How to become an accountant

Not only is this career highly competitive, it is also highly in demand thanks to the diverse skill set that those working in this field possess. Product management combines skills in areas such as engineering, finance, marketing, and analytics.

Because companies are constantly looking for the best products, they only want the best product managers. This is likely part of the reason why product manager jobs are the most popular job titles for graduates from almost every MBA program, according to LinkedIn. Moreover, the platform’s guide to becoming a product manager has attracted more than 400,000 learners in the past five years.

If you want to pursue project management as a career, here are 4 steps you should follow and get started in this field:

1. Find out if product management is right for you

Product management is an inherently broad field. Product managers work with a product from start to finish, from a simple idea to launch and beyond.

“A product manager is someone who is typically trying to address problems faced by a group of people with a solution that is monetizable and creates value for both its users and the companies that build the solution,” explains Axel Soria, a product management evangelist at the company. Atlantic.

The ultimate goal is to make sure the product is a success in the market, adds Oindrila Mandal, senior gaming product manager at Electronic Arts.

“Product managers define the product vision, strategy, and roadmap,” she says. “Product managers delve into user needs, prioritize features, monitor performance, and ensure customer satisfaction — all while aligning with business goals. In short, they wear many hats and play a critical role in turning ideas into reality.

But you should also not confuse the field with project managers. The latter focuses more on coordination and oversight, while product managers are tasked with development and release, according to Asana, a team management software that product and project managers may use.

2. Get your degree

Despite the recent shift by many companies to a skills-based hiring approach, a bachelor’s degree remains the foundation for product manager careers. For young people on their educational journey, studying fields such as computer science, engineering and/or business is a great approach. Having technical skills in areas such as SQL and Python as well as softer skills such as critical thinking and communication can be extremely beneficial.

In general, Suriya says he considers project management a craft, something you learn through your life experience. He adds that five skills that the best product managers possess are:

• Solve problems with monetization in mind
• Roadmap maker
• Decision maker
• Communicator and influencer
• Adaptable

The educational backgrounds of many product managers are not the same; Mandal points out that those who learned product skills in undergrad can certainly land an assistant or entry-level role right out of college. For those who may be transitioning from another career, they may want to see a master’s degree in a STEM-related field.

“Product management is a career that anyone can pursue,” says Mandal.

3. Gain experience through training or fellowship

The key to landing any role is to be able to prove to a hiring manager that you have the real-world skills to excel as a product manager on day one. Although the classes you may have taken during school will likely include projects and other hands-on learning opportunities, getting experience at a real company will help you — and your resume — stand out from the crowd.

That’s why seeking an interview or fellowship could be the right step into a product manager career (plus, it may also help you solidify whether you thoroughly enjoy the profession). Start your research early. Intern application season for many top companies starts earlier than you might think. Additionally, don’t forget to take advantage of the resources your university’s career services teams may have in terms of networking – there may be an opportunity for you to get ahead.

It is also important to be realistic with yourself. Even if you don’t land an internship or eventually a job at the Fortune 500 company of your dreams, the world hasn’t ended yet. In fact, it can be a blessing as you will be able to get the necessary experience in a less competitive environment. Then, you can reach for the stars and upgrade your career over time.

4. Get an MBA – or just keep learning

Product management is a constantly evolving field. New technology offers ways to make the end-to-end product process more efficient, and it’s up to you to stay ahead of the game — and other product managers.

Earning an MBA can be a great way to show employers your advanced business skills and commitment to critical thinking. For some Product Manager job postings, an MBA is a preferred or even required qualification.

Mandal is an example. A computer engineer who later earned an MBA, she says many of her fellow product managers have similar backgrounds. However, again, not all candidates are the same, and you can certainly improve your skills in many different ways from online degree programs to standalone courses on topics like artificial intelligence, data analysis, and project management.

Ready meals

Let’s be honest: a lot of people, especially high school graduates, want to become product managers. So, if there’s anything you can do to help sell your case to employers, it’s to make yourself stand out.

What makes you a better product manager than the next person? What unique skills and/or experiences do you bring to the table? Finding answers to these questions is crucial, and having degrees, real-world experiences, and continuing education opportunities to your name is a way to do that.

Surya says people should always be looking for ways to grow, whether in their own company or outside of it. Being knowledgeable and always curious – with a growth mindset and a sense of empowerment are the keys to success.

Additionally, having a well-defined narrative between your entire career and your goals can go a long way to ensuring you have a lifelong career as an exceptional product manager. Use your resume, cover letters, and interviews to demonstrate your natural desire for curiosity and that you thrive in overseeing end-to-end product development.

---

Frequently asked questions

What does it take to become a product manager?

Product managers have at least a bachelor’s degree as well as hard skills in engineering and business and soft skills in communication and collaboration. Individuals need to gain real-world experience through a combination of in-class projects and outside work such as internships.

Is it difficult to get into product management?

Product management does not have a high barrier to entry. Individuals generally need at least a bachelor’s degree in a field related to computer science, engineering, or business. For those later in their career, a master’s degree – such as an MBA or MSc in Engineering – can help enhance your skills in a product management role.

Do product managers make money?

Product managers tend to get paid well. According to Glassdoor, the average gross salary for a product manager is $196,000, but for entry-level positions, this may realistically be lower than the six-figure range. A person’s exact salary may vary based on location, experience level, and education.

What are the skills of a product manager?

Product managers today must have a balance of technical knowledge in areas such as data analytics, UX/UI, Python, and SQL as well as soft skills such as communication, collaboration, and negotiation.

---

Check all luck’Q Classification of degree programsand learn more about specific Career paths.