4 answers
Hephzibah
Student
1
Question
Updated
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What are the steps to transitioning into a product manager role?
I’m a final-year student with six months of professional backend development experience from an internship, but I’m looking to transition into a product manager role. I completed a three-week training, though I feel I didn’t learn nearly enough, and I’m unsure how to gain more experience since no one seems willing to hire me with just my certificate. Are there any free websites I could explore?
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2 answers
Kimberley Holloway
Senior product manager
2
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Kimberley’s Answer
Great question. Most product roles want someone with experience but there are some APM opportunities throughout tech. I would look for those as they are specific for entry level. Also consider building something or find products that you can improve then talk about how you went about building or what you would do to improve the product. Always think about it from the customer lens and how it would change a business or market. The product school has some great resources as so general assembly.
Adaobi Maryann Ezeogidi
Medical Assistant
33
Answers
Abia, AB
Updated
Adaobi Maryann’s Answer
Hello Hephzibah,
Please be positive. Stop saying“no one wants to hire me with just my certificate.”
Instead, focus on what you already have and how to position it well.
Here are some practical steps you can take:
1. Reposition yourself on your CV.
You already have strong assets; six months of professional backend development experience and a three-week product management training. Even within three weeks, you certainly gained foundational knowledge.
Reframe yourself as a technical candidate transitioning into product management.
Highlight: Key skills you acquired, problems you helped solve, teams you worked with, results or outcomes you achieved.
2. Seek volunteer or internship opportunities intentionally. Reach out to companies, startups, NGOs, or organizations, both locally and internationally through email or in person.
Present yourself confidently and offer your services as a volunteer or trainee for a defined period. Sell yourself, mention;
The technical and product-related skills you have,
Your willingness to learn and contribute,
The value you can add to their team.
3. Target closely related entry roles when applying. Consider roles such as associate or assistant product manager, product analyst etc
4. Show your work publicly,share your thinking and sample work on platforms like LinkedIn.
Post about; Product case studies, feature ideas and improvements, lessons you’re learning about products and users etc
5) You may check YouTube for more learning.
In all these steps, keep up with consistency and a positive mindset and you will certainly pull through.
Please be positive. Stop saying“no one wants to hire me with just my certificate.”
Instead, focus on what you already have and how to position it well.
Here are some practical steps you can take:
1. Reposition yourself on your CV.
You already have strong assets; six months of professional backend development experience and a three-week product management training. Even within three weeks, you certainly gained foundational knowledge.
Reframe yourself as a technical candidate transitioning into product management.
Highlight: Key skills you acquired, problems you helped solve, teams you worked with, results or outcomes you achieved.
2. Seek volunteer or internship opportunities intentionally. Reach out to companies, startups, NGOs, or organizations, both locally and internationally through email or in person.
Present yourself confidently and offer your services as a volunteer or trainee for a defined period. Sell yourself, mention;
The technical and product-related skills you have,
Your willingness to learn and contribute,
The value you can add to their team.
3. Target closely related entry roles when applying. Consider roles such as associate or assistant product manager, product analyst etc
4. Show your work publicly,share your thinking and sample work on platforms like LinkedIn.
Post about; Product case studies, feature ideas and improvements, lessons you’re learning about products and users etc
5) You may check YouTube for more learning.
In all these steps, keep up with consistency and a positive mindset and you will certainly pull through.