Education · 1 of 4

The path

There is no product management degree. You get here sideways, from a job next to product.

1. 1

   High school

   Grades 11 and 12

   Math, English, computer science, business. Build or sell something, even a small thing.

2. 2

   University degree

   4 years

   Computer science, engineering, business (Ivey, Rotman Commerce, Sauder, McGill Desautels) or anything with co-op. Co-op at a software company is the single most useful thing you can do.

3. 3

   First career

   2 to 4 years

   Software developer, UX (user experience) designer, business analyst, consultant, data analyst or customer support at a tech company. Learn how products actually get built and sold.

4. 4

   Move into product

   6 to 18 months of trying

   Volunteer for product tasks in your current job, or apply for associate product manager roles. A referral from someone on a product team matters more than any course.

5. 5

   Climb

   3 to 8 years

   Product manager, senior, group or director. Each step means bigger products and more people relying on your judgment.