Product Managers

Product managers typically have a bachelor's degree and five or more years of experience. Many companies offer management training programs to product managers. The job requires knowledge of the companies' products, competitors' products, and the product industry. An understanding of product development is important. Product managers must be organized, able to prioritize, and have strong communication and interpersonal skills. The job entails working closely with a variety of departments, from market research and development, to advertising sales, and finance. Product managers must be able to clearly communicate product strategies and goals and keep everyone on track for delivering quality work and meeting deadlines. They must also be up to date on management practices and product and project management software programs, including Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Google Analytics, Asana, Pivotal Tracker, among others. Successful product managers are able to stay calm under pressure, motivate and manage product management teams, and help companies develop products according to schedules and budgets.