How to Transition to Product Management: Strategy Two - Build a Product (as a side project)

This story happened to me during one of my product interviews (which I failed). I thought I was prepared well - I knew my transferable skills (I've worked in tech consulting), and I illustrated them with my past projects and achievements.

But suddenly my interviewer asked me - can you show us what you've built? This question puzzled me - all of my projects were under Non-Disclosure agreements, so I could not show much. And of course, back then, I didn't have anything that resembled a product portfolio…

This lesson taught me a lot. I realized that to get into Product, I need to showcase what I'm capable of as an aspiring PM. So I decided to build a Product as my Side Project.

I've built an app prototype for live group workouts with fitness instructors (yes, I know, everyone is doing this now, but this idea was groundbreaking years ago). I've been trying to solve a problem of people like me - consultants who travel for business every week and couldn't maintain their fitness routine consistently. I was so inspired by the problem and product idea that I even pitched it to an investing firm (but didn't get their money). 

After going through this journey and getting that very first product role, I can say that working on a Side Project is my favorite strategy of getting into Product.

Here are some of the main benefits of this strategy: 

• You showcase your skills and creativity without committing anything apart from your time.

• You travel into the future and see what it's like when you are way ahead in your career and drive strategic product initiatives.

• You experience what it takes to be in the PM's shoes and make an informed career decision to join the PM tribe. 

💬 If you have any questions, just drop me an email