Becoming a Product Manager: Course, Admission, Syllabus, Colleges, Jobs, Salary

Product manager, one of the most sought job profiles in the business world who are currently paid the best in the corporate. Most of the people entering this job role, either have an MBA degree in product management or have done a PGDM course in product management. This is one of the job roles where one has to analyse the product and the customer's requirements. Not every product is made for every customer and keeping individuality in mind, a product manager targets the mass. Today, in this blog, we have curated the roadmap that will help you become a product manager. Keep scrolling and learn how to become a product manager with proper education.

Who is a Product Manager?

A professional in charge of a product's strategy, development, and management throughout its lifecycle is known as a product manager. They are essential in bridging the divide between different stakeholders, including customers, development teams, marketing teams, and executives.

The creation and management of a product are overseen by a product manager, who also defines the strategy and roadmap, works with teams and stakeholders, ensures successful product releases, and optimises the performance of the product. They take on the role of customer advocates, using data-driven judgements to produce valuable and practical goods.

Top Skills Required to Become a Product Manager

Being able to effectively manage the product development process, work with cross-functional teams, and promote business success are essential for becoming a successful product manager. The following are the top skills normally needed for a job in product management:

• UI/UX Design
• Agile Methodologies
• Market and User Research
• Leadership and Influencing Skills
• Problem-Solving and Decision Making
• Learning Agility and Adaptability
• Data Analysis and Metrics
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Product Planning and Roadmapping

PGDM in Product Management

A specialised program called the PGDM in Product Management concentrates on the concepts and methods of managing products throughout their lifecycle. It is a postgraduate course that business schools or management institutions frequently offer. The goal of the PGDM in Product Management is to give students a thorough understanding of the product development and management process as well as the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in a variety of product management professions. Marketing, market analysis, product strategy, product development, product launch, and product lifecycle management are just a few of the many topics linked to product management that are covered in the program.

Admission Process for PGDM in Product Management

The admission process for PGDM in Product Management can vary from university to university. But here is a typical admission process that you should know:

• You should 50%-60% marks in a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university.
• You need to clear entrance exams like CAT, MAT, CMAT, XAT, etc.
• The candidate needs to fill out the application form for the particular university correctly.
• Should clear GD/WAT/P rounds conducted by the admission committee of that particular university.
• Should have prior work experience as required by the university.

Syllabus of PGDM in Product Management

There are different kinds of subjects that you will study in PGDM in Product Management. To become a product manager, you need to learn about Marketing and Brand Strategy, both. Considering these factors, we have come up with core subjects and elective subjects.

Core Subjects

Basics of Product Management	Innovation
Product Portfolio Analysis	Pricing and Promotion
Market Research	Product Marketing and Strategy
Customer development- Techniques to understand customers and validate demands	Customisation and innovation in the digital domain
Advertising and Channel Management	User Experience design
Elimination Strategies	Business models- designing, storyboarding and wireframing
Strategic Brand Management	Financial Theories and Fundamentals of Business
Testing and validation techniques and implementation	New Product Planning
User Experience Design and	Communication and presentation practices
Basics of Product Management	Innovation
Product Portfolio Analysis	Pricing and Promotion

Elective Subjects

Market Analysis	UX & Product Design
Product Finance	Agile Product Management
Product and Growth Marketing	Digital Product Management
Data Analysis for Product Leaders	Leading & Managing Product Teams
Product & Digital Strategy

Jobs and Salary

Let’s have a look at the job profiles and the average salary that you can expect if you choose that particular designation.

Designation	Average Salary (₹)
Product Marketing Manager	18 LPA
Product Development Manager	14 LPA
Assistant Product Manager	6.8 LPA
Group Product Manager	19 LPA
Brand Manager	12 LPA
Sales Manager	5 LPA
Product Delivery Manager	19 LPA
Product Manager	17 LPA

Top Recruiters for Product Managers

If you become a product manager, then these are the companies who’ll be potentially hiring you.

• Amazon
• Paytm
• Axis Bank
• ICICI Bank
• Cipla
• Flipkart
• Google
• Deloitte
• HDFC Bank
• Cisco
• Vedanta
• E&Y

Conclusion

You can pursue PGDM in Product Management and enter into the product field, understanding its basics. If you want to apply for the PGDM program, you can apply via Sunstone. If you choose Sunstone, a higher education service provider, you can unlock numerous benefits that will help you shape your career. You can get:

• 70+ training and development sessions from top recruiters and industry experts
• Learn from expert guest faculty who are ex-IIMs and IITs
• 50+ guaranteed job interviews with Placement Protection Plan
• 70% job opportunities in top metropolitan cities
• A capstone project to work on every semester
• Helps in building a professional portfolio that improves your chances of getting hired
• If you appear in the Sunstone scholarship test, you can get a scholarship worth up to ₹ 10 Cr.

FAQs - Become a Product Manager

Are Product Managers in Demand in India?

Yes, every industry and company needs a product manager and therefore, most companies are offering high salaries as well.

Do I need to pursue an internship before entering into a full-time Product Manager role?

Yes, it would be beneficial if you pursue an internship and get practical knowledge of the role that you are about to enter.

Can I be a Product Manager if I am from an arts background?

Yes, you might be from any field but you can become a Product Manager by pursuing a BBA course after the 12th.

Is a Product Manager a stressful job?

Not just a Product Manager job but any job can be stressful at certain times.