Introduction:
As a Computer Science graduate deeply passionate about programming, my journey into Product Management began with a love for problem-solving and a natural inclination towards management, critical thinking, and building.
Discovery & Inspiration:
What drew me into Product Management was the vastness of the product world and the captivating behind-the-scenes activities involved in the development of everyday Products. Watching the famous Steve Jobs's speech that unraveled the story behind the iPhone's creation served as a defining moment, solidifying my decision to embrace the role of a Product Manager.
Challenges & Growth:
Entering product school as a novice posed a formidable challenge — a landscape filled with various Product concepts that seemed initially confusing and perplexing.
From comprehending tools such as Notion, Figma, Obsidian and others to deciphering the nuances of product management, each step brought a wave of uncertainties.
Overcoming these hurdles meant committing to self-study and personal research, shaping my understanding of the intricate world of product management.
Essential learning resources were "The Mom Test" by Rob Fitzpatrick and "The Product Manager Survival's Guide" by Steven Haines. Books I highly recommend for anyone starting out in the Product Management field.
Projects & Hands on Experience:
In the initial months, leading teams through the creation of the Product Requirements Document (PRD) for a Health-Tech product became a mission with a profound purpose. Our focus was to tackle the challenge of human negligence and forgetfulness regarding health-related activities, such as medication adherence and exercise. Through extensive brainstorming sessions, continuous collaboration across teams, and diligent surveys and interviews, we strived to understand the pain points and needs of our users.
Simultaneously, the venture into Edtech involved crafting an app aimed at providing educational content that resonates across every market segment. This project, too, was born from a collective effort, marked by collaborative brainstorming sessions and a commitment to comprehensively survey and interview our potential users. These experiences highlighted the importance of user-centric design, effective communication, and the delicate balance between innovation and meeting the genuine needs of our diverse user base.
To add, networking became vital, connecting me with a diverse community and enhancing my understanding of the field.
Conclusion:
To those starting their journey, my advice is to master the basics and maintain a perpetual learning mindset. The journey into Product Management, marked by challenges, triumphs, and a passion for user-centric solutions, promises a transformative adventure. As I navigate this dynamic landscape, my goal remains clear: to create products that not only address user pain points but resonate profoundly with their needs. May your own journey be as enriching and rewarding.
Cheers to the exciting road ahead! 🎉