Being a product manager means dedicating your time to helping development teams build the product at the right pace and with the right priorities. It also means putting yourself in the shoes of the user and trying to be empathetic about their problems. This can be a difficult job, as you have to not only solve users' problems, but also fulfill the requirements of stakeholders. As a product manager, you must be able to mediate these conflicting demands and strategize in order to achieve the greatest benefits for the product.
I personally come from a non-technical background, but I have learned to code and design as well. This has helped me to understand the challenges that my team members may face and to be more empathetic towards them. It has also allowed me to be more versatile and able to assist with different aspects of the product development process if needed.
In my opinion, being a product manager requires a diverse set of skills and a willingness to constantly learn and adapt. It is a challenging role that requires you to be able to juggle the needs of different groups and stakeholders while still staying true to the vision of the product. However, it can also be extremely rewarding as you get to see the impact of your work on the lives of users.
If you are considering getting started as a product manager, it is important to be prepared for this demanding but rewarding role. Make sure to continue learning and developing your skills, and be ready to face the challenges that come with the job. With dedication and hard work, you can succeed as a product manager and make a meaningful contribution to the development of successful products.
In addition to the skills and abilities mentioned earlier, having domain knowledge can also be a valuable asset for a product manager. If you have prior experience or expertise in a specific industry or field, it can help you understand the problem landscape you are trying to solve more deeply. This can give you valuable insights and help you make informed decisions about the product.
For example, as someone with a background in biomedical engineering, you may have a deeper understanding of certain considerations when building a product in this domain. This knowledge can be beneficial in helping you to identify key problems and opportunities, and to develop effective solutions.
However, it is also important to be aware that having domain knowledge can sometimes lead to a feeling of being an expert in a particular area, which can in turn limit your creativity. It is important to remember that as a product manager, your role is to bring together diverse perspectives and ideas in order to create the best possible product. This may require stepping outside of your comfort zone and considering new approaches and ideas.
Overall, while domain knowledge can be a valuable asset for a product manager, it is important to strike a balance and not let it limit your creativity and ability to think outside the box. By leveraging your expertise and incorporating diverse perspectives, you can build a successful and innovative product.