Becoming an AI Product Manager: 7 Simple Steps to Success
Are you fascinated by artificial intelligence and want to lead the charge in developing cutting-edge AI products?
💡According to Indeed's Hiring Lab research published in March 2024, AI-related job postings have seen a recent uptick, reaching 2% of all job postings by the end of February 2024.
While this is still below the peak of 3.3% reached in March 2022, it represents a significant rebound in AI job demand.
This guide will walk you through 7 easy-to-follow steps to become an AI Product Manager (PM).
TL;DR:
To become an AI Product Manager:
Consume AI and PM content daily
Take relevant courses in AI and product management
Gain hands-on experience with AI projects
Build a compelling portfolio showcasing your AI PM skills
Network actively in AI and PM communities
Apply for AI PM positions with tailored resumes and cover letters
Ace interviews by demonstrating your AI and PM knowledge
So here’s how you can turn your passion into a thriving career in detail:
Step 1: Shape Your Content Diet
Feed your mind with the right information to stay ahead in the AI world.
Here's what you should be consuming:
YouTube: Watch videos on AI basics, product management, and tech trends
Newsletters: Subscribe to product growth and AI-focused newsletters
Twitter: Follow AI experts and product leaders
LinkedIn: Connect with professionals in the AI and PM fields
Podcasts: Listen to AI and product management podcasts during your commute
💡A survey by O'Reilly found that 85% of companies are evaluating or using AI in production.
Immersing yourself in this content will help you build a strong foundation of knowledge and stay up-to-date with the latest developments.
Step 2: Take Relevant Courses
Boost your skills and credentials with courses tailored to AI and product management:
Foundational Courses: Start with AI basics and intro to product management
Intermediate Courses: Dive deeper into AI product management and machine learning
Advanced Courses: Tackle complex topics like deep learning and natural language processing
Ethics in AI: Learn about the ethical considerations in AI development and deployment
💡According to a report by Deloitte, 68% of executives say that AI skills are of critical importance for their workforce.
Learning is a journey, so take your time and enjoy the process!
Step 3: Gain Hands-on Experience
Theory is great, but practice makes perfect.
Here's how to get your hands dirty:
Set Up Your Environment: Learn to use AI tools and platforms
Build an App: Create a simple AI-powered application
Add Machine Learning: Implement basic ML features in your projects
Integrate Payment Systems: Understand how to monetize AI products
Participate in Hackathons: Join AI-focused hackathons to solve real-world problems
💡A study by McKinsey found that companies that extensively use AI report 50% higher profit margins than those that don't.
These practical experiences will set you apart from other candidates and give you real-world insights.
Step 4: Structure Your Portfolio
Showcase your skills and projects in a compelling portfolio:
Make It Stand Out: Use visuals and highlight your unique AI PM skills
Incorporate PM Experience: Demonstrate how you've applied PM principles to AI projects
Ensure Discoverability: Optimize your portfolio for search engines and share it widely
Include Case Studies: Showcase your problem-solving skills with detailed AI project case studies
💡According to Glassdoor, 86% of recruiters review candidates' portfolios before making hiring decisions.
A well-crafted portfolio is your ticket to catching the eye of potential employers.
Step 5: Network Like a Pro
Building connections is key in the AI field.
Here's how to expand your network:
Join Communities: Participate in AI and PM forums and groups
Attend Events: Go to AI conferences, workshops, and meetups
Build Connections: Reach out to professionals for coffee chats and advice
Create Content: Share your insights through blog posts or podcasts
Contribute to Open Source: Participate in AI-related open source projects
💡A LinkedIn study found that 85% of jobs are filled through networking.
Networking opens doors to opportunities and keeps you informed about industry trends.
Step 6: Snag Those Interviews
Now it's time to put yourself out there and land those interviews:
Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your AI and PM skills and experiences
Craft Compelling Cover Letters: Show your passion for AI and product management
Leverage Your Network: Use your connections to get introductions to companies
Polish Your Online Presence: Ensure your LinkedIn and GitHub profiles shine
Target AI-Focused Companies: Research and apply to companies investing heavily in AI
💡According to a survey by Jobvite, 67% of recruiters use AI to source and screen candidates.
Each application is a chance to showcase your unique value proposition.
Step 7: Ace the Homework and Interview
The final hurdle is the interview process.
Here's how to prepare:
Do Your Homework: Research the company and its AI initiatives thoroughly
Practice Interview Skills: Work on your communication and problem-solving abilities
Prepare for Technical Questions: Be ready to discuss AI concepts and product strategies
Demonstrate Your Value: Show how your skills and experiences make you the perfect fit
Showcase Your Vision: Present your ideas for AI product innovation and improvement
💡A study by Harvard Business Review found that 82% of companies believe AI will improve their competitive advantage.
Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to this advantage.
Continuous Learning and Adaptation
The AI field is rapidly evolving, so it's key to stay ahead of the curve:
Stay Updated: Keep learning about new AI technologies and methodologies
Attend AI Conferences: Participate in industry events to gain insights and network
Read Research Papers: Stay informed about cutting-edge AI developments
Experiment with New Tools: Try out emerging AI platforms and technologies
Seek Mentorship: Find an experienced AI PM to guide your career growth
💡According to Gartner, by 2025, 70% of organizations will have operationalized AI architectures.
Following these steps and putting in the effort will get you on your way to becoming a successful AI Product Manager.
Challenges and Opportunities in AI Product Management
As you pursue your AI PM career, be aware of both the challenges and opportunities:
Challenges:
Balancing technical knowledge with business acumen
Navigating ethical considerations in AI development
Managing stakeholder expectations in a rapidly changing field
Keeping up with the pace of AI advancements
Opportunities:
Shaping the future of AI-driven products
Solving complex problems with cutting-edge technology
High demand for skilled AI PMs in various industries
Potential for significant career growth and impact
💡A report by PwC estimates that AI could contribute up to $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030.
Recommended Courses on Coursera:
AI Product Management Specialization by Duke University
This 3-course specialization covers machine learning foundations, managing ML projects, and designing AI products.
IBM AI Product Manager Professional Certificate
A 2-course program focusing on building AI-powered products and using generative AI in product management.
Product Management Fundamentals by University of Maryland
A great introductory course for those new to product management.
Relevant Communities:
Product School Slack Community
One of the largest PM communities with over 30,000 members.
A global community with 45,000+ members and 277 channels.
A free Slack community specifically for AI product managers and enthusiasts.
A subreddit with over 175,000 members discussing all aspects of product management.
And That’s It
Your dream career in AI product management is within reach!
💡As Andrew Ng, co-founder of Coursera and former head of Google Brain, says:
"AI is the new electricity. It will transform every industry and create huge economic value."
So, seize the opportunities, and get ready to make your mark in AI product management.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Start Your Learning Journey: Enroll in an AI Product Management course on platforms like Coursera or edX.
Build Your Network: Join AI PM communities on Slack or LinkedIn to connect with professionals in the field.
Create Your Portfolio: Begin working on AI projects and documenting your process to showcase your skills.
Stay Informed: Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly updates on AI PM trends and job opportunities.
Explore AI PM Roles: Check out our curated list of Product Manager positions to start your job search.
Looking for your next opportunity? We share the latest remote PM jobs every week. Don’t miss out!