Product management has become one of the most sought-after career paths in the tech industry today. However, many candidates face the problem of how to start a career as a product manager if they have no direct experience in this field. On the Thinksters forum, users discuss this issue and share practical tips that will help beginners build a career path. You can always find out more information on the site: How to break into product management role in tech industry without prior experience?
Core competencies for beginners
Before applying for junior product manager positions, it is worth focusing on developing the following skills:
- Analytical thinking — the ability to work with data and draw conclusions for product development.
- Communication and leadership — the ability to interact with development, marketing, and sales teams.
- Understanding the product cycle — from researching user needs to bringing a product to market.
- Basic technical knowledge — understanding the principles of software and technology helps to speak the same language with developers.
Training and Certifications
There are online courses and programs that will help you structure your knowledge and obtain certificates that are useful for your resume:
- Coursera, Udemy, edX — courses on product management, Agile, and Scrum.
- Pragmatic Institute and Product School — specialized programs for future PMs.
- Agile and Scrum certificates are a valuable addition for those planning to work in technology teams.
While deep technical knowledge is not always required, it is important for a product manager to understand the basics of technology. But even more valuable are communication skills, process organization, and the ability to work with people.
How to create a portfolio without experience
Even without experience, you can show the employer relevant skills:
- participation in hackathons or startup projects;
- development of cases and product strategies “for the portfolio”;
- publications in blogs or on LinkedIn with analysis of products and suggestions for improvements;
- participation in volunteer projects or initiatives within the company.
Networking plays an important role in the development of a PM’s career. To strengthen professional connections, experts recommend actively participating in specialized communities, attending product management events and not being shy about directly contacting experienced managers for advice or mentoring support.
It is possible to get into product management without experience if you build a strategy: develop key competencies, undergo training, build a portfolio and actively engage in networking. As forum participants note, the main thing is to be proactive, ready to learn and demonstrate interest in the product sphere.