How I broke into Product Management twice in six months

A conversation with a friend sparked a journey that led me to become a Product Manager. It all began during my MBA internship when my friend asked me about my dream job. While I had a dream company in mind, I hadn't really considered my dream job before. My initial response was focused on aspects like salary, company culture, and location, but my friend challenged me to think deeper about what I wanted to do in that job. At that moment, I realized I didn't have a clear answer.

Motivated by this realization, I embarked on a search for my true passion. A year passed, and I was working a generic role for a management gradute. However, many of my colleagues were transitioning into Product Management roles, which piqued my interest. Little did I know, this quest would require me to prove my knowledge and understanding of Product Management.

Understanding Product Management

To equip myself with the necessary skills, I delved into books, podcasts, YouTube videos, and online communities. I absorbed as much information as possible to build a solid foundation in Product Management.

Overcoming the Inexperience Barrier

Armed with my newfound knowledge, I began applying for Product Management positions on LinkedIn and other job portals. However, my lack of practical experience hindered my progress, and I faced numerous rejections. It became evident that I needed to break free from this cycle and prove my dedication.

Building a Portfolio and Crafting an Impressive CV

To showcase my efforts and commitment, I created a portfolio that included teardowns and case studies. I shared this portfolio with hiring managers, along with a concise one-pager highlighting the impact I could make as a Product Manager. Seeking feedback from friends who were already working in Product Management helped me refine my portfolio and CV.

Initiating Connections through Cold Mailing

To expand my opportunities, I compiled a list of companies I aspired to work for and reached out to their product teams via email and LinkedIn. This proactive approach allowed me to establish connections and express my interest directly.

Preparing for Interviews

Preparing for interviews was a crucial aspect of my journey. I invested time in mastering techniques to answer guestimate and RCA (Root Cause Analysis) questions, which are commonly asked during Product Management interviews. My rejections actually had helped to curate some interview questions.

A Roller Coaster of Success and Setbacks

After two months of relentless applications, I finally secured a position as an Associate Product Manager (APM) in a B2B startup. In this role, I immersed myself in learning about product delivery, working with engineers, and managing client relationships. Unfortunately, within four months, the startup I was working for faced financial difficulties and had to downsize, resulting in me being let go.

However, armed with a bit of experience this time, I remained determined to continue pursuing my dream. I began intensifying my application efforts, putting extra effort into refining my communication skills in emails and incorporating my interview assignments into my portfolio. I wanted to showcase my growth and commitment.

To further enhance my portfolio, I purchased this domain and started populating it with my projects, portfolio pieces, and teardowns. This additional step added more value and professionalism to my portfolio, making it even more compelling to potential employers.

Relying on Community and Network

Throughout this challenging journey, having a supportive community and network proved invaluable. Whether through online communities or personal connections with other Product Managers, having a group of like-minded individuals helped me stay motivated and navigate the ups and downs of breaking into Product Management.

The Power of Hope

Persistence and maintaining a positive outlook were crucial during this process. Even when things didn't go as planned, I stayed hopeful and remained committed to doing all the necessary and correct things. In the end, all it takes is a few people who are willing to take a chance on you to open the door to new opportunities.

Do you have any questions for me ?

As I reflected on my journey, I can't help but acknowledge the hard lesson I learned during my previous role. This time around, as I approached the hiring team for a new opportunity, I made sure to ask if they had enough financial stability to sustain the company for a couple of years. While it may seem like an unconventional question, my past experience taught me the importance of considering the long-term viability of a company.

By investing time and effort into expanding my online presence and demonstrating my skills through tangible projects, I aimed to set myself apart from other candidates and demonstrate my dedication. The journey was not without its challenges, but each setback taught me valuable lessons and fueled my determination to succeed. Through continuous learning, building a strong network, and showcasing my growth, I navigated the competitive landscape and secured opportunities that aligned with my aspirations. As I embark on this next chapter, I am reminded of the power of perseverance, passion, and the importance of staying true to oneself.