From Couch Potato to Product Potato: How to Break into Product Management

6 min readApr 7, 2023

Attention all techies who love football and video games! Want to break into Product Management? As a former couch potato turned Associate Product Manager, I’m here to share my journey and valuable insights on how to land your first PM role. From mastering Agile methodologies to keeping your skills sharp, I’ll provide practical tips to help you succeed. Get ready to level up your career and dominate the PM game!

Can anyone become a Product Manager?

Well, let’s put it this way — if a group of penguins can start a successful sushi restaurant, then anything is possible. But in all seriousness, breaking into Product Management requires a combination of passion, hard work, and a bit of luck. It’s not just about having the right degree or job experience, it’s about having the right mindset and drive to succeed.

For example, imagine you’re trying to launch a new product feature, but your team hits a major roadblock. If you’re the type of person who throws in the towel and gives up easily, then Product Management may not be for you. But if you’re the type of person who sees challenges as opportunities to learn and grow, then you’ve got what it takes to succeed in this exciting field.

What are must-have skills for Product Managers?

As a Product Manager, you wear many hats — from strategist to communicator to problem-solver. But what are the must-have skills that will set you apart from the pack? Here are a few key skills that every Product Manager should have in their toolkit:

Communication: You’ll need to communicate with a diverse group of stakeholders, from developers to designers to executives. If you can’t explain your vision clearly, you might as well be speaking in whale song.
Leadership: You’ll be responsible for leading cross-functional teams and ensuring everyone is working towards the same goal. If you’re the type of person who can’t even get your cat to listen to you, then leadership might not be your strong suit.
Strategic thinking: You’ll need to be able to think big picture and develop a roadmap for your product. If you’re the type of person who can’t find your way out of a paper bag, then strategic thinking might be a challenge.
Problem-solving: You’ll encounter plenty of roadblocks along the way, from technical issues to changing market conditions. If you’re the type of person who gives up at the first sign of trouble, then Product Management might not be for you.

For example, imagine you’re leading a team to launch a new product feature. Suddenly, the developers hit a major snag, and you need to pivot your strategy to stay on track. If you panic and start screaming like a banshee, your team is likely to follow suit. But if you can stay calm and approach the problem with a level head, you’ll be able to lead your team through the challenge and emerge victorious.

Different types of Product Management roles

Did you know that there are different types of Product Management roles? It’s not a one-size-fits-all job, folks! Depending on the company, industry, and product, your role as a Product Manager could be very different. Here are a few types of Product Management roles you might encounter:

Technical Product Manager: If you can speak fluent code, this might be the role for you. Technical Product Managers work closely with developers and engineers to ensure that the product is built to spec. If you’re the type of person who gets lost in a sea of acronyms, then you might want to skip this one.
Growth Product Manager: If you’re a data nerd with a passion for analytics, this role could be right up your alley. Growth Product Managers focus on driving user acquisition and retention through data-driven experiments. If you’re the type of person who still thinks “data” is a type of Star Trek character, then this role might not be for you.
Consumer Product Manager: If you love interacting with customers and understanding their needs, this role could be a perfect fit. Consumer Product Managers focus on developing products that meet the needs and desires of the target audience. If you’re the type of person who can’t even decide what to have for lunch, then this role might be a challenge.

For example, imagine you’re a Technical Product Manager, and you’re trying to explain a complex coding issue to your team. If you start using Star Trek references to explain the problem, you might get a few blank stares. But if you can explain the issue in plain English (or code), your team will be able to work more efficiently and effectively.

Does background matter in landing a Product role?

Absolutely! Product Management is a versatile field that values diverse perspectives and experiences. Here are a few examples of how different backgrounds can bring unique value to Product Management:

Designers: If you have a background in design, you’ll have a great eye for aesthetics and user experience. You’ll be able to create products that not only function well but look great too. Just don’t forget to keep the rest of us non-designers in the loop!
Engineers: If you have a technical background, you’ll have a deep understanding of the product development process. You’ll be able to work closely with developers and engineers to ensure that the product is built to spec. Just don’t forget to speak in plain English (or code) when talking to the rest of us!
Business folks: If you have a background in business or finance, you’ll have a great head for numbers and strategy. You’ll be able to develop business plans and make data-driven decisions. Just don’t forget to explain the financial jargon to the rest of us!

For example, imagine you’re a former chef who has just landed a Product Management job at a food delivery startup. You might not have a background in tech, but you do have a deep understanding of food and what people like to eat. With your unique perspective, you could help the company develop new menu items and expand their customer base. Just don’t forget to keep the rest of us from drooling on our keyboards!

How to land a job in Product management with zero experience?

So you want to break into Product Management, but you have zero experience? Don’t worry, it’s not as impossible as it might seem. Here are a few tips on how to find beginner roles in Product Management:

Look for Product Intern roles: These roles are specifically designed for people with little to no experience in Product Management. They’re a great way to get your foot in the door and learn the ropes.
Network, network, network: Attend industry events, reach out to people on LinkedIn, and join Product Management groups. You never know who might be able to help you find a beginner role.
Showcase your skills: Even if you don’t have direct Product Management experience, you might have transferable skills that could be valuable. Make sure your resume and cover letter highlight those skills.

For example, imagine you’re a recent college graduate who majored in art history. You’re passionate about Product Management but don’t have any direct experience. You decide to attend a Product Management conference and strike up a conversation with a fellow attendee. As it turns out, they work for a startup that’s looking for an Intern.

Because you showed your passion for the field and your transferable skills, they decide to give you a shot. You might not know the difference between Agile and Waterfall yet, but with some hard work and determination, you’ll be a Product Potato in no time!