How to get a product manager job?

To get a product manager job you need to get a degree, gain entry-level experience, develop the necessary skills, build your network, get certified, and look for jobs in your desired industry. In the competitive world of product management, you will need to stay agile, keep your roadmap in sight, and prioritize your features to stand out as a top candidate for the job. With the right steps and frame of mind, you can one day be leading a product development cycle of your own.

There are typically two main routes to landing a job as a product manager. The first is to gain experience in your industry and then build your product management skills. Alternatively, you can build your degree around product management and then gain experience in the industry that you would like to work in. Product managers can be found in a diverse range of fields, such as technology, consumer goods, retail, healthcare, financial services, automotive, and manufacturing.

• Get a degree.

Most employers seek candidates with bachelor's degrees in business, product management or project management. In most cases, a master's degree isn't required for product management. However, some product managers start off studying in the industry they plan to work in. For example, a video game product manager may have started off as a software engineer who learned management skills along the way.

• Gain entry-level experience.

Depending on the company and industry, you need about one to three years of entry-level industry experience before entering a product manager role. Look for a project coordinator or assistant job to gain experience and build valuable skills like organization and time management. Some larger companies also have junior or associate product management jobs, so you can expand your search to include these job titles.

• Develop the necessary skills and product knowledge.

In your entry-level job, seek opportunities to learn and grow. Develop the soft skills needed to be an effective product manager through practice and learn as much as possible about your company's products. Since product managers need to be effective leaders, volunteer or ask for leadership opportunities on various projects.

• Network.

Networking is key to finding job opportunities in product management. Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and connect with other professionals in the field on LinkedIn. Building relationships with other product managers and industry experts can help you learn about job openings and gain valuable insights into the field.

• Get certified.

Several certifications can advance your knowledge and show your product management proficiency. Some employers could also seek these certifications, so it could be helpful to pursue one of the following:

• Association of International Product Marketing Management--Certified Product Manager: This is the most relevant product management certification you can earn. You need to complete courses and pass an exam to receive a CPM.

• Scrum Alliance--Certified Scrum Product Owner: If you're interested in pursuing product owner jobs and product management, you can get the CSPO. This is also a good certification if you're seeking an IT or software development job. To earn a CSPO, you must complete online courses and pass an exam.

• Product Manager HQ--Product Manager Certification: Product Manager HQ has members worldwide, making its Product Manager Certification ideal for building an international network. Like the other certifications, you need to take courses and pass an exam to get the PMC.

• Look for jobs in your desired industry.

If you enjoy working for your current company, seek internal product manager roles first. Routinely check for job openings, or you may be able to pitch the idea of creating a new product management role to your manager. You can also explore product management jobs with several businesses to compare the responsibilities, opportunities for growth, and salaries. Use this information to negotiate a promotion with your current company or with a new business.