Transitioning to Product Management From ANY Background

There are many companies that value character over experience.

If you’re fresh out of college, you might try getting into an APM program rather than going straight for a job. A side project shows off your entrepreneurial spirit and gives you something to stand out from the crowd.

• …Project Management. Project to Product is one of the most commonly seen transitions since their parallels are so well known.
• …Consultancy. It is a reasonably common transition as you're changing from business and technology, two of the three pillars of Product.
• …Engineering. Engineers make great PMs as they know more technical aspects.
• …Design. You better understand user experience, wireframes, and how to design a product people want.

If you use your imagination, there’s a link between the PM skill set.

• Customer service: Understanding how to solve customer/user problems with empathy.
• Architecture: Experience with project planning and a strong understanding of Design/Logic.
• Interior design: Experience working with customers and giving them what they need, not just what they want.
• Sales: Ability to meet targets and work under pressure.
• Freelancer: Great time management skills.