Navigating our careers as software product managers can sometimes feel like choosing between two roads. Let's break them down.
Expert in the profession
The first path is all about mastering the art of product management itself. You move through different companies and industries, getting better with each experience. Eventually, you become so skilled with your tools that you can jump into any new industry with ease.
Expert in the field
The second path is to become an expert in a specific area, such as a particular industry or subject. You may change jobs within the same industry, but your focus remains on deepening your knowledge. Your roles may change from support to sales to marketing, but your expertise in your chosen field remains strong.
So which path is better?
Both have their advantages. Experienced product managers can quickly adapt to new industries, drawing on their product management expertise. Meanwhile, those who are deeply rooted in a specific domain can learn the ins and outs of product management over time.
In an ideal world, you'd stay in the same industry and change companies from time to time. But that's not common. You may get a fast start, but the long-term benefits aren't great because others quickly catch
In the end, being a product manager is all about growth and adaptability. Whether you choose to broaden your skills or deepen your expertise, keep evolving in our ever-changing field.
What I read
As usual, I will list some of the best articles I read on the Internet. I will keep a list of the best articles (currently >800) at https://www.digital-product-management.com. These are today’s picks:
Validation Patterns: Idea Validation Playbook: How to validate ideas.
Leadership Capital: How Genuine Care Leads to a Committed Team
Valuable Character Traits: Traits that Andrew Cosworth, CTO at Meta, values highly.