Why should I hire a Product Manager?
Often I hear these questions, What does a Product Manager do? Is the Product Manager a Project Manager? What course should I study to become a Product Manager?
The term “Product Manager” only started picking up some attention in the industry in only last decade, but product management has existed in the industry since its inception. In the past, the responsibilities of a product manager were distributed across multiple roles within the organization.
You might have heard people describing a Product Manager as the "CEO of the product" or as someone who leads cross-functional teams with less authority and more influence.
Indeed, a Product Manager oversees the development of the product or feature and acts as a bridge between business, technology, and design teams. They take charge of cross-functional initiatives, handling tasks, tools, and relationships throughout the entire product lifecycle, from initial planning to launch and beyond.
So, what does a Product Manager do?
The PM will help you lead your research initiatives to identify what is more important for your product.
The PM will coordinate with all the teams to make sure everyone understands the scope.
The PM will oversee your product design, development, and delivery.
The PM will hold the key to your product’s future developments through road mapping.
The PM will think as a customer of your product.
The PM shapes your product based on the changing needs of stakeholders and customers.
The PM will run your product analytics.
It's important to note that the roles and responsibilities of a Product Manager can vary across organizations, depending on the maturity of the product.
Now let’s see, is the Product Manager a Project Manager?
To put it simply, a Product Manager goes beyond the scope of a Project Manager. While a Project Manager oversees the project from start to finish, a Product Manager takes on the additional responsibility of building, managing, and continuously enhancing the product throughout its lifecycle.
Finally, the million-dollar question - What course should I study to become a Product Manager?
There are many product management certification courses out there that provide insights into the PM responsibilities, and train you on various tools and techniques you should have in your wheelhouse to succeed as a Product Manager. However, it's important to note that there isn't a specific degree or diploma that will make you a bachelor in product management. Instead, it is the passion for problem-solving and creating innovative solutions that truly makes you a “Master in Product Management.”
Cheers,
Ebin.
