Breaking into Product Management can be a daunting task for many aspiring product managers. However, the experience and advice of Shivangee Sabharwal, a product manager at Tekion and a former Amazon Senior Product Manager Technical Intern, can help aspiring product managers succeed in the field.
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Summary:
Shivangee shared her background and internship experience at Amazon in a recent podcast. She emphasized the importance of working with other aspiring product managers and learning from their insights. She recommends seeking out opportunities to work with others in the field, such as participating in product management communities or finding a mentor.
Seek out opportunities to work with other aspiring product managers
Participate in product management communities or find a mentor
Shivangee discussed her transition from a technical product manager intern at Amazon to a product manager at Tekion. She credited her master's degree in software management from Carnegie Mellon for helping her become successful. Shivangee also highlighted the importance of clear communication in product management and recommended resources to prepare for product management interviews, such as product management books and newsletters from product schools and technology ranches.
Clear communication is vital in product management
Recommended resources to prepare for product management interviews: product management books and newsletters from product schools and technology ranches
As a product manager, it's essential to have a clear understanding of what's expected of you and to be adaptable to changes in the product development process. Shivangee talked about her expectations for her internship at Amazon and how her experience differed from those expectations. She also discussed working on a product strategy versus an execution project.
Understand what's expected of you and be adaptable to changes in the product development process
Working on a product strategy versus an execution project
Shivangee described her typical day as an intern at Amazon and how it prepared her for a career in product management. She recommended resources for improving product management skills and setting up LinkedIn alerts to be notified when jobs matching your skills and experience are posted.
Recommended resources for improving product management skills
Set up LinkedIn alerts to be notified when jobs matching your skills and experience are posted
Finally, Shivangee provided advice on how to break into product management and prepare for interviews. She emphasised the importance of networking, following the leadership principles at Amazon, and staying up to date on industry trends. Shivangee also discussed how to assess whether a product management role is a good fit for an individual and how to learn and grow as a product manager.
Networking is essential
Follow the leadership principles at Amazon
Stay up to date on industry trends
Assess whether a product management role is a good fit for an individual
Learn and grow as a product manager
Breaking into Product Management may seem overwhelming, but with persistence, hard work, and the right resources, aspiring product managers can succeed in the field. Shivangee Sabharwal's experience and advice offer valuable insights into breaking into product management and succeeding in the field. Take note of Shivangee's tips and seek out opportunities to learn from others in the field.