How To Evaluate A Good Product Manager In Semiconductor Industry
There are two reasons this article is essential. The first is that young people need guidance and clarity about the role of product managers in the semiconductor industry. The second is to evaluate and provide specific criteria for product managers that are unique to the semiconductor field.
If you want to be a great product manager in the semiconductor field, all these things should be essential considerations to learn more about. I’ll be expanding on each topic in the future. Be sure you don’t miss out on anything by clicking on the bell icon so you will receive immediate updates about this fascinating field.
Guidance 1: Be Professional In Market Research
To consider every single piece of skill combination that a product manager should have, I would like to put market research ability at the highest priority. Here are some simple steps to becoming a professional in market research.
1. Have technical knowledge
There are enormous challenges everywhere if you do not have semiconductor technical knowledge. It’s a fundamental skill to take the role of a product manager since your responsibility is understanding the technical terms. Sometimes, you have to persuade the R&D team and customers to agree to your proposal.
2. Define clear product spec
How to clearly define the product spec? It depends on two logical thinkings. The first way is to extend your own technical limitations to the leading position. The second one is to meet the “user” needs. The trick is to determine who is the “user”? Sometimes, the customer can define the acceptance criteria, but sometimes your customer can’t clearly define it item by item in the early stage. Eventually, the product manager should make a clear product spec decision and take responsibility for the decision.
3. Define product roadmap
We can’t just win one time or two times, right? Therefore, as a good product manager, you must determine the overall product roadmap and closely follow the market trend to modify the product roadmap if needed. You must consider sustaining the business and continue succeeding in the market.
4. Investigate long term market trend
It’s a significant difference between an average and a professional product manager. The semiconductor industry has a very long lead time from the idea phase to mass production. If you can stay ahead of the market trends, you will have the most opportunities to gain considerable success in the market.
Guidance 2: Understand Internal & External Environments That Affect Business
The product manager is the pilot who can successfully lead the project team. Therefore, in some cases, we need product managers to decide whether the problems are severe. As a good product manager, you must consider all internal and external factors to make better decisions. If you can foresee more characteristics affecting the business, you can prevent mistakes in advance.
1. Be Aware Of Internal Process And Engage More With Team
There are many issues within the whole process regarding the internal operations from the beginning stage to mass production, qualification, and validation. As a good product manager, you should engage the process to find solutions with the project team. If you can efficiently relieve the loading from team members, it will increase the successful opportunities. The more you know the internal processes and steps, the more you can find efficient ways to solve problems.
2. Have Business Development Concepts To Lead The Winning Direction
Don’t be naive but be flexible in dealing with business. Understanding the customers’ needs and being familiar with how to win are the critical success factors for the new products. Sometimes, you need strategic tips to achieve your business targets.
Guidance 3: Build and Maintain Good Business Relationships
There are many articles to share tips about how to maintain good business relationships. I will not repeat those concepts here. I want to share the importance from my point of view. I think the business relationships are between the product manager to all stakeholders. If you have good relationships with your customers, they will share first-hand information or competitors’ activities. If you have good relationships with the internal stakeholders, including employees and staff, they will give you full support more than they usually offer. As a good product manager, maintaining positive relationships with all stakeholders is the critical success factor; sometimes, the effect is more than your expectation.
Key Takeaway
Why is it essential to know what a product manager does? Recruiting a perfect product manager in the semiconductor industry is complicated. From my past working experience, I have worked with more than 20 product managers and learned the relevant concepts from several vice presidents directly. I realized that the product manager role is valuable, and you need time to train a product manager from junior to senior. Therefore, I recommend everyone give more respect and patience to the product managers instead of only challenging their abilities and perspectives.
Thank you for taking the time to read this article.
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Have a nice day. :)
