7 answers
arhan
Student
Vasco da Gama, Goa, India
1
Question
Updated
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How to go for PM/non-Tech placements from Tech background without any internships or courses done for those roles?
im in college final year , IT , have internships in IT sector
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7 answers
Mario Ramirez
Leader, Customer Delivery
43
Answers
Mexico City, Mexico
Updated
Mario’s Answer
Hi Arhan, I really appreciate you sharing your concerns! The Project Manager role is a fantastic way to bridge the gap between tech and non-tech. A PM with technical know-how can really drive projects forward and, even more importantly, help you feel connected to the work.
I suggest you look for projects that align with your tech background, especially where they need some structure and timelines. Take your time to invest in this; it’ll really help clarify the requirements of the company and how your skills fit in!
I suggest you look for projects that align with your tech background, especially where they need some structure and timelines. Take your time to invest in this; it’ll really help clarify the requirements of the company and how your skills fit in!
Sandeep Dogra
TECHNOLOGIST
7
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Sandeep’s Answer
I've seen many people with tech backgrounds thrive in non-tech areas like banking, sales, and marketing. It's great that you're exploring this path. If you have a particular non-tech field in mind, that could help tailor advice. Here's some general guidance:
1) Gaining skills specific to the field you want to enter is important. Taking certification courses in that area can be beneficial. Consider pursuing an MBA or project management courses as well.
2) You can also pursue a project management role within the tech field. This way, you gain both technical and management experience, which can be very rewarding.
Let me know if you have any specific non-tech field in your mind, then answer can be more elaborative.
1) Gaining skills specific to the field you want to enter is important. Taking certification courses in that area can be beneficial. Consider pursuing an MBA or project management courses as well.
2) You can also pursue a project management role within the tech field. This way, you gain both technical and management experience, which can be very rewarding.
Sandeep recommends the following next steps:
Abidemi Oladipupo
1
Answer
Updated
Abidemi’s Answer
The level of Knowledge you project to your employer will determine the way they will see you. So with or without an Internship, the level of knowledge you project is what keeps you in the Job
Jessica Cruz
Product Manager
1
Answer
Thornton, Colorado
Updated
Jessica’s Answer
Your technical experience will serve you well in product and help build credibility with your primary stakeholders in engineering and design! You can use your experience to build a portfolio of case studies and projects you have been involved with, as well as how those tie back to outcomes. There are tools now that make this easy (e.g., AI prototyping tools like GitHub Spark or Lovable, etc.) or you could build and host a blog site, etc.
Reflect on your IT experience and reframe it around the why, and less about the how. Here's an example:
Instead of: 'Built and deployed a new feature using xyz tools.'
Frame it as: 'Identified customer friction, and collaborated with stakeholders to design this new feature to reduce drop off rates by 10%.'
Finally, I would recommend resources like Lenny's Newsletter (lennysnewsletter.com) for both the community and resources about product management. If you aren't able or willing to subscribe, you can still watch videos on YouTube and follow folks on X to get insights.
Reflect on your IT experience and reframe it around the why, and less about the how. Here's an example:
Instead of: 'Built and deployed a new feature using xyz tools.'
Frame it as: 'Identified customer friction, and collaborated with stakeholders to design this new feature to reduce drop off rates by 10%.'
Finally, I would recommend resources like Lenny's Newsletter (lennysnewsletter.com) for both the community and resources about product management. If you aren't able or willing to subscribe, you can still watch videos on YouTube and follow folks on X to get insights.
Curtis Lee
Product Management
1
Answer
New York, New York
Updated
Curtis’s Answer
When I made the switch from a technical background into more product and non-technical roles, I didn’t have formal internships or PM certifications either. What really helped was being intentional about where I started and how I told my story.
I began by focusing on industries and products that were a little less technical — spaces where my background was still useful, but not the only thing that mattered. That gave me room to stretch into product thinking, customer problems, and business outcomes without being pigeonholed purely as an engineer. Once I proved I could execute, communicate clearly, and make decisions that balanced user needs with technical realities, that experience became my springboard into bigger and more complex product areas later on.
The key is to show that you already think like a PM — even if your title doesn’t say it yet. Talk about the times you built something to solve a problem, influenced a roadmap, or worked across teams to deliver impact. Focus on the “why” behind your work, not just the “how.” That’s what translates well when moving into non-technical roles.
You don’t need formal training to do this — you just need to reframe what you’ve already done. Start small, get close to customers and outcomes, and over time, you’ll build a story that naturally positions you for those kinds of opportunities.
I began by focusing on industries and products that were a little less technical — spaces where my background was still useful, but not the only thing that mattered. That gave me room to stretch into product thinking, customer problems, and business outcomes without being pigeonholed purely as an engineer. Once I proved I could execute, communicate clearly, and make decisions that balanced user needs with technical realities, that experience became my springboard into bigger and more complex product areas later on.
The key is to show that you already think like a PM — even if your title doesn’t say it yet. Talk about the times you built something to solve a problem, influenced a roadmap, or worked across teams to deliver impact. Focus on the “why” behind your work, not just the “how.” That’s what translates well when moving into non-technical roles.
You don’t need formal training to do this — you just need to reframe what you’ve already done. Start small, get close to customers and outcomes, and over time, you’ll build a story that naturally positions you for those kinds of opportunities.
Peter Huang
Security consultant
85
Answers
Cupertino, California
Updated
Peter’s Answer
A Project Manager doesn't need deep technical knowledge. Their main job is to set clear goals and ensure the team can meet them. If there are obstacles, the Project Manager should find someone who can help solve them. Having some knowledge of the subject can make discussions smoother. You can learn about project management through PMP training, which covers important areas like resources, risks, stakeholders, communication, and procurement. To succeed in the IT world, it's crucial to develop strong soft skills.
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hello! If you want to shift to project management or non-tech roles, it's definitely possible, even without specific internships or courses for those positions. The key is to show how your current skills and experiences can be useful in these new roles.
First, you should focus on transferable skills that are highly valued in PM and non-tech roles. For example, strong communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills are essential for project management. In your IT internships, you likely gained experience working in teams, coordinating tasks, or solving technical issues, all of which are directly applicable to project management.
Next, you can look for opportunities to gain leadership experience. You don't need a formal internship to show you can lead. Take on a team lead role in a college project, volunteer to organize an event, or get involved in a club where you can manage tasks or people. This shows that you can handle responsibility and work with others, which is important in PM roles.
Also, you need to learn more about project management on your own. You can find free online resources, like articles, videos, or even free courses, that teach the basics of project management.
All the best!
First, you should focus on transferable skills that are highly valued in PM and non-tech roles. For example, strong communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills are essential for project management. In your IT internships, you likely gained experience working in teams, coordinating tasks, or solving technical issues, all of which are directly applicable to project management.
Next, you can look for opportunities to gain leadership experience. You don't need a formal internship to show you can lead. Take on a team lead role in a college project, volunteer to organize an event, or get involved in a club where you can manage tasks or people. This shows that you can handle responsibility and work with others, which is important in PM roles.
Also, you need to learn more about project management on your own. You can find free online resources, like articles, videos, or even free courses, that teach the basics of project management.
All the best!