Product Management is an ever-growing field, and one of the most in-demand fields in the business world right now.

Today, many companies rely on Product Managers to help them manage the entire Product Management lifecycle.

We’ve created this mini-guide to introduce the field of Product Management and identify how you can become a Product Manager in a few steps.

What is Product Management?

Product Management is an interesting field, where companies create and sell products that customers want. At its core, Product Management means overseeing every stage of a product’s life — when that product is researched, created, designed, sold and eventually removed from the market.

As a Product Manager, you’ll help companies create and release products that make customers’ lives easier. Your individual responsibilities will vary, depending on factors like your employer and their industry.

All Product Managers oversee the development of products from start to finish.

Why are Product Managers so important?

Product Managers are the ones ultimately responsible for the success or failure of a product.

They are the ones who define the long-term vision, direction and execution of each product. They also outline timelines for product development. Product Managers should use their knowledge of their company’s goals, in order to create products that best serve customer needs.

Without Product Managers, most products would never make it to the public.

How do I become a Product Manager?

There is no right or wrong path to becoming a Product Manager.

Product Managers come from various backgrounds. For example, you might have a background in communications, marketing, engineering, sales or a completely different field. Product Managers often have different backgrounds, but most share the same love for product design and sales.

Here are five steps that can help you become a top-tier Product Manager.

1. Learn Product Management fundamentals

The first step to becoming a Product Manager is to learn the fundamentals of the industry.

There are several different ways to gain education in the Product Management field. While some students still prefer a traditional four-year university degree, more students are now opting for shorter, cheaper, accelerated programs. These programs allow you to learn Product Management basics in weeks, instead of years, without paying $80,000 or more for a diploma.

When determining your Product Management education path, make sure to choose a program that teaches you the right skills:

  • Customer and competitor research
  • Product modeling and roadmapping
  • Basic understanding of UX and UI
  • Critical and strategic thinking
  • Communication and collaboration
  • Listening and empathy
  • Leadership

These skills in Product Management will represent the foundation of your Product Management career.

2. Work on your own projects

Once you’ve established basic skills in Product Management, it’s time to begin applying and practicing those skills in a work environment. Often, your educational program will offer opportunities for real-world projects, to test and refine your new skills. At this stage of your Product Management career, it’s important to find ways to practice skills as you learn them — to become a better-qualified candidate for a Product Management position.

3. Build your portfolio

Your portfolio should highlight your best Product Management work, and allow employers to get to know you better.

Even if you don’t have a lot of experience in the Product Management field, you can still build an award-winning portfolio. Many of the top Product Management education programs, including our Product Management Bootcamp, help you build your portfolio from day one.

4. Network within the industry

Networking is an incredibly powerful, underrated practice for expanding your knowledge and joining a community. As you network, you’ll get to know other members of the Product Management community who might serve as mentors, peers, even coworkers.

The key to successful networking is authenticity. If you’re feeling intimidated by the concept of communicating with others, you’re not alone. Networking can be difficult, particularly if you’re just getting started in the Product Management field.

Fortunately, there are many different ways that you can network. Consider joining an online Product Management community, or attending a virtual meet-up with other aspiring Product Managers. Introduce yourself to Product Managers on LinkedIn, or other professional platforms, to further expand your contacts list.

5. Enroll in a Product Management bootcamp

For many people, one of the most effective ways to learn Product Management skills is through a Product Management Bootcamp.

We’re here to help you build the career you’ve always wanted. Contact our Solutions team today to get started!