How to Get Your First Product Management Job

Definition and Key Responsibilities

Product management is all about leading the development of a product—whether it's software, hardware, or even a service—from conception to launch. As a product manager, you oversee the entire lifecycle of a product, including gathering requirements, setting goals, and coordinating with cross-functional teams. Think of yourself as the bridge between the technical team, the business side, and the customers.

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Why Pursue a Career in Product Management?

Why become a product manager? For starters, PMs get to work on interesting problems, lead teams, and create real impact. If you enjoy solving problems, thinking strategically, and working with people from different backgrounds, product management could be your dream job. Plus, PMs are needed across various industries, which gives you the flexibility to work in a field you’re passionate about.

Essential Soft Skills for Success

To succeed as a product manager, you need to have strong soft skills. Here are the top ones:

• Communication: You’ll be talking to everyone—engineers, stakeholders, customers. Being able to communicate clearly is a must.
• Leadership: You’re responsible for leading teams, even if you don’t have direct authority.
• Time Management: Deadlines are key in product management, so being able to juggle multiple priorities is crucial.‍
• Empathy: Understanding the user’s needs will help you build products people love.

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Technical Skills That Set You Apart

While product managers don't always need to be technical experts, some basic technical skills can be a huge advantage:

• Basic Coding Knowledge: Understanding coding concepts or the software development process helps you communicate with engineers.
• Product Analytics: Being able to analyse data is important when making product decisions.‍
• Knowledge of Product Development Tools: Familiarity with tools like Jira, Asana, or Trello will help you manage tasks efficiently.

If you talk to current product managers, you'll quickly see that there's no single way to break into the field. Everyone's journey is different, and there isn't a strict, step-by-step path to follow. However, there are some key actions you can start taking today that will give you a solid advantage when it comes to landing that first PM role:

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1. Get a Relevant Degree

Most product managers have a bachelor’s degree in fields like business, engineering, or project management. While you don’t necessarily need an MBA, it can give you an edge for certain roles, especially in large companies.

2. Gain Entry-Level Experience in a Related Role

You’ll need at least 1-3 years of experience in a related field before stepping into a PM role. Look for roles like project coordinator, business analyst, or associate product manager to get started.

3. Develop Product Management Skills and Product Knowledge

Once you’re in a related role, make it a point to learn everything you can about your company’s products and processes. Develop skills like prioritisation, product research, and customer discovery. Offer to take on side projects that let you practise product management tasks.

4. Seek Certifications to Boost Your Credentials

Certifications can help demonstrate your knowledge and make your resume stand out. Depending on the type of product manager position you are seeking, the type of certification you complete can vary significantly. For example, if you’re targeting positions with a primary business focus then you may wish to investigate certifications more closely aligned with those requirements. 

5. Look for Internal and External Product Management Opportunities

Don’t overlook internal opportunities! Talk to your manager and express your interest in transitioning to a PM role within your current company. This could be a great way to leverage your existing knowledge and relationships.

Research the Role and Talk to Product Managers

Research is key! Talk to product managers at your company or in your network to understand the ins and outs of the role. Ask them about the challenges and what they love about their work.

Prove You Can Handle Product Management Tasks Before Getting the Job

Show that you can take an idea from strategy to execution. If you’re currently in a different role, offer to help with product-related tasks, like conducting user research or creating product specs.

Consider Tangential Roles Like UX or Business Analysis

If a PM role seems hard to get into right away, look for adjacent roles like UX design or business analysis. These positions will help you develop the user empathy and strategic thinking skills that are essential for product management.

Leverage Your Existing Network for Opportunities

Don’t be shy about reaching out to your network. Many PMs land their first roles through referrals, so make sure people know you're interested in product management.

Do You Need an MBA to Become a Product Manager?

No, an MBA is not a requirement, but it can help, especially if you’re aiming for a role in a larger company. Experience and skills often outweigh formal education in this field.

Should You Get Certified in Product Management?

Certifications can be helpful, but they’re not mandatory. They’re useful for gaining knowledge and showing commitment, but experience and hands-on projects carry more weight with hiring managers.

Is Coding Knowledge Necessary for a Product Manager?

Not necessarily. While you don’t need to be a coding expert, having some technical understanding can be useful for communicating with development teams.

Can You Get a PM Job Without Experience?

Yes, but it’s challenging. Start by gaining experience in a related role or by taking on side projects that let you practise PM skills, like launching a small product or managing a team project.

FAQs About The PM Repo

• What is The PM Repo? The PM Repo is a resource hub for product managers, offering tools, job boards, and practical guides to help PMs succeed.
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• Does The PM Repo offer a job board? Yes, we provide a dedicated job board for product management roles to help aspiring and current PMs find their next opportunity.

Product Management: A Fulfilling and Challenging Career Path

Product management can be one of the most rewarding career paths if you love solving complex problems, leading teams, and making an impact. It’s challenging, but that’s what makes it so satisfying.

Stay Persistent and Keep Building Relevant Skills

Breaking into product management takes time and effort, but if you stay persistent and keep building your skills, you’ll get there. Don’t forget—reach out to your network, keep learning, and don’t be afraid to take on product-related tasks whenever you can.

Good luck on your journey to becoming a product manager!