Historically, product management was never a career one started in. It was always a role that one grew into or was placed into because of unique qualities. Product Managers were the curious, the customer-focused, the engineers that saw an opportunity to improve what and how we built things so the would succeed and reduce drudgery in people’s lives. Or the Product Manager was a business or marketing specialist who wanted to help set the direction for products and move into leadership roles that might one day land them a job as a CEO.
However, today product management is a function within the best companies applying this new way of working. This means that there’s a career progression that includes a pathway from junior, individual contributor roles, up to a leadership role such as VP of Product or Chief Product Officer.
Let’s take a look at the different roles and their responsibilities based on seminal work done by Melisa Perri and some additional insights we have today:
Types of work that Product Managers do:
This work is usually spread across a hierarchy of roles within the product function. To learn more about how product management has transitioned from a role to a function in the organization, see Digging Deeper into Product Management (link to “What is Product”).
Note: If you’re organization is new to Product Management, perhaps coming from perhaps an Scaled Agile or other form of product transformation, then these roles may not exist yet. In such companies the product owner is the role that prepares the work for a software team using scrum or a similar agile methodology, and in many cases it’s also their job to do good product management. It’s important to note that what follows is for companies that have fully developed their product management function.
If you’re interested in How to Break into Product Management check out that section below.
Roles, Titles, Variations of Product Manager
The career path for product managers has evolved significantly as organizations increasingly embrace the importance of product management as a distinct and vital function. Today, the roles within product management are not limited to a single archetype but encompass diverse specializations to address unique business and technical needs. Below is an exploration of key roles, titles, and common variants in product management, along with the contexts in which these roles thrive.
Breaking into product management requires deliberate steps to build knowledge, experience, and credibility. The role demands a balance of analytical, strategic, and leadership skills to lead teams in discovering and delivering customer-focused solutions. Here’s how to prepare and position yourself for a successful entry into the field.
Product management is rooted in foundational principles that guide decision-making and execution. Begin by understanding core concepts:
These concepts are essential for developing “product sense,” the ability to lead teams toward creating products that customers love and that align with business goals.
Hands-on experience, even outside aformal PM role, is invaluable.
These activities help build a portfolio of work, which is critical for showcasing your capabilities to potential employers.
Education and training provide structureand credibility to your product management journey. Focus on the following:
By combining self-learning with formal certifications, you can demonstrate both knowledge and commitment to the field.
A strong network opens doors to opportunities and accelerates your learning.
Networking isn’t just about finding opportunities—it’s also a way to learn from experienced professionals and understand what companies are looking for in PMs.
To stand out, tailor your application to highlight relevant skills and achievements. Customize your resume and cover letter for each role, showcasing problem-solving, customer focus, and leadership abilities. A portfolio with tangible examples like projects or user feedback analyses can further strengthen your application.
For interviews, research the company’s products, challenges, and competitors. Practice case studies using frameworks like CIRCLES and conduct mock interviews to refine your approach. Demonstrate clear thought processes and problem-solving skills, aligning your responses with the company’s mission and needs.
When negotiating offers, understand the full compensation package, including salary, equity, and benefits. Leverage multiple offers if possible to strengthen your position, and clarify the role’s growth opportunities and alignment with your career goals. Aim for a balance between financial rewards and long-term career potential.
Deciding to pursue a graduate degree is an important step, and the University of Maryland's Master's in Product Management is designed to meet the needs of aspiring and experienced product managers alike.
Ask yourself:
If you answered "yes," the Master's in Product Management could be your next big move.
Before applying, ensure you meet the following requirements:
We strive to make the admissions process straightforward—no GMAT, GRE, or recommendations are required.
We offer two timelines to earning your online Master’s in Product Management. Choose the one that works best for your goals and lifestyle:
To help you decide:
Applying is simple. Most applicants need only provide:
Start your journey to becoming an exceptional product manager today! Visit the MPPM website for more details or apply now.
