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This bar graph shows the annual salary for Product Manager (Tech)s.
Data sourced from O*NET Online, provided by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics wage estimates.
This line chart shows the projected job growth over 10 years for Product Manager (Tech)s.
Projected Growth Rate in Job Openings by 2031: 10%
Data sourced from CareerOneStop, provided by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Evaluate the financial aspects of product development, such as budgets, expenditures, research and development appropriations, or return-on-investment and profit-loss projections.
Formulate, direct, or coordinate marketing activities or policies to promote products or services, working with advertising or promotion managers.
Identify, develop, or evaluate marketing strategy, based on knowledge of establishment objectives, market characteristics, and cost and markup factors.
Becoming a Product Manager in the tech industry requires a blend of technical knowledge, business acumen, and strong interpersonal skills. If you're aiming to steer the direction of products at a tech company, here are the steps you'll need to take.
Before diving into this career path, it's essential to grasp what being a tech Product Manager entails. The role typically involves:
Most Product Managers have a strong educational background and a set of skills that are particularly relevant to the tech industry. To build your foundation:
Develop your technical skills by learning programming languages, UX design principles, or data analytics.
Hands-on experience is invaluable. To gather this:
Work on side projects or contribute to open-source initiatives to understand how products are built and improved.
Networking can significantly impact your journey. Engage in activities like:
Joining online communities and forums where tech Product Managers gather.
Familiarize yourself with tools that are crucial for the role:
Wireframing and prototyping tools such as Sketch or InVision
While not mandatory, certifications can enhance your resume:
Look into Product Management certification programs offered by institutions like Pragmatic Institute or 280 Group.
The tech field evolves rapidly. Keep up by:
When you're ready to apply for Product Manager positions:
Once you land a role as a Product Manager:
By following these steps, you can build a solid foundation for a successful career as a Tech Product Manager. Remember, persistence and passion for product development are key drivers of success in this dynamic field.
A Product Manager in tech is a professional responsible for guiding the success of a product and leading the cross-functional team that is responsible for improving it. This role involves setting the strategy, roadmap, and feature definition for a product or product line. A tech Product Manager's role spans many activities from strategic to tactical and provides important cross-functional leadership — most notably between engineering, marketing, sales, and support teams.
To become a Product Manager in tech, follow these steps:
Educational Background: Obtain a bachelor's degree in business, computer science, engineering, or related fields. Some Product Managers also have an MBA or other advanced degrees.
Gain Relevant Experience: Start by gaining experience in technology or business roles such as software development, design, marketing, or project management.
Develop Necessary Skills: Hone skills that are critical for product management such as strategic thinking, communication, user experience design, and data analysis.
Build a Network: Connect with current Product Managers through networking events, LinkedIn, or other professional platforms.
Get Certified: Consider obtaining certifications like Certified Product Manager (CPM) or Agile Certified Product Manager and Product Owner (ACPMPO).
Apply for Jobs: Look for Product Manager positions or related roles at tech companies.
Essential skills for a Product Manager in tech include:
Career advancement opportunities for a Product Manager in tech often include:
Yes, many individuals transition to a Product Manager role from different careers. Relevant experience in areas such as business analysis, software development, project management, or design can provide a strong foundation for a career in product management. It's crucial to build on your existing skills and gain knowledge specific to product management through courses, certifications, and networking.
While it is not strictly necessary to have a technical background to be a Product Manager in tech, it can be highly beneficial. A technical background helps you understand the challenges and limitations of software development and better communicate with engineering teams. If you lack this background, consider taking courses or workshops to build your technical acumen.
As an aspiring Product Manager in tech, you might consider the following certifications or courses:
For more authoritative information on certifications and courses, check out AIPMM and Scrum Alliance.
Product Managers in tech are hired across various industries including:
The salary range for a Product Manager in tech can vary widely depending on factors such as location, experience level, education, and company size. According to sources like Glassdoor and Payscale, entry-level Product Managers can expect salaries starting from $60,000 annually, while experienced Senior Product Managers may earn upwards of $130,000 or more. It's important to research salaries specific to your region and industry.
For more accurate salary information, visit sites like Glassdoor or Payscale.
The role of a Product Manager differs from that of a Project Manager in several key ways:
Focus: Product Managers focus on the product's success and strategic direction while Project Managers focus on executing specific projects within timelines and budgets.
Responsibilities: Product Managers define the product vision and roadmap; Project Managers oversee project logistics and resources.
Outcome: The outcome for a Product Manager is delivering a successful product to market; for Project Managers, it's the successful completion of the project.
Understanding these differences is crucial when considering which career path aligns with your interests and skills.