How to become a Product Manager?

Embarking on a career in Product Management can be both exciting and rewarding. This field offers a dynamic blend of strategy, design, and leadership, making it a coveted role in the tech industry. In this article, we'll walk you through what Product Management is, the educational requirements, typical responsibilities, common misconceptions, essential skills, and signs that this might be the right path for you, along with tips to get started.

What is Product Management?

Well, there are many definitions and meta answers for this question, but my favorite response to this has been from Shreyas Doshi, who succinctly captures it: Product management is an art, science, and practice focused on achieving product success, measured by user adoption, customer satisfaction, and business impact. It demands unique insights, creative solutions, and disciplined execution across teams. Originally a founder’s role in tech companies, it evolves into a specialized position due to the role's growing complexity. This is exactly the reason why many people call product managers the ‘CEO of the Product’

Educational Requirements of a Product Manager

The beauty of product management is that it doesn't require specific educational qualifications or professional backgrounds. Our learners have successfully transitioned from marketing, project management, analyst, and development backgrounds.

That said, for software product management, coming from a tech background and having a solid understanding of software development can give you an edge. An MBA degree from top colleges may also help in getting your resume shortlisted. However, both of these are nice to have, and there are product managers who have transitioned successfully without these additional qualifications.

What do Product Managers Do?

Product Managers are responsible for defining the product vision, setting the roadmap, and prioritizing tasks. They collaborate with engineering, design, and marketing teams to develop and market the product. Their role involves market research, customer feedback analysis, product iteration, and aligning team efforts with business objectives.

This venn diagram by lenny pretty much sums it up perfectly

Common Misconceptions About Product Managers

One common misconception is that Product Managers need to know coding. While having a technical understanding is beneficial, their primary role is strategic rather than technical. Another myth is that Product Management is purely managerial. In reality, it involves a blend of leadership, strategy, and hands-on involvement in product development.

Additionally, it's important to note that Product Management and Project Management are distinct fields. While both roles involve oversight and coordination, Product Management focuses on the product's vision, strategy, and market success, whereas Project Management is centered on executing specific projects within set parameters like time, budget, and resources.

Skills Required to Become a PM

Key skills for a Product Manager include strategic thinking, user empathy, communication, analytical abilities, and an understanding of UX and business principles. Adaptability and the ability to work collaboratively across various teams are also crucial.We have written in detail about the skills required for a product manager, you can check it out by clicking here.

Signs Product Management is For You and Tips to Become a Product Manager

If you're passionate about product development, enjoy strategic planning, and have a knack for understanding user needs, Product Management might be your calling. To get started, consider enhancing your skills through courses or certifications, gaining relevant experience, and networking with professionals in the field.

Check out Airtribe’s 12-Week Live Product Management Launchpad program to begin your upskilling journey. At Airtribe, we offer a solid and regularly updated curriculum that follows a case-based learning pedagogy, simulating real-world problem statements. You will also receive extensive career support, including mock interviews, resume optimization, job referrals, and more. If you are serious about a career in product management, apply now