Trying to transition into Product Management

angelarodriguez·Aug 24, 2020

Posted in:Advice

Hi all, I am currently trying to pivot from current field of government into the tech/social impact space. I have found I am interested in product/program management/operations. Does anyone have suggestions on bootcamps, accelerator program, or resources that can transition me into these roles such as product mangement? Thank you so much.

Lola·Aug 24, 2020

I don't have personal experience with either of the below but I've heard great things about: Product School: https://productschool.com/product-school-nt/?gclid=CjwKCAjwyo36BRAXEiwA24CwGaM_ec1OyNRotVUS1tNkEnGN7v2WA2uWqMNpiou0m5wCNR0Y00Sw8hoC2UQQAvD_BwEAlso exponent seems to be very helpful for PM interview practice: https://www.tryexponent.com/courses/pm

angelarodriguez·Aug 25, 2020

Wow, thank you so much! This is really helpful :)

teresaman·Aug 25, 2020

Yes! A couple threads here:https://elpha.com/posts/1tks81vn/switching-into-a-more-tech-focused-role#k1dnlyy4https://elpha.com/posts/a5t69e4n/a-list-of-pm-resourceshttps://elpha.com/posts/y81l0n51/how-i-got-my-job-as-a-product-manager-at-heaphttps://elpha.com/posts/fczxc369/how-did-you-break-into-product-management#z8yo0mzfBut also, I think as you're navigating the transition, you may really benefit from having a mentor — and the platform I'd recommend for PM's early in their career is Merit which is entirely free! I've wrote about them here as well.

angelarodriguez·Aug 25, 2020

Thank you so much! I will check those out, especially finding a mentor as well.

tifmndza·Aug 25, 2020

Hi Angela, I found the Pragmatic Institute very helpful, though a bit of an investment. I would also read Inspired by Marty Cagan. I also recommend CSPO certification from Mountain Goat Software. Mike Cohn in particular is a great instructor. If you have any other questions, feel free to connect with me on Linkedin and we can set up a call. I transitioned from journalism to product management and would be happy to share my experience. Best of luck to you!

angelarodriguez·Aug 25, 2020

Hi Tiffany, I have heard about the CSPO certification as beneficial, I would love to connect with you on LinkedIn and chat more. I will send you an invite!

kimdavidson·Aug 25, 2020

I work in civic tech (government + tech!) as a sometimes product/program/project manager and would be happy to talk to you about the industry if you're interested. Feel free to message if you want to set up a time!

angelarodriguez·Aug 25, 2020

Hi Kim, I would love to connect with you, civic tech is one of the areas I am looking at with a social impact focus, and have read a lot about it. I will pm you!

eschauffer·Aug 25, 2020

Highly recommend looking into thezeit.io! It's a site to help career transitioners and they have a track on product management!

angelarodriguez·Aug 25, 2020

Hi Eliana, they are a great group! I have been in contact with Ambika, and have attended a few sessions, and will continue to do so! I really do enjoy the visualization they provide in helping to understand which skills are transferable.

rachelbell·Aug 25, 2020

@janetboachie this thread 👍🏼

cindygu·Aug 27, 2020

Honestly more important than any bootcamp is your ability to think and act like a product manager in real life. I see many PMs out of the bootcamp not showing this in interviews. The best way to get there is to manage a product in real life, and the product can be your life and everyone in your life as stakeholders. I am saying that as someone who never gone through a PM bootcamp or MBA yet got an offer for a PM role that required an MBA right after the interview. I am not against bootcamp either, but there are other ways. :) Good luck and believe in yourself!

angelarodriguez·Aug 31, 2020

Yes, completely agree, mindset and skills are important! Also, I love your analogy, such a great way of reframing experience. Thank you for the motivation Cindy!