How to Become a Product Manager

Many people ask us about technical product management - the skills needed, the challenges, the career rewards - and how to work in those jobs. This week we explore what’s needed to be a successful product manager.

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HOW DOES SOMEONE BECOME A PRODUCT MANAGER

Many people in the tech industry believe that they know how to build a better mousetrap. But what does it really take to be a product manager? How is the job challenging, how is it difficult, and what does it take to be successful?

WHAT SKILLS ARE NEEDED TO BECOME A SUCCESSFUL PRODUCT MANAGER

1. Being a product manager means that you’re a crystal ball reader (predict the future), a technology expert, a business analyst, a salesperson, a great communicator, and an expert priorities manager.
2. Not all product managers are alike. It’s important to understand what part of the product (or all of the product) that you’re responsible for. 
3. Cheap, feature-rich, or delivered quickly - pick any two.
4. You’re solving today’s problems and guessing about future problems, not always in that order. 
5. You have to be a great communicator, even if you’re an introvert. 
6. Are you going to work in an area where the company will be able to make your product successful? 
7. You’ll make a lot of mistakes.
8. There is no end-game…..the game is always in motion. 

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