<aside> 📄 Considering other product adjacent roles instead of directly breaking into Product Management?

In this blog, I will first go through the similarities and differences of each role vs. Product Manager then discuss a decision framework you can go to when making this decision for yourself.

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Product Manager vs. ???

⚠️ This is a compilation of knowledge gained from working with individuals in these roles in the tech industry. Roles and responsibilities may vary based on industry, seniority, and business needs.

Product Manager

A product manager's focus varies by industry and seniority, but key areas include:

Strategic Thinking
Customer Empathy
Data Informed
Effective Execution
Communicate Actively
Product Owner
Product Analyst
Product Operations Manager
Product Marketing Manager
Strategy and Biz Ops

Decisions, decisions, decisions…

Making a career pivot can be daunting, especially in times of uncertainty, no matter how much industry experience one has. I once found myself in this exact position, debating whether to apply for product adjacent roles or directly for product management.

However, I found that there is no simply online quiz that can help us answer this questions. Instead, I’ll leave you all with a set a questions that can bring clarity for you to make this decision for your next career move:

Where do you envision yourself in 5 years? How does product management fit into this vision? Are there other paths to achieve this vision without product management?
Why are you considering product management? What key aspects are you seeking that product management can fulfill?
What are some attributes that you're looking for in your next role?

<aside> ✨ Thank you for reading this blog to the end, and I hope this is insightful. Comment 👇🏻 if I’ve missed anything or if there are any other topics you would like me to write about!

As always, I'm here to help YOU navigate your career so feel free to check out PM Happy Hour or contact me directly via LinkedIn.

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