So you’re trying to decide whether you should become a product manager. Product management has risen in popularity over the last couple of years to become one of the fastest-growing careers in the tech space. In the last few years, product management has evolved seismically to attract creative and self-driven candidates.
If that sounds like the sort of individual you are, then product management might be a better fit for you than you ever imagined. A position as a product manager compared to most other short-time positions, always has something to offer. Working as a product manager can not only make you feel more motivated but also more content.
Even though product management has evolved, it can be a little difficult for the layman to understand the inner workings of product managers. Even with the growing research into the field, product management is still a relatively misunderstood turf. Owing to this lack of clarity that exists within the sector, it can be hard for recent graduates or individuals outside the realm of product management to get their foot in the door.
The good news is that as the years have gone by, product management as a function is getting a clearer definition. So if you are wondering whether product management is the right choice for you, here are 5 reasons why you should consider a career as a product manager:
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Product managers are in high demand
As a result, these days, product managers are more in demand than ever before. Product managers are the people equipped to deal with the complex challenges of today’s business world. It is because of this reason that modern organizations are hiring trained product professionals capable of understanding users better.
That’s why tech-centric communities all over the world are beginning to offer product management training programs. Such courses equip interested candidates with the skills they need to take on mid and senior-level roles.
Colleges and universities are also beginning to cater to the demand and have jumped on the bandwagon. As the product management field continues to mature, experts predict that more and more courses will follow, giving students more variety.
We are living in the Golden Age of digital transformation
Digital transformation refers to the process or utilizing technologies to modify or come up with a brand new business process, company culture, or customer experiences. The purpose of a digital transformation is to meet the constantly changing business and market trends. Today, customers start their shopping journey online.
As such, it has become more important than ever for businesses of all shapes and sizes to deliver seamless digital experiences that support the existing products and services. Pulling off a digital transformation sounds easy enough, but it’s harder than you can imagine. Numerous multinational companies such as Proctor & Gamble, Nike, GE, and more have tried and failed to successfully undertake a digital transformation.
That’s where experienced and qualified product managers come in. Nowadays, organizations are turning to product professionals to supervise the digital division of their businesses while overcoming the complexities of a digital transformation. This means that interested candidates now have a wealth of opportunities to explore once they graduate.
Product management is a coveted position
Freshly minted MBAs used to run for Wall Street positions. However, today, many of them would rather work as product managers at SaaS businesses in Silicon Valley and elsewhere. The growing attraction of product management is enticing more and more graduates to fill the position.
Product managers are sort of the rock stars of the tech world. They are in charge of every facet of the product from conception to completion, which has made the job title particularly attractive for impact-driven graduates.
Since there is a demand for the position, companies are willing to shell out high salaries to find the right fit. As product management shapes up to become a top choice, salaries will continue to become more comparable to those in more conventional roles such as COO.
Enjoy a fulfilling career
A career in product management is a deeply fulfilling one. As the product manager, the development of a product will be your responsibility and there is nothing as fulfilling and exciting as seeing a concept come to life. Product management is a great position that sits at the node of business, UX, and technology.
This means that you will never get bored or run out of things to keep you occupied. Part of being a product manager often involves getting ad-hoc work done that needs you to maintain good rapport and understanding with colleagues. A product manager needs to collaborate with a lot of different teams and departments and this level of relationship-building is what makes the work all the more worthwhile.
It will expose you to leadership and entrepreneurship opportunities
A career in product management will allow you to hone your leadership skills and apply them in a fast-paced, real-world scenario, which is exactly why many individuals opt to join the field. Many product managers often end up as COOs or CEOs after several years of experience.
Don’t believe it? Just take a close look at some of the most renowned CEOs in the tech space today. Susan Wojcicki (current CEO, YouTube) and Sundar Pichai (CEO, Google, and Alphabet) are just a few examples of product managers that have assumed influential top positions. Aside from the rapid career progression, you will always be exposed to top management due to the nature of your position, which certainly has its perks.
Final Thoughts
Along with the above-mentioned benefits of joining the product management realm, the demand for product managers has never been higher. Businesses, especially in the tech space, are now embracing the fact that product managers are critical and needed for the lifecycle of a product. As such, if you are in the market for a challenging but rewarding career in product management, the time to join the sector is now.
