Breaking into product

Breaking into product management can feel impossible, especially if you don’t have a traditional background in tech, design, or business. Today, I’ll break down the biggest perceived barriers to entry and show you how to overcome them.

Product management is an exciting and rewarding career, but many aspiring PMs never make it past the first hurdle. Whether it’s the lack of a technical degree, no prior experience, or unclear pathways into the role, too many people give up before they even start.

And here's the worst part, NONE of those barriers are real. People quit before they get in because of barriers they created in their heads.

If you understand how to navigate these barriers, you can position yourself as a strong candidate. There is no such thing as a "traditional" Product background.

Most people assume that product management requires a specific degree, years of experience, or deep technical skills. Because of this, they either self-select out or apply to roles without properly positioning themselves.

What they really need is a way to tell their story and to have the soft skills required to be a successful Product Manager

Knowing how to tell a story is more powerful than your background or any certifications

Let's dive into how you can overcome these perceived barriers.

Takeaway 1: You don’t need a technical background or degree.

One of the biggest myths about product management is that you need a computer science degree or coding experience.

While technical knowledge is helpful, it’s not a requirement. Many successful PMs come from business, marketing, consulting, and even non-traditional backgrounds like journalism or psychology.

Learn enough technical knowledge to speak confidently with engineers (books, courses, or side projects help).

Focus on your transferable skills, such as problem-solving, communication, and stakeholder management.

Takeaway 2: You already have relevant experience.

Many aspiring PMs get stuck because they don’t have the official "Product Manager" title on their resume. But the truth is, that product management is about driving outcomes, managing stakeholders, and making decisions. These are skills you may already have from other roles.

Reframe your experience.

Did you lead a project? Improve a process? Work cross-functionally? These are all PM skills.

Get hands-on experience by working on side projects, joining hackathons, or volunteering for product-related tasks at your current job.

Takeaway 3: Networking is your best friend.

Applying online often leads to frustration, especially when competing against hundreds of applicants. The best way to break in is through relationships.

Reach out to current PMs on LinkedIn and ask questions.

Totally unrelated (but kind of related). I read a book once that discussed how most successful people are more accessible than you realize.

If you send them a message out of the blue asking for advice, but you do so with targeted, specific questions (don't want to sound like a salesman prospecting), there is a better chance you'll hear back from them than you'd think.

Most of them are probably pretty down to Earth and know they didn't get ahead in the world without help. I tried it with Daymond John from Shark Tank. He did in fact, accept my invitation and answer my question.

Try it.

Join product communities, attend meetups, and engage in online discussions.

Find a mentor who can help guide your transition.

Takeaway 4: Demonstrate your product thinking.

Many companies hire for potential rather than direct experience. One way to stand out is by showcasing your product thinking.

Write case studies or blog posts analyzing products you love.

Build a portfolio with product teardown documents or mock roadmaps.

Share insights on LinkedIn to establish credibility.

Takeaway 5: Be intentional with your applications.

A common mistake is applying to hundreds of roles with the same generic resume. Listen, I've been there. Unemployed, wife, kids, mortgage. Just firing off applications every day.

But, I've never once been hired for a job I applied to like that. In fact, I've rarely landed an interview that way. The truth is, you're just going through the motions to feel productive and hope you get lucky.

Stop doing that. It's a waste of your time and will only extend the distance between you and that next Product role.

Instead, focus on quality over quantity.

Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills for that SPECIFIC posting.

Apply for associate PM programs, internships, or rotational programs if you’re early in your career.

Show passion for the company’s mission in your application.

In Conclusion

You don’t need a specific degree, prior PM experience, or any certifications. In fact, every single one of those Product certifications is worthless. Nobody looks at that when filling Product roles.

What you need is a compelling story, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to showcase your product thinking.

If you’re serious about making the transition, start by reframing your experience, networking with the right people, and demonstrating your skills.

The biggest thing holding you back might just be the belief that you don’t belong.

Thanks for reading. See you next week.