You Can Learn This $120,000 Skill In Months Without A Degree
Ever wondered how to break into tech without actually working directly in tech? This one skill will enable you to land high-paying jobs that the tech industry is so famous for, without needing to code or build software programs.
Employers are hiring for it, with job projections at a 7% growth rate, which is higher than the average job growth rate in the U.S, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Freelancers are also cashing in on this skill, with many using it to land contracts and consulting projects on top-tier freelance platforms like Toptal as well as independently. The skill is in high-demand for companies that favor innovation, including start-ups seeking to build and strengthen their market presence and attract investors.
By now you’ve probably guessed: this skill is product management.
Why Product Management Skills?
Product management is a career that allows you to dip your toes into the tech industry without needing to know all the intricacies of tech tools, libraries, and coding languages.
At the same time, you’re able to make a real impact by coordinating all product development activity and managing the entire process from conceptualization and gathering requirements from stakeholders, to release and follow-up maintenance and updates.
This places you in an exciting position to be at the forefront of innovation within your company and sub-industry, and you can make an average of $124,051 a year according to Glassdoor.
What’s more, did you know that you don’t even need a degree to become a product manager?
Yes, you read that right. You can go from having zero job experience in product management and not holding a degree, to becoming a proficient product management professional and bringing home a lucrative six-figure salary.
What you do need to become a successful tech or AI product manager is to complete microcredentials. Microcredentials are short courses or certifications which you can usually undertake online, that upskill you in key in-demand areas related to technical and human skills. For example, courses on data analytics or communication skills on LinkedIn Learning would count as microcredentials. They can fit flexibly into your lifestyle and busy work schedule.
Last week, Microsoft released a fresh update to their collection of microcredentials available on Coursera–their Microsoft AI Product Manager Certification. According to their course page, you can be certified in as little as three months, but this is with dedicated effort and with a significant time commitment each week, so it’s essential to remember that the exact length of time it takes you to complete the course will vary depending on your work schedule and lifestyle.
The course page also notes that there are no course prerequisites, which means you can start learning without any experience or degree. The career certificate is a combination of five courses, namely:
- Enterprise Product Management Fundamentals
- Market Research and Competitive Analysis
- Product Strategy and Roadmapping
- Product Design and UX/UI Fundamentals
- Product Launch and Post-Launch Management
These courses cover the essentials of AI-powered product management so you can feel confident and equipped with job market-ready skills. However, if you’re making a career pivot into product management without a degree and want the best possible chance of securing a product management role, you should add as many certifications and real-world experiences as possible to your toolkit.
Consider other courses such as the well-recommended Product Manager nanodegree program offered by Udacity. This is a slightly pricier option compared to Coursera but still offers strong real-world value, and you can layer your learning with courses focusing in-depth on individual areas such as proposal writing or prototyping.
Finally, nothing beats real-world experience, so while studying, try to break into product management by finding pro bono work at non-profits, or offer your services to a family member, work acquaintance, or college friend building a new product or business. Offer your expertise as a product management consultant online for a reduced price so you can learn as you earn.
Source: Forbes.com
