Session: Breaking Into Product Management: A Practical Guide for Aspiring Product Professionals
Finding yourself asking questions like:
- How do I transition into product management from a different role or industry?
- How do I develop "product sense"?
- What key skills do I need to build for a successful product management career?
- How can I fast-track my path to product management?
Trust me, I’ve been there. Having started my career in software engineering and later transitioning into product management, I’ve gone through the process and know exactly what it takes to break into this fast-paced and rewarding field.
In this session, I’ll share some personal insights and practical tips that helped me make the switch—and that I wish I had known when I first started.
We’ll cover:
- Making the Transition: How I moved from engineering to product management, and the steps I took to make it feel less overwhelming.
- Building Essential Skills: Key areas like user stories, backlog management, and customer-driven product development that you’ll need to master.
- Gaining Relevant Experience: How to build hands-on experience, even if you’re not yet in a product role.
- Dealing with Imposter Syndrome: I’ll share my own experience with self-doubt and how I found my confidence in this new space.
- The Power of Mentorship & Networking: Why connections matter, and how to start building your network in a meaningful way.
This isn’t just a presentation of tips—it’s the story of how I navigated the switch, the mistakes I made, and the lessons I learned along the way. Whether you’re looking to break into product management or shift into a product role, I hope this session gives you the tools and motivation to take the leap.
Bio
Reshmika is a Sr Product Management Analyst at Motorola Solutions, co-developing the video management software for body-worn cameras. She holds a Master’s in Engineering Management from Duke University and is a certified Scrum Master and Product Owner. With a strong foundation in product management, software engineering, and machine learning, Reshmika is passionate about leveraging innovation and collaboration to translate user insights into impactful, value-driven products. Throughout her career, she has recognized the value of knowledge-sharing and mentorship, and she is committed to guiding others by sharing her expertise in these areas.