge, and abilities to manage the product development process. To become a certified product manager, start by registering for a digital product manager certification exam that you are eligible for and passing it.

These certifications expose you to aspects of PM life that you may not have been aware of previously and consolidate the knowledge you already have. They also prove to the world that you have what it takes. It is both an investment and a demonstration of your commitment to growth. Examples of these certifications are Agile-certified product managers, software product management courses offered by the University of Alberta, etc. 

3. Work on a side project to build your portfolio: Building side projects has a lot of benefits. They show recruiters and job interviewers that you have your ideas and an entrepreneurial side. Building side projects keeps you focused and accountable on your journey to becoming a product manager. They could be reference points when asked questions because you can always refer to them. Your side project can be as simple as starting a blog or as complex as building an app.

Where do you begin? You may ask.

Start by putting together a plan for your chosen side project and finishing what you started. This offers you the opportunity to act as a product manager by carrying out market research and building a roadmap to completion. Read the words of Carlos Gonzales de Villaumbrosia, CEO of Products School below; 

“If you want to prove you can build products, you have to start by building products."

4. Getting a Master’s degree: This is an unpopular opinion because some argue that a Master’s degree is not necessary when transitioning into product management. Others think it is. Kunal Prakash, former product manager at Microsoft, said PM-focused masters are recommended for people with previous PM experience who have finished an MBA and are determined to become product managers. I will add that no knowledge is wasted. If you want to go for it, why not? 

5. Take additional online courses or attend boot camps: Most people looking to grow in a tech field attend boot camps to develop their skills and build their network. A boot camp is an intensive learning program that covers a specific period.

Learning never ends, and development should be a continuum. Even if you have past certifications as a product manager, taking additional courses keeps you abreast with recent happenings in the industry. 

6. Find a mentor: The internet has bridged the gap between mentees and mentors in different climes. You can use social media to intentionally follow thought-people you desire to learn from or join communities on Twitter and Medium such as Product Stack, Hackernoon, Product School, etc. You can also sign up for newsletters. This helps you glean from their experience and grow in the field. I recommend Lenny Rachitsky, Shreyas Doshi, Diego Granados, Shyvee Shi, etc.

With all these, I have covered all the options available even as you consider transitioning into the role of a product manager. What’s keeping you from taking your first step? I look forward to seeing you at the top!