How to become a product manager? (Part 2)

If you didn’t read part 1, please refer to “How to become a product manager?” first.

How to gain hands-on experience in product management?

While developing a product mindset is important, it’s also crucial to gain hands-on experience in product management. Product management is a highly practical and dynamic field, and real-world experience is essential for success in the role.

There are several ways to gain hands-on experience in product management:

1. Work on side projects: Building your own product or working on a side project can be a great way to gain hands-on experience in product management. It allows you to apply the skills and knowledge you’ve learned in a real-world setting, while also demonstrating your ability to take initiative and execute a product strategy.
2. Look for internships: Many companies offer product management internships, which can be a great way to gain hands-on experience and get your foot in the door. Internships provide the opportunity to work with experienced product managers, learn new skills, and contribute to real products.
3. Consider freelance work: Freelance product management work can be a great way to gain experience in the field while also building your portfolio and network. You can look for freelance opportunities on job boards, freelance platforms, or by networking with other professionals in the field.

When it comes to compensation, product management is generally a high-paying job. According to Payscale, the average salary for a product manager in the United States is around $97,000 per year, but this can vary depending on factors such as location, company size, and level of experience. While product management can be a lucrative career, it’s important to focus on building the skills and experience required for success in the role, rather than solely focusing on compensation.

In summary, gaining hands-on experience in product management is crucial for success in the role. Whether through side projects, internships, or freelance work, there are many opportunities to gain practical experience and build your skills and portfolio. While product management is generally a high-paying job, it’s important to focus on building the skills and experience required for success in the role, rather than solely focusing on compensation.

How to build a network?

Building a professional network is important for any career, but it’s especially important in product management. Product managers need to collaborate with a wide range of people, including engineers, designers, marketers, and executives. Building a network of professionals in these areas can help you stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices, find new job opportunities, and gain valuable insights and feedback.

Here are some tips for building a professional network in product management:

1. Attend industry events: Attending industry events such as conferences, meetups, and workshops can be a great way to meet other product managers and build your network. Look for events that focus on topics relevant to your interests and goals, and be sure to come prepared with business cards and a willingness to connect with others.
2. Join online communities: There are several online communities and forums dedicated to product management, such as Product School, Mind the Product, and Product Manager HQ. Joining these communities can provide a wealth of information and resources, as well as opportunities to connect with other professionals in the field.
3. Connect with other product managers: Use LinkedIn or other social media platforms to connect with other product managers. Reach out to people you admire or respect, and ask if they’d be willing to chat about their experiences in the field. Building genuine connections with others in the industry can help you learn about new opportunities and gain valuable insights.

While an MBA can be helpful in developing some of the skills needed for product management, it is not necessary to become a product manager. Many successful product managers come from a wide range of educational and professional backgrounds. In fact, some companies specifically look for candidates who have a diverse set of experiences and perspectives. While an MBA can provide a strong foundation in business and management, it’s more important to focus on building a strong set of product management skills, such as problem-solving, communication, and strategic thinking.

In summary, building a professional network is important for success in product management. By attending industry events, joining online communities, and connecting with other product managers, you can build valuable relationships and gain insights and feedback. While an MBA can be helpful, it’s not necessary to become a product manager. Instead, focus on building a strong set of product management skills and gaining hands-on experience in the field.

Seek out mentorship and feedback

Mentorship and feedback are essential for growth and development in any career, and product management is no exception. In fact, seeking out mentorship and feedback can be particularly valuable in product management, as it’s a field that requires a wide range of skills and knowledge.

Here are some benefits of mentorship and feedback in product management:

1. Learning from experienced professionals: A mentor can provide guidance and advice based on their own experiences in the field. They can help you navigate challenges and make strategic decisions, and provide insights into industry trends and best practices.
2. Improving your skills: Feedback is essential for growth and development in any field, and product management is no exception. Receiving feedback from users, stakeholders, and other professionals can help you identify areas for improvement and refine your skills.
3. Expanding your network: Mentors and those who provide feedback can also help you build your professional network. They may be able to introduce you to others in the industry or recommend you for job opportunities.

Here are some suggestions for finding a mentor or seeking feedback in product management:

1. Reach out to senior product managers: Identify senior product managers in your company or industry who you admire or respect. Reach out to them and ask if they’d be willing to provide mentorship or feedback. Be sure to come prepared with specific questions or topics you’d like to discuss.
2. Seek feedback from users: Users are the ultimate judges of your product’s success. Seek feedback from them through surveys, user testing, or other methods. Use this feedback to identify areas for improvement and make strategic decisions.
3. Join a mentorship program: Some companies or industry organizations offer mentorship programs for product managers. Look for opportunities to participate in these programs, and be sure to come prepared with specific goals and questions.

In summary, mentorship and feedback are essential for growth and development in product management. By seeking out mentorship and feedback from experienced professionals and users, you can improve your skills, expand your network, and make strategic decisions. Look for opportunities to participate in mentorship programs or reach out to senior product managers and other professionals in the industry.

How to prepare for the job search?

Once you’ve gained a foundational knowledge of product management, developed a product mindset, gained hands-on experience, built a network, and sought out mentorship and feedback, it’s time to prepare for the job search. Here are some tips for preparing for a career in product management:

1. Understand the different types of product management jobs: Product management roles can vary widely depending on the company, industry, and product. Some product managers focus on product strategy and vision, while others are more focused on execution and project management. Understanding the different types of product management jobs can help you identify the roles that are the best fit for your skills and interests.
2. Prepare a product management resume and cover letter: Your resume and cover letter should highlight your relevant experience, skills, and achievements. Be sure to tailor your resume and cover letter to the specific job you’re applying for, and emphasize your ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams, think strategically, and drive results.
3. Prepare for product management interview questions: Common product management interview questions may include:

• What are the most important skills for a product manager?
• How do you prioritize features or projects?
• How do you work with cross-functional teams?
• How do you measure the success of a product?

To prepare for these questions, think about specific examples from your past experience that demonstrate your skills and abilities. Be prepared to articulate how you would approach different scenarios and provide concrete examples of your success in previous roles.

In summary, preparing for the job search in product management requires a deep understanding of the different types of product management roles, as well as a well-crafted resume and cover letter that emphasize your skills and achievements. It’s also important to prepare for common product management interview questions by thinking about specific examples from your past experience that demonstrate your skills and abilities. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to a successful career in product management.

Conclusion

In conclusion, becoming a successful product manager requires a combination of foundational knowledge, a product mindset, hands-on experience, a professional network, mentorship and feedback, and job search preparation. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can gain the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in a career in product management.

It’s important to remember that product management is an exciting and rewarding career field that offers many opportunities for growth and impact. With the right skills and experience, you can work on products that make a real difference in people’s lives.

If you have any remaining questions or concerns about becoming a product manager, such as the ones we addressed earlier (such as qualifications, pay, or the necessity of an MBA), don’t hesitate to reach out to others in the product management community for guidance and support. By building a network and seeking mentorship and feedback, you can learn from others who have already navigated this path and gain valuable insights that can help you achieve your goals.

We encourage you to pursue a career in product management and wish you the best of luck on your journey!