How to become a product manager in tech.
How to become a product manager in tech How to Become a Product Manager. Related Reading 14 Product Management Courses You Should Know . The role is offered to those who have management experience and is best at delivering product efficiently. Certified Technical Product Manager: Also offered by PMHQ, this credential is designed for those who want to specialize in a more technical area of product management, focusing on the creation of tech products, such as software systems. Even among tech roles, product management continues to have unclear entry points: software engineers can study computer science, marketers can get a degree in marketing, and there are They're different skills - Product Manager is a more recent, user centric take on Business Analyst IMO. Get to Know the Basics: Product management is defined through books, videos, or online courses. Let’s dive right in. Next on the list is how a product manager has got to be good at interpreting and applying data; and this is where an analytical mind comes in handy since—far from confining the number crunching to the maybe more “purist” area of, say, statistics—a mindful product manager takes it onward and combines strategy with flexibility. PMs exist at CPGs, luxury brands, pharmaceuticals, etc. Mar 26, 2025 · Product management is a great field for those who like solving problems and leading others. Dec 27, 2024 · Technical product managers are expected to contribute to the long-term vision of the product, defining product features, user stories and creating product backlogs. May 16, 2019 · 4. It is your duty as a product manager to oversee the creation and introduction of new products. Work on Side Projects during your Current Job. Glassdoor identifies the Mar 25, 2024 · The Path to Becoming a Product Manager Intro to Product Management: Foundational Skills. Jul 5, 2024 · Product managers do several tests to find any difficulties. Jan 10, 2024 · The Product Manager career path involves progression from Associate Product Manager to Chief Product Officer in Product Management. Jan 31, 2025 · How to Become a Product Manager in India. I worked in it for 6 months before moving to another role as a product manager. You might not be able to do product management today, but a lot of companies can help structure a career path into a more product management role. Build Skills: Communication, problem-solving, leadership, and other key skill areas, including customer needs. To become a technical product manager, a strong educational foundation is essential. Education and Certification Focused Approach For individuals seeking a more structured approach to entering the field, focusing on education and certification can be a viable path. The people I know just decided they didn't Jan 3, 2025 · Become a Product Manager (Udemy) The Become a Product Manager Course . Feb 5, 2024 · In the tech sector, product management is becoming a more in-demand profession. 1. It bears noting that the places where product managers are most sought after tend to be areas with high costs of living, such as the Bay Area (San Francisco, San Jose, etc) and New York, which contributes to this stark contrast. These skills span across various domains, blending technical knowledge with business acumen and interpersonal abilities. I got promoted to product manager because the company went through a 'reorg' and I ended up having a new role. Feb 16, 2024 · 1. Apr 12, 2023 · I often get questions about how I decided to become a product manager, and what I learned over the years being a PM at three startups — ClickHouse, Elastic, and ExtraHop. So I'll ask the same, "Why Product Management"? You don't need to have a story that goes "I've wanted to be a Product Apr 4, 2025 · 2. Transitioning from data engineering to product management? Learn everything you need to know, including transferable skills, daily responsibilities, salary insights, and interview tips in this comprehensive guide. Key Responsibilities of a Product Manager: Conduct market research and user analysis. Product managers don’t need to be able to code, but they do need a good handle on the technical side of the product development process. In the comprehensive learning journey, you will acquire both tactical and strategic knowledge and develop the holistic perspective of product management to take Apr 7, 2025 · How to Become a Product Manager: 6 Actionable Steps. Jan 31, 2023 · A technical product manager builds on the existing product manager skills by becoming more proficient in the technical areas of the product. Working in the above-defined setup should give you direct access to product managers. You can start by taking online courses, attending workshops and 6 to 8 months after joining a product-related team, get an understanding of the internal job transfer processes. However, what I'll be covering is Product Management in Tech, specifically software tech. Director of Product Management. To be successful, the role of Dec 7, 2023 · Work with partner product managers and teams for API feature delivery planning. Most technical product managers hold a degree in computer science, engineering, or a related technical field. Apr 17, 2025 · In the tech sector, product management is becoming a more in-demand profession. Here are some steps you can take to break into a product management role and become a successful product manager. To become a blockchain product manager, you must have a strong understanding of how blockchain technology works and its potential applications. I've recently become interested in roles like Slack's Engineering Operations Manager, Program Management, because of this. According to Glassdoor, the median annual salary for a product manager is around $196,000 as of 2024. . Apr 24, 2025 · Many people wonder if it’s possible for a fresher, someone without prior experience, to become a product manager. Here are some steps you can take to become a blockchain product manager: Develop a solid understanding of blockchain technology. Candidates may have some experience with product development and backgrounds in technical positions. Product managers who can succeed in being agile and intuitive against trends, unforeseen events, and recessions have an encouraging outlook. This is how I personally got into product management. Becoming a technical product manager does differ from a traditional product manager. Jan 10, 2024 · According to Glassdoor and Payscale, product managers can typically make anywhere from $63,000 to $200,000 annually, depending on the company, seniority, and location. Product manager salaries can also differ dramatically depending on the organization. To become a certified product manager, you must have several skills: communication skills, technical skills, analytical skills, product knowledge, customer service skills, and business knowledge. Gain essential skills to succeed and stand out in the fast-growing product management field. May 13, 2021 · 2. Whether you’re a professional aiming for a career shift or a student starting out, these suggestions can guide you. Leverage these relations to understand how product managers typically operate, which skills are highly valued, and how you can demonstrate those Apr 24, 2024 · According to the Government of Canada Job Bank, the outlook for product manager jobs in Canada over the next few years is moderate or undetermined in most provinces and territories . Product managers earn handsome salaries and, according to figures from the BLS, are facing a favorable job outlook in upcoming years. Jun 9, 2024 · Technical Product Manager Education and Experience Required Educational Background. Step 1: Get Certified in Technical Product Management. Jul 19, 2024 · 2. There is no one specific career path to becoming a product manager—successful product managers often come from various fields, bringing transferable skills and experience with them. Mar 6, 2025 · Product managers come from a wide variety of backgrounds, as the role requires a broad and diverse skillset. Entry-Level Technical Product Manager (0-2 years of experience): Salary Range: ₹10,00,000 to ₹15,00,000 per year. A Product Manager is focused on the overall success of a product throughout its lifecycle. “When I was in college in 2011, the whole concept of product management was really evolving and there weren’t any classes to take on the subject,” she says. How to become a product manager Engaging in tech-focused product management roles or industries where technical knowledge is a critical asset can be an advantageous starting point. Product management is becoming an increasingly in-demand profession, but unlike law or medicine, there is not a very clear pathway to becoming a product manager. In a market where innovation and technology evolve at a rapid pace, aspiring Technical Product Managers must equip themselves with a robust set of qualifications to stand out. Feb 1, 2023 · Given how new and versatile the role is, product marketing management is also probably the least standardized role in tech companies, which makes the process of becoming a PMM quite obtuse and vague. Dec 20, 2023 · Now, though, let’s consider those all-important skills you’ll need to demonstrate if you want to become a product manager. You can find product management jobs in various industries, making it easy to pursue this career in a field that interests you. The best Technical Product Managers have several years of Jan 10, 2023 · Becoming a product manager requires a combination of 3 things -- education, skills and a way to showcase the skills required for the role. When you pursue a career in product management, you get to use your creative and organizational skills every day. Talk to your manager. Taking a course in technical product management can help bridge the gap between business skills and technical skills/lingo. Should You Become a Product Manager? Yes, you should become a product manager. 📋 Curious about a career in Product Management? What skills should you develop and what steps should you take?Discover exactly how to get started in product Jan 31, 2025 · How to Become a Product Manager in India. Expertise in product management principles , including product strategy , roadmapping and prioritisation can make a huge difference in this aspect of your career. The title of a PM may differ from company to company, and there are many other roles that share similar responsibilities, including: Associate product manager; Senior product manager Feb 25, 2025 · 2. Strong leadership, communication, and technical abilities are necessary for this tough and demanding work. In this guide, we discuss some steps that you must take to become a successful technical product manager. Feb 27, 2024 · Find a way to work those product management muscles. Use of Interpersonal Skills Dec 16, 2024 · Explore product management Professional Certificates on Coursera. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll help to illuminate your path of breaking into product marketing management. They also have to understand the motivations of the technical user personas who adopt such products, like developers or data analysts. MIT Professional Education offers a 9-month online Professional Certificate Program in Product Management to help professionals hone their skills and become successful product managers. Aug 3, 2023 · Designed by product management experts and backed by a job guarantee, this is a great option for those looking to become product managers. Technical product managers typically have a bachelor’s degree in software engineering, computer science or a related technical field. At the entry-level, Technical Product Managers are typically transitioning from technical roles (like software engineering) into product management. Learning more about product management and how to pursue a manager position can help you decide if it's the right job for you. The average product manager's salary is around $112,000/year. They define the product vision, gather user requirements, and prioritize features based on impact and market needs, driving the product’s strategic direction. Starting your own company —This is by far the most work-intensive path, and rarely planned, but hey, it works. If you're still investigating the product manager career path, consider a Professional Certificate to learn more. What makes it unique? Well, the true answer is that a Technical PM will be doing a lot of what a Product Manager already does, with extra responsibilities. The journey to becoming a product manager starts with mastering a core set of foundation skills that are crucial for the role. Here is a process on how to become a product manager: 1. Having one can definitely help you have a framework for recognizing the effect of product decisions on the bottom line. Embarking on a career as a Technical Product Manager requires a unique combination of technical expertise, business acumen, and product vision. Entry into product management doesn't require an advanced Mar 22, 2024 · Becoming a certified product manager has many benefits, from making you a stronger candidate for new opportunities to increasing your wages. Jun 29, 2023 · Product management is a highly lucrative and sought-after profession, combining elements of business management, marketing and technology. Do You Need a Degree to Become a Product Manager? Dixon: No May 28, 2024 · Like many complex technical skills, product managers often need to work their way up within a product team to gain the hands-on knowledge and skills to succeed. A Professional Certificate in product management gives a glimpse into the role and helps develop job-ready skills and knowledge for product roles. Develop key skills. The world of technology is in a constant state of evolution. However, getting an MBA is not the only way to acquire a business and financial framework. Apr 21, 2025 · The Product Manager career path involves progression from Associate Product Manager to Chief Product Officer in Product Management. Put another way, you will understand the frameworks and tools and jargon but the execution is never exactly what is in the textbook. Do You Need an MBA to Become a Product Manager? You do not need an MBA to become a successful Product Manager. An IT Product Manager is a strategic role that sits at the intersection of technology, business, and user experience, responsible for guiding the success of a software product and leading the cross-functional team that is charged with improving it. Learn product skills online Explore our online learning platform and discover a wealth of courses, exams and learning that can help product managers to gain new skills and progress their career. Due to the flexible nature of the study schedule, as well as the dedicated support, mentorship, and career guidance provided, the CareerFoundry program is ideal for beginners, career-changers, upskillers Oct 9, 2024 · Product manager salaries vary by industry but are often six figures. Steps to become a Technical Product Manager. You can become a product manager without a technical background. How to become a product manager. I do not recommend continuing the project management path, even though it might eventually allow you to transition into product management. Jan 3, 2025 · In our article on product manager salaries, we found that the average product manager salary in the USA was $111,868, well above the average American income of $51,480. the three main things are this: Apr 30, 2024 · Updated: August 7, 2024 - 6 min read Technical Product Management is a type of product manager with some of the most sought-after skills in one single position. Know the difference between a Product Manager and a Technical Product Manager. Jan 21, 2025 · The product manager role has grown in recent years, especially in technology, as companies seek to navigate a rapidly changing market and economy. May 24, 2023 · How To Become A Product Manager In Tech Tech companies are constantly pushing the boundaries of innovation and striving to develop the next ground-breaking invention. Enroll in our free course now! Soft Skills Essential For Non-Technical Product Managers 1. Oct 26, 2022 · Christina Gilligan, product manager at Spotify, has been in digital or tech product management for about five years, with an undergraduate degree is in business management and marketing. Although, some product management positions pay as low as $80,000/year. Explore the training solutions available to become a product manager or expand your product management skills. The top 12 most important product manager skills. Technical product managers often build products for Product people, which requires acute knowledge of both customer and business needs. The diverse skill set required for success; Educational routes that pave the way to becoming a Blockchain Product Manager; Career prospects and advancement opportunities in the competitive blockchain job market. Enhance your product management skills with Geeksforgeeks “ Breaking into Product Management Course ” and get trained with industry experts. To become a Technical Product Manager, you need to understand what sets the role apart. Find out how to conduct a job search with this in mind. For point 1, I wouldn't necessarily view it as a promotion from SWE to Product Manager, it's more a sideways move I'm sure this varies a lot depending on the engineering culture of a company though. Can a Fresher Be a Product Manager 4. Apr 4, 2025 · Other Product Management Certifications to Consider. Average PM salary. One who has good command over all the technical details required while developing a product. Starting with market research, Associate Product Managers contribute to strategy development, leading to roles as central Product Managers overseeing execution. I know I don't want to stay in the technical weeds forever, and I've only been at one company where I look at the PMs and have gone, I want to be one of them. I have been in various product management roles in quite a few companies and every one has implemented it differently. Product managers usually need some level of technical understanding, so that they can fully understand the products they are overseeing, which are often technical products. Product managers need a wide range of hard and soft skills. Business and industry knowledge. If you enjoy bringing a product from conception to completion and launch, then becoming a product manager is a wise career move. The best way to become a great product manager is to learn on the go. The short answer is yes! Although it may seem like a role that requires years of experience, with the right mindset, skills, and approach, freshers can break into product management. Proficiency in Data Analysis and Research. Technical Product Management Certification. I'm becoming more and more convinced that knowing how to code is completely irrelevant to PM work. Much like school, taking a product management course will get you the theory but not the practice. 2. Let’s uncover the key insights. You might also try yourself in other fields like Marketing, Support, or Success. Gain actionable tactics to showcase your technical prowess, tailor your narrative, cultivate leadership abilities, and ultimately land a data product manager role. Mar 4, 2025 · The following skills might be useful to you if you want to find success as a product manager: Technical skills. However, if you’re aiming to accelerate your PM career path and have the budget for a broader course, these are some of the product management certifications that are well-recognized in the industry today. Why Product Management? The first question that you'll often ask as a PM is "Why". At that point I worked there for 6 months before getting a technical project manager role with a fintech company. One of the best ways to demonstrate your interest in product management is to work on a side project that gives you experience in shipping a product. The intricate responsibilities and strategic impact of a Blockchain Product Manager in the Fintech and Web3 sectors. The reason this is so important goes back to the analogy of product managers being a central gear in an organizational structure, which requires that they get to know a variety of Feb 8, 2023 · How to Become a Technical Product Manager Technical Product Manager Education and Experience. This course spans the entire product management role, from ideation to project scoping, with practical exercises and expert insights to strengthen your job prospects. CEOs often become PMs after Jan 27, 2024 · So, the best you can do is steer your career into product management by becoming an Aspiring Product Manager. How to become a product manager: With India’s thriving IT scene, the pathway to becoming a product manager is filled with exciting potential. Technical expertise. zfrkte eihm evdu iwkneb vntqqs kzzxkz cqpm gmpeap iehepp ittbrq zmhknsz tjih chtw wbujyyk hneltfc