Is Product Management the Right Career Path for You?

Product Management as a Career Path

I have been talking to many product management aspirants and folks involved in product management. When I speak to them, I don't ask Why Product Management or What are your aspirations? I ask simple Qs like -

• When you get up in the morning, what do you look forward to in your professional life?

• If you are a coach for a youth soccer team (or pick the sport of your choice), you see a few kids disregard your instructions. What will you do?

• Before you go to bed, think about what achievements made you happy during the day.

• When you close your eyes and visualize, what do you see yourself as?

I am not leading them to answer in a specific direction during this process, but I am keeping it open for them to express their thoughts honestly. With this approach, I figured 10-20 % of the folks are genuinely interested in product management. The rest look at the product management career for different reasons. However, three patterns are quite common.

•  I don't like my current role: Some people desire to be product managers because they don't want to code or get off the technical details. However, it's important to note that running from one job doesn't necessarily mean you'll enjoy the other. Understanding this, we can better assess if product management is the right fit for you.

• I want to do product/business Strategy: It's a common misconception that you can dive into product/business strategy from day one. A product manager is involved in strategy, even initially, but at a lesser scale, including UX strategy, API strategy, security, strategy for a small module, payments, integration, etc. By learning how to drive strategy from a small scale and understanding the business and the industry, you evolve to drive product/business strategy. This journey requires patience and a commitment to learning, but these qualities will ultimately lead to success in product management.

• I want to be a manager: Aspiring to be a people manager is a common goal, but it's essential to understand that the term "product manager" means you are managing a product, not people. If your goal is to be a people manager for product managers, that's a valid aspiration. However, it's crucial to remember that such a role needs to be earned through unwavering commitment and dedication to your career growth. This dedication is what will set you apart and lead to your success in the field of product management.

You should have aspirations and expectations, but remember the quote from Bill Gates: "Patience is a key element of success." It is true to the core for a Product Manager as well.