The concept of Product Management, as we see it today, came into existence in 1931. Ever since, its growth graph has only followed an upward trajectory. If Hired.com’s 2017 State of Global Tech Salaries is any indication, in the coming days, the role of a mid-level Product Manager is going to be far more lucrative than even the best-in-class Software Engineer.
Hence, if you have a graduate degree, along with a solid knack for technology, this is the right time for you to take a look at the best Product Management courses and pick the one that can take your career graph higher.
This article is your one-stop guide to everything you should know before applying for a Product Manager course.
Why are Product Managers in Demand?
Barring a few governmental organizations, almost all other organizations depend on customers to survive. A Product Manager is a key resource person in an organization who acts as an interface between the customers and the organization. S/he is a specialized liaison officer whose core task is to ensure a business stays relevant to the needs of its customers.
The life of a Product Manager hovers around Return on Investment (RoI). Everything s/he does in a day is linked to the value it adds to the bottom line. Hence, a Product Manager is the one who transcends all barriers, identifies and interacts with key stakeholders, and executes the designated task to maximize value creation.
So, by now, you must have got convinced that the Product Manager course is the right thing for you to do at this stage. But, choosing the best course on product management is more of an art. Let us find out how you can select the best course for yourself or your close one.
The Top-4 Things You Should Keep in Mind to Filter Out The Best Course From a Pool of Courses
1. Compare the Syllabus
In an age where all information is available at one click of your mouse, getting misinformed is as equal a possibility as getting thoughtfully informed. While every brand is trying to establish its course as the best, finding out the right one can be a challenge.
The best way to find the right Product Management course is by taking a look at the course curriculum. Any industry-approved short-term guided Product Manager course must have the following things that can give you a kickstart into the life of a Product Manager.
Other than teaching you the fundamentals, the course should engage you in case studies and give you expert tips to nail the Product Manager job interview.
Check whether the short-term course you are researching covers the following topics or not and choose wisely.
- Working with a multi-cultural team
- Product development cycle and methodologies
- Product ideation
- Ways to conduct user research and interviews
- Creating product specifications
- Working with timelines
- Wireframing and prototyping
- Performing usability tests
- Handling product backlog and charting out product roadmap
- Understanding the role of marketing and technology for Product Managers
- Tips for answering topical PM interview questions
- Real-life case studies
- Interaction with experienced Product Managers
- Designing your own PM project
Learning the above-mentioned topics in a short-term course can equip you with the right knowledge you need to apply for the position of Associate Product Manager or Product Manager. By taking a look at the Associate Product Manager salary, you can up your motivation by a few notches.
2. Check the Eligibility Criteria
While many courses require you to have some understanding of the product lifecycle and development process or even possess a management degree or work experience of at least two years, an industry-ready short-term Product Manager course can teach you everything right from scratch.
Hence, it does not matter whether you have some idea or no idea about Product Management. It also does not matter if you have little or no idea about the job role of a Product Manager. Similarly, not having the right knowledge about organizations that hire Product Managers or the interview process should also not be a deterrent.
A high-quality short-term PM course will acquaint you with everything that you need to know about the Product Management field. Check whether the course you are willing to pursue offers such relaxations in the eligibility criteria or not. To be true, as long as you have the desire to succeed in the field of Product Management, nothing can stop you from getting the knowledge you desire.
3. Look at the Course Timeline
As you enter the world of the Product Manager course, you will be amazed to see how many different types of people from various walks of life are pursuing the course along with you. You would get people from law, architecture, management, engineering, IT, accounting, finance, and whatnot. You would also find professionals from renowned multinational companies like Google, Facebook, Microsoft, and the likes as your peers.
While all of these may make you feel overwhelmed, you should choose a course that offers you flexibility in pursuing the course. Generally, to learn Product Management effectively, you should devote at least one hour every day to grasp the day’s topic. As a short-term PM course normally lasts for a week; keeping aside an hour every day becomes imperative.
To make sure you get value out of every penny you spend on the PM course, make sure it allows you to learn at your own pace and time. Unlike conventional online courses, a self-paced course allows you to have complete liberty over your time. Hence, by choosing a course that works according to your timeline, you can make every second count.
4. Other Factors
Other than the factors mentioned so far, you also need to keep in mind a few more things.
5. Course Fee Refund
Sometimes, in the middle of the course, you might feel it’s not your cup of cake. Choose a course provider who gives you a full fee refund in such cases.
6. Access Level
Some course providers give you access only until you are subscribed. Choose a course that gives you lifetime access to all recent updates, including opportunities to interact with industry leaders.
8. Course Fee
Some PM course providers charge extra for providing one-on-one mentorship. Choose the course that fits your budget.
Conclusion
Pursuing a Product Manager course can be a life-changing experience. By conducting a little research about the course features, you can stay ahead in the race. Whether you are in the technology domain or willing to make a career change, the Product Manager course can give you the right push.
