Product management professionals Felix Watson Jr., Diego Granados, Shyvee Shi, and Andrew Nguyen discuss advancing in a PM career. They emphasize the importance of mastering product knowledge, building relationships, and being proactive problem solvers. Seek guidance from mentors, hone communication skills, understand the market, and seize opportunities for growth.
Advancing in a PM career involves mastering your product, building strong relationships, and being a proactive problem solver.
Seek guidance from experienced mentors and focus on honing your communication and leadership skills.
Understanding your market, customers, and taking the initiative to grab opportunities are crucial for advancing in a PM career.
Deep dives
Leveraging International Experience in Product Management
For product managers looking to transfer their international experience to a new country, networking and finding opportunities within companies with locations in both countries can be beneficial. Connecting with product managers who have successfully transitioned can provide insights and guidance. Another approach is to take the initiative in working on strategy by researching and studying examples of well-crafted strategy papers, and then attempting to write one yourself based on a specific area of interest or project. Seeking feedback from those experienced in strategy can help refine your skills and demonstrate your passion for working on strategic initiatives.
Channeling Passion for Product Management
Passion for product management can be driven by taking steps such as connecting with the product management community through LinkedIn and other platforms, attending product management events, and actively seeking opportunities to solve problems and bring solutions to the table in your current role. While an MBA can provide added structure and opportunities, it is not a necessity for breaking into or advancing in product management. Pursuing domain expertise in a specific area, considering vertical or horizontal career progression, and staying curious and adaptable to learn new skills, such as AI, are key aspects of advancing a product management career.
Getting Started in Product Management and MBA Considerations
For those looking to break into product management, there are resources available such as accelerator programs, learning modules, and networking opportunities specifically designed to help individuals enter the field. These resources can provide valuable knowledge, connections, and support. While an MBA may be beneficial in certain cases, it is not a strict requirement. Focus should be placed on gaining relevant experience, building domain expertise, demonstrating problem-solving abilities, and staying up-to-date with emerging trends, such as AI, to enhance the chances of breaking into and advancing in the product management field.
Importance of Building Relationships in Career
Building and maintaining relationships with mentors, colleagues, and peers is essential in advancing one's product management career. Taking the time to invest in these relationships can lead to valuable insights, guidance, and career opportunities. One common struggle is keeping in touch with people met throughout one's career, which can be addressed by prioritizing communication and regularly checking in on these relationships. By showing care and actively engaging with mentors and colleagues, one can strengthen professional connections and benefit from ongoing support.
Continuous Learning and Teaching
Continuous learning and teaching are crucial elements for career growth as a product manager. By always seeking new knowledge and skills, PMs can stay updated with industry trends and advancements. Actively pursuing learning opportunities, such as understanding emerging technologies or developing strategic thinking abilities, can make a significant impact. Additionally, teaching others what has been learned helps reinforce the knowledge, deepen understanding, and contribute to personal growth. The cycle of learning and teaching propels product managers forward, increasing their expertise and paving the way for leadership roles.
In this episode of the How to Succeed in Product Management Podcast, marketing professor Jeff Shulman and The Product Management Center advisory board members Red Russak and Soumeya Benghanem welcome Felix Watson Jr. (Google), Diego Granados (Paypal), Shyvee Shi (LinkedIn), and Andrew Nguyen to talk about advancing in a PM career. Advancing in a PM career is a mix of mastering your product, building strong relationships, and being a proactive problem solver. Seek guidance from experienced mentors and focus on honing your communication and leadership skills. It's about understanding your market, customers, and taking the initiative to grab opportunities when they come your way.
Disclaimer: All opinions of the speakers are their own.
What to Listen For:
00:00 Intro
05:41 What does it actually mean to advance your PM career?
08:11 Communicate your ambitions
10:26 Mentorship and solving the right problems
12:45 Navigating growth and titles
16:01 Treat everybody like your customer
19:59 What to learn early in your career
28:47 Early career mistakes
37:23 How to start working on strategy
42:43 Do you need an MBA to advance your PM career?
49:40 Finding mentors
53:42 Final thoughts
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