How to Become a Product Manager

Unlike other professions, there’s no single pathway to becoming a product manager. People come from different backgrounds like communications, engineering, or marketing. Despite their diverse starting points, they share a mastery of both hard and soft skills. While the hard skills, such as market analysis, product design, and data analytics, can be learned through focused study, soft skills like mentoring junior team members, leadership, collaborating with stakeholders, and influencing decision-making processes take time to develop and are often cultivated through real-world work experience.

Whether you’re an aspiring professional or a mid-career individual looking to boost your understanding, this guide provides actionable insights to navigate the path toward a successful product management career.

Product management is the process of guiding a product from concept to launch, ensuring it meets the needs of both the customer and the business. In this case, the “product” in question could be something physical, a new piece of software, or even a new feature within an existing platform.

In a modern business context, product managers (otherwise known as PMs) act as the central point of communication, leading cross-functional teams across development, marketing, and customer service. They are responsible for defining product goals and vision, researching user needs and market demand, and making strategic decisions based on feedback, market trends, and business objectives. Product management is critical to ensuring product-market fit, driving innovation, and maintaining customer satisfaction in today’s digital landscape.

Primary responsibilities of a product manager include:

• Aligning product vision with company goals: Ensuring that product strategies and roadmaps are in sync with overall business objectives.
• Managing the product lifecycle: oversee product development, launch, growth, and end-of-life stages while adapting strategies to maximize success.
• Collaborating with stakeholders: Working with various teams to ensure smooth execution and alignment with the product vision.

This blend of strategy, leadership, and management makes product managers vital to a business’s success.

In a typical technology company, a product manager is responsible for managing the product lifecycle, from the initial concept through to its launch. They start by researching user needs and market demand, conducting user research, and defining product goals and vision.

Once the idea is validated, they create a detailed roadmap outlining the development process and communicate with engineering teams to bring the product to life. Along the way, product managers prioritize features based on impact, manage timelines, and ensure alignment with project goals.

As the product nears completion, they identify the target audience and prepare marketing strategies. Additionally, they manage product releases to ensure all cross-functional teams are prepared and aligned for the product launch. After launch, they iterate on product design to refine features and better meet user needs. Product managers also strive to innovate in product design by continuously seeking opportunities to enhance user experiences and adapt to evolving customer needs.

Key skills and competencies for a successful product manager include:

• Market research and analysis: The ability to understand market trends, customer needs, and competitive landscapes.
• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills to clearly convey product vision and updates to stakeholders and teams.
• Leadership: Experience leading cross-functional teams and guiding projects without direct authority over team members.
• Problem-solving: The ability to anticipate challenges and develop creative solutions to keep the project moving forward.
• Time management: Skill in balancing competing priorities and keeping projects on schedule.

• Data-driven decision making: Proficiency in analyzing data to inform product decisions and strategy adjustments.

For more information on what the day-to-day of a product manager looks like, read our What Does a Product Manager Do guide. In combination, these skills help to effectively manage complex projects and align product vision with company goals.

Breaking into product management requires foundational knowledge, practical experience, and a strong understanding of your industry. To help guide you, we’ve outlined five essential steps that will set you on the right path. 

By learning product management fundamentals and becoming familiar with the process, you’ll build the necessary groundwork. It’s equally important to dive deep into your specific business line and industry to understand market needs and opportunities. Developing your own projects will sharpen your skills, giving you hands-on experience in how to manage the product lifecycle. Finally, creating a portfolio of your work will allow you to showcase your abilities and demonstrate your value to potential employers.

How to become a Product Manager in five steps:

Breaking into product management without prior experience can seem daunting, but several strategies can help bridge that gap. Start by identifying and leveraging transferable skills from your previous roles, such as communication expertise, problem-solving, and team collaboration. These skills are invaluable in product management, where you must coordinate with stakeholders, analyze user feedback, and strategize product development. Additionally, committing to continuous learning through online courses or workshops can deepen your understanding of product management fundamentals, agile methodology, and methodologies, enhancing your marketability.

Another effective approach is to gain hands-on experience, even in informal settings. Engage in personal projects, volunteer roles, or internships that allow you to apply your skills in real-world scenarios. This not only builds your resume but also boosts your confidence in applying product management theories. Additionally, participating in relevant community initiatives or working on digital apps can provide practical experience that demonstrates your goal-oriented mindset, entrepreneurial spirit, and capabilities to potential employers.

Networking and seeking mentorship are vital components of transitioning into product management. Building relationships within the industry can open doors to job opportunities and insider knowledge about trends and challenges. Attend industry events, join product management groups, or reach out to experienced product managers for guidance. A mentor can offer personalized advice, share their experiences, and help you navigate the complexities of the product management landscape. By actively engaging with the product management community, you can develop leadership skills, think like a strategic thinker, and increase your chances of breaking into this competitive field.

To become a product manager, most companies look for a mix of relevant skills, practical experience, and a strong understanding of the product development process. While formal education is not always necessary, having a solid grasp of fundamentals through product management certifications, bootcamps, or self-study is highly valued. 

Employers expect candidates to demonstrate skills in strategic planning, problem-solving, and leadership. Strong communication abilities, both verbal and written, are essential, as product managers often work cross-functionally with different teams. Hands-on experience managing projects or building products is also a key factor, showing that you can take a product from concept to launch. Continuous learning through workshops, courses, or industry certifications helps you stay competitive in this fast-moving field.

Typical educational backgrounds that employers look for in a product manager often include:

Alternative educational pathways include:

• Product management certifications: Specialized bootcamps or certification programs (such as BrainStation’s product management certification) offer focused training on the skills and tools used by modern product managers.
• Online courses: Platforms offering courses on product management, design thinking, or agile development provide flexible learning opportunities.
• Workshops and industry conferences: Short-term workshops or seminars allow you to quickly upskill and stay updated on industry trends.
• Self-guided learning: Reading industry blogs, listening to podcasts, and engaging in online communities can provide practical insights and help build your expertise. A good place to start is the What is Product Management? career guide.

There are many paths to becoming a Product Manager, but having the right educational background can significantly enhance your skill set and marketability.

The most beneficial bachelor’s degree programs for a career in product management include:

• Business Administration: Offers insights into management, strategy, and operations.
• Computer Science: Provides a technical foundation for understanding product development.
• Marketing: Helps align products with customer needs and market trends.
• Economics: Aids in making data-driven decisions and understanding market forces.
• Engineering: Offers problem-solving skills and a technical mindset useful in product design and development.

Having a bachelor’s degree in one of these fields can provide a strong skill set that gives you a competitive edge in the job market. For example, a business administration or marketing degree helps you master market positioning and strategy, while a technical degree like computer science or engineering enhances collaboration with development teams. If you’re looking to take your expertise further, pursuing a master’s degree can deepen your knowledge and demonstrate advanced leadership capabilities to employers.

In addition to academic qualifications, becoming a certified product manager complements your degree by validating your ability to handle the business and technical aspects of a product’s lifecycle. This combination of education and certification equips you with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to excel in product management roles.

Ultimately, these backgrounds demonstrate to employers that you possess a strong foundation to manage both the business and technical aspects of a product’s lifecycle.

Becoming a great product manager involves a unique combination of essential soft skills, technical acumen, and core traits that set you apart from the average professional. While foundational knowledge of product management is essential, the ability to connect with users and teams on a deeper level makes a significant difference. Key traits include empathy, leadership, curiosity, and creative problem-solving. Additionally, mastering effective communication, self-management, and creating systematic approaches to tasks can enhance your effectiveness and impact in this role. All of these skills enable product managers to research user needs and market demand in an effective manner.

Eight characteristics all great Product Managers possess:

Certification in product management has become increasingly valuable, especially for those looking to break into the field or advance their careers. In a competitive job market, holding a recognized certification can set you apart by proving that you’ve mastered key concepts and best practices. It demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth, which employers view favorably, especially when certifications come from reputable institutions.

For professionals already in product roles, obtaining certification can boost career trajectory by formalizing knowledge and equipping them with the latest industry tools and methodologies. In some cases, a strong certification may even substitute for years of experience, giving candidates an edge in securing more senior positions. Whether you’re just starting or looking to advance, the right product management course or certification can open doors to new opportunities, accelerate professional growth, and increase your credibility within the field.

Learn more in BrainStation’s career guide Is a Product Management Certificate Worth It?

BrainStation is a global leader in digital skills training, known for its commitment to delivering high-quality education. The Product Manager Certification Course is tailored for aspiring product managers and offers both online and in-person options for flexible learning, taught by instructors from companies such as Google and lululemon.

The curriculum covers essential topics, including:

• Product lifecycle management: Understanding each phase from ideation to retirement.
• Market analysis: Techniques for evaluating market needs and competition.
• UX/UI fundamentals: Designing user-centric products.
• Agile methodologies: Implementing agile practices for effective project management.
• Data analytics: Using data to inform product decisions and strategies.

BrainStation offers courses and certificates in many fields that accompany product management, such as UX Design, Data Analytics, and Product Leadership.

Participants can expect to learn valuable skills such as:

• Effective stakeholder communication and collaboration.
• How to prioritize product features based on user feedback.
• How to implement product roadmaps and strategic plans.
• Techniques for conducting user research and testing.

Obtaining this certification not only enhances job prospects but also opens up networking opportunities within BrainStation’s extensive industry connections.

Learn more about the BrainStation Product Management Certification.

A Project Manager is responsible for overseeing specific projects from start to finish, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget. Project management focuses on coordinating resources, managing timelines, and communicating with stakeholders to achieve project goals.

Key Responsibilities of a Project Manager:

• Develop project plans and timelines.
• Allocate resources and manage budgets.
• Monitor project progress and performance.
• Communicate with stakeholders and team members.
• Identify and mitigate project risks.

A Product Manager is focused on the overall success of a product throughout its lifecycle. They define the product vision, gather user requirements, and prioritize features based on impact and market needs, driving the product’s strategic direction.

Key Responsibilities of a Product Manager:

• Conduct market research and user analysis.
• Develop product roadmaps and strategies.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Gather and prioritize product requirements.
• Measure product performance and iterate on product design based on feedback.

Project Management focuses on the execution of specific projects, while Product Management is concerned with the broader vision and success of a product. You can explore more distinctions between the two in our Product Manager vs. Project Manager guide. Both roles are essential but serve distinct purposes within an organization.

For Aspiring Product Managers:

Focus on gaining real-world experience through internships or entry-level positions in product-related roles. Seek opportunities to work on cross-functional teams, as collaboration with marketing, engineering, and design is crucial for product success. Networking with industry professionals can also provide valuable insights and mentorship. Consider participating in product management workshops or online courses to deepen your understanding of the field.

For Mid-Career Professionals:

Pursue advanced certifications or specialized training to enhance your expertise and stay updated on industry trends. Seek leadership roles within your organization, as managing teams or leading projects can significantly boost your career trajectory in product management. Engaging in networking events and industry conferences can also expand your professional connections and open doors to new opportunities.