There is no clear-cut answer for how people get into Product Management. One of the best ways to transition into a Product Management role is to transfer within your own company. As an existing employee, you are already well versed in the product and in the best place to understand what the customer needs. Brian (Mrmiyagi00) did just that. Here’s how he successfully transitioned from a Software QA to a Product manager.
Mrmiyagi00’s Journey into Product Management
Education: Political Science BS; Computer Science Master
Previous Job: Software Quality Assurance Engineer; 10 YOE
Current Job: Product Manager – Electric Vehicles
What Were You Doing Before Product Management?
I started my career as a Software Quality Assurance Engineer / Software Development Engineer in Test and have been in this role for 10 years before transitioning to a Product Management role.
What Was Your Educational Background?
I received a Bachelor of Science in Political Science. 2 years later I went back to school to get my Masters of Science in Computer Science.
How Did You Transition Into Product Management?
At my current company, I started out as a Software QA. I expressed my interest in becoming a Product Manager to the previous Product Manager on my team as it would make the transition easier for me since I had product knowledge built up already. He wanted to leave the company and that created an opportunity for me to assume their role.
How Did Your Previous Role Help You Get Into Product?
By testing the very product I am managing today for 2 years I was able to leverage my knowledge of the product and applied it to my new role as a Product Manager.