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Careers in Tech: How to become a Product Manager

Product Manager Sharing Her Presentation with her Colleagues

ARTICLE SUMMARY

SheCanCode takes a look at what qualifications and skills are needed for Product Manager roles. We will also look at earning potential and the prospect of career growth as a Product Manager.

Thinking about a career as a Product Manager? Not sure what it takes or where to start?

In this series, SheCanCode takes a look at what qualifications and skills are needed for roles across the tech industry. We will also look at earning potential and the prospect of career growth as a software engineer, as well as pointing you in the right direction of companies and open job roles.

What is a Product Manager?

A Product Manager within the tech industry, is essential responsible for products, their creation, analysing data and making sure it’s a success.

A PM will work closely with customers, clients or users to determine their exact demands. They will then work with a variety of different teams such as Engineering, DevOps, Sales and Marketing.

The role is typically non-programming, and is a great next step for software engineers.

Qualifications

Although programming knowledge isn’t necessary for a role as PM, many companies will look for someone with a Computer Science or some form of STEM degree, such as Mathematics, Software Engineering or Web Design.

If you’d like to build up more experience, then you can take a short course in UX Design, SQL and programming to help boost your CV. Below are just a few courses to help you on your journey:

Learn SQL – Codecademy

Introduction to User Experience Design – Coursera

Python Programming – General Assembly

Technical Product Management – Udemy

Skills

There are a number of technical skills that will help for a career in Product Management, including a knowledge of Excel, SQL and Agile; great data analytic skills; UX Design, and Development skills, amongst others.

Soft skills are also important for a PM role – communication skills, being able to work in a team , time management, and being a decision maker will all help in this role.

Earning potential and career growth

In the UK, the average salary for a Technical Product Manager is around £64,000 per annum. This rises to around £86,000 a year for a Senior PM.

Becoming a PM provides great career growth – once you’ve become a Senior PM, you can move to Director or VP roles within Product Management.

Ready to become a Product Manager? Discover roles at companies who value diversity:

Product Manager Jobs on the SheCanCode job board.

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