How to get a job in Product Management?
Are you someone who is interested in being a part of the world of Product Management? Are you going through tons of content over the internet to figure what the first right step to be taken in this direction? Or searching for courses that are literally costing you a BOMB!
Let me assure you — even if you are a student who is pursuing his/her MBA or a working professional with 2–3 years of work experience in another domain altogether, Product Management jobs are still very much within your reach.
Now, that I have debunked this BIGGEST myth, let me tell you exactly HOW you can create a space for yourself in your dream career.
A. As a student highlight areas of problem solving and leadership
While you are in college, use it as an opportunity to participate in activities and become a member of clubs which showcase your leadership skills. As a product manager, you will be given challenging situations and you will be assessed on your problem solving abilities. More than that, it will give you an exposure to lead teams and make decisions.
B. Identify a problem and create a product (MVP)
In general, the job of the Product Manager is to solve problems via a product. So, developing strategic thinking in terms of identifying a burning issue and coming up with a solution is the key to the Product Manager’s role.
Look around you — the phone that you use, or the application inside, some issue with a website you frequent, etc. What is the issue? What does the solution look like? What is your vision with the solution that you have come up with, for this particular product?
Wear the business hat and try evaluating — if this solution can create value for the consumer, and in turn, help the product climb up the business ladder of the company.
Write these measurable solutions down, create a wireframe, list down the assistance you would need, and what the new features look like and explain why it is required…
C. Matching your Skillsets with the Role requirement
Demonstration of your aptitude as an able Product Manager should always be the first step in your transition to a Product Manager’s role. If you are in your MBA days, you can participate in various hackathons or find out internship opportunities in startups or companies that are developing products. Apply for APM programs and Business Analysts roles in product-based companies. There are companies that provide APM rotational programs as well.
Put your hard work in, become that reliable person for coming up with new ideas, execute tasks you are entrusted with successfully and be a team player by staying in touch with all the stakeholders involved in the development of the product.
Possess a mindset of growth and building your own network. This will be extremely helpful when the time comes to take that next transitional leap in your role.
The road to becoming a Product Manager can be long or sometimes unpredictable… but so is the case with other job roles as well. The time is NOW: to develop your skillsets, your aptitude as a Product Manager, to put your observations and learnings into action. And if you truly believe that this is the right job role for you, these steps can be the stepping stones towards your success!
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