Transitioning into Product Management can seem like a chicken and egg problem -- many PM roles ask for years of experience, but how can one get experience without a PM role? Do you have to have an MBA? Do you have to have an engineering background? Hint -- not necessarily! There are many paths to Product Management, in this talk, Megan, Senior PM at eBay, will take you through the top tips she learned throughout her journey that anyone can apply to expedite their own.

1. www.productschool.com
Paving Your Path to Product
Management by eBay Sr PM

2. CERTIFICATES
Your Product Management Certificate Path
Product Leadership
Certificate™
Full Stack Product
Management Certificate™
Product Management
Certificate™
20 HOURS40 HOURS40 HOURS

3. Corporate
Training
Level up your team’s Product
Management skills

4. Free Product Management Resources
BOOKS
EVENTS
JOB PORTAL
COMMUNITIES
bit.ly/product_resources
COURSES

6. Paving your path to
Product Management
Megan Hart, Senior Product Manager, eBay

7. My path to PM
Communications
and Business
Advertising Non-profit
Marketing
Communication
Customer
Support → PM
(Ads)
Senior PM
(Ads/Data)
Senior PM
(Ads/Data)

8. Tip #1: Discover your options
● Self-evaluation
● Turn to Google
● Talk to family, friends, acquaintances
● Test it out
Remember: Don’t get too caught up. This is
brainstorming and discovery. You will live and
learn and your path will change.

9. Tip #2: Build your network
● Reach out to your connections for introductions via LinkedIn
● Tap into your alumni group
● Attend industry events (like this one!)
● Volunteer for relevant events/organizations
Remember: You need to put yourself out there to
be most effective. It may feel uncomfortable but
it gets easier.

10. Tip #3: Use your network
● Ask for 1-on-1 coffee/phone chats to learn about others’ paths to PM
● Seek out advice
● If it’s appropriate, ask for references
Remember: You’d be surprised at how willing
people are to lend a hand.

11. Tip #4: Identify your “specialty”
● What is your unique strength?
● What experience can you bring to the table that makes you stand out?
● Is there an industry you’re well-versed in and passionate about?
Remember: PM is a competitive space. One way
to expedite your journey is to focus on roles
where you can take advantage of your expertise.

12. Tip #5: Invest in your weak spots
● Tech:
○ Codeacademy
○ MIT OpenCourseWare
● Public speaking:
○ Toastmasters
● Writing:
○ LinkedIn
● Overall:
○ Coursera/Udacity/LinkedIn Learning
○ How-to books
○ PM podcasts and events
Remember: This can be inside or outside of your
everyday job.

13. Tip #6: Be open to stepping stones
● What skills will you be able to work on?
● Will there be an opportunity for mentorship?
● Is there room for growth within the organization?
Remember: Your next role doesn’t have to be
your dream job, but it should be something that
gives you a chance to gain experience to get
where you want to go.

14. Tip #7: Hone your story
● Ask yourself:
○ Why did you decide to pursue PM?
○ What did you do to get yourself there?
○ What are your strengths and how did you address your weaknesses?
● Write it down
● Practice at networking events/1-on-1s
● Use it to structure your resume
Remember: Interviewing is about telling your
story. Working on it ahead of time will help you
be comfortable and confident. It might even help
clarify what you want next.

15. Recap
1. Discover your options
2. Build your network
3. Use your network
4. Identify your “specialty”
5. Invest in your weak spots
6. Be open to stepping stones
7. Hone your story

16. www.productschool.com
Part-time Product Management Training Courses
and
Corporate Training