Written By Hassanat Abubakar
Product Management has grown into one of the most sought-after roles in tech — blending strategy, design, engineering, and business into one dynamic discipline. Whether you’re from a non-technical background, a fresh graduate, or someone from a completely different industry, transitioning into Product Management (PM) in 2023 is not only possible, it’s exciting and achievable.
Here’s a guide to help you make the move. This guide helped me transition into Product Management in 2022, and have since guided more people transition.
1. Understand What Product Management Really Is
Before making the jump, get clear on what PM is all about. A Product Manager is responsible for delivering value to both the users and the business.
Start by reading PM classics like:
Inspired by Marty Cagan
The Lean Product Playbook by Dan Olsen
Hooked by Nir Eyal
Also, follow thought leaders and communities like Mind the Product, Product School, and PM Twitter.
2. Self-access and Leverage Your Transferable Skills
Product Managers come from all sorts of backgrounds: marketing, customer success, engineering, design, project management, even healthcare or education.
Ask yourself:
Have I ever led a project or cross-functional team?
Can I empathize with users and solve problems?
Am I comfortable analyzing data or metrics?
Do I have strong communication and storytelling skills?
These skills matter — a lot.
3. Get Hands-On Experience
You don’t need a PM title to start doing PM work. Volunteer with startups or nonprofits that need help building digital products.
Shadow a PM in your company (if you’re in tech or adjacent).
Build a side project or case study — show how you’d improve an existing product.
Use platforms like Co.Lab, Reforge, TrybebyFUSE, or Product Buds to join collaborative PM simulations.
Experience builds confidence and credibility.
4. Take a Foundation Course (Useful)
If you prefer structured learning or want a certification, consider courses from:
Coursera (e.g. Digital Product Management by UVA)
Product School
General Assembly
Udemy/LinkedIn Learning
Look for programs that involve hands-on projects and mentorship.
5. Build Your Product Portfolio
Think of your portfolio as your proof of work. Include:
A case study or redesign proposal
A PRD (Product Requirements Document)
User research summaries
Product strategy presentations
Your portfolio tells your story and makes you stand out.
6. Network Intentionally
Product Management isn’t a solo sport — community matters.
Attend product events, virtual meetups, or Twitter Spaces.
Join Slack/Discord communities.
Ask for informational interviews.
Be active on LinkedIn — share your learnings, projects, and journey.
Often, referrals come from genuine connections — not cold applications.
7. Start Applying Strategically
Look for associate PM roles, rotational programs, or even internal transfers.
Customize your resume to highlight relevant experiences.
Show your understanding of the product, users, and industry in your interviews.
Also, don’t be afraid to apply for roles even if you don’t tick all the boxes — potential matters as much as credentials.
8. Stay Curious and Resilient
PM is a journey of continuous learning. You’ll make mistakes, get rejections, and feel imposter syndrome — and that’s okay. Stay committed. Stay curious.
2023 is a great year to transition — companies need problem-solvers, leaders, and thinkers. That could be you.
You don’t need a fancy degree or a tech background to break into Product Management. You need grit, empathy, curiosity, and the courage to start. Your unique background is not a limitation — it’s your edge.
Start small. Start now.
