Are you fascinated by how humans interact with technology? If so, you may have what it takes to become a successful product manager (PM), as suggested by Andrew Breen, an adjunct professor of tech product management at the NYU Stern School of Business with 30 years of experience as a product manager. “Whether you’re enhancing an existing product or launching a new one, your focus should always be on understanding customer needs,” Breen explains. In addition to prioritizing customer satisfaction, PMs are constantly seeking solutions and refining their strategies until they find the best one.
Product management has become increasingly popular over time. Despite concerns about AI disrupting the tech industry, Paul Canetti, a professor at Columbia Business School and founder of New Tech Business School, emphasizes that the essential soft skills required for product management will remain crucial. He notes that the demand for qualified product managers still exceeds the supply of available positions, making it a promising career path.
For those unable to commit to full-time education, there are numerous online and remote options available, ranging from bootcamps to certifications to part-time MBAs. If you’re interested in exploring these opportunities, continue reading for a list of top product management bootcamps that can be completed from the comfort of your own home and at your own pace.
1. Product Gym’s Product Management Program
Cost: $6,000
Duration: About 3 months
Structure: Part-time, live or self-paced
Course Report rating: 4.95/5 from 393 reviews
Product Gym offers a comprehensive training program tailored to develop product management skills. The program covers topics such as UX design, customer empathy, product roadmapping, and interview tactics. Graduates gain access to a network of over 1,500 alumni working at companies like Tesla, Google, and Nike.
2. Product Manager Nanodegree Program by Udacity
Cost: $249 a month
Duration: 3 months
Structure: Self-paced
Course Report rating: 4.7/5 from 626 reviews
Udacity’s nanodegree program includes courses on problem identification, product design, and testing, led by Google product managers with hands-on experience.
3. Online Product Management Bootcamp by Fullstack Academy
Cost: $6,750
Duration: 12 weeks
Structure: Part-time, live
Course Report rating: 4.79/5 from 399 reviews
Fullstack Academy’s bootcamp covers the basics of product management, team management, agile processes, and more. Graduates receive career coaching and networking opportunities.
4. The Product Management Boot Camp at UNC-Chapel Hill
Cost: Not listed
Duration: 18 weeks
Structure: Part-time, live
Course Report rating: 4.83/5 from 95 reviews
UNC’s bootcamp caters to developers, project managers, and designers looking to enhance their skills in product management.
5. Professional Certificate in Product Management by Kellogg
Cost: $6,950
Duration: 6 months
Structure: Part-time, live or self-paced
Course Report rating: 5/5 from 12 reviews
Kellogg’s certificate program offers a comprehensive curriculum covering the product development process, business model design, relationship management, and more.
6. Professional Certificate Program in Product Management by MIT
Cost: $15,950
Duration: 9 months
Structure: Part-time, live
Course Report rating: 4.21/5 from 84 reviews
MIT’s certificate program focuses on product strategy, research, and leveraging data, with opportunities for professional development and networking.
7. Product Management and Strategy by Wharton
Cost: $2,800
Duration: 6 weeks
Structure: Part-time, live and self-paced
The Wharton School offers an online program focusing on product portfolio building and key performance metrics.
8. AI Product Management Specialization by Duke
Cost: $59 a month after free 7-day trial
Duration: 4 months at 5 hours a week
Structure: Self-paced
Duke’s specialization in AI product management is designed for experienced product managers interested in artificial intelligence.
9. IBM Product Manager Professional Certificate
Cost: $59 a month after free 7-day trial
Duration: 4 months at 10 hours a week
Structure: Self-paced
IBM’s certificate program covers product management basics, agile development, and includes a capstone project to prepare for certification exams.
Breaking into product management requires a diverse skill set and a strong educational background. Consider your background and strengths when choosing a program to enhance your knowledge and expertise. With the right training and dedication, you can embark on a rewarding career in product management.
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