What Type Of Person Thrives In The Product Management Industry, According To A Product Manager At ChargePoint
The product management industry values diverse skill sets, with some companies prioritizing technical backgrounds while others favor business acumen and execution. Ultimately, success hinges on "the ability to get things done in a very difficult environment," prioritizing tasks, and possessing the ability to "say no" to less important endeavors.
Project Management, Communication, Problem-Solving, Resilience, Execution
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Kevin Chung
Product Manager
ChargePoint
Cornell University 2011
UCLA MBA
Political Science, American Studies
Energy & Utilities, Technology
Product / Service / Software Development and Management
Honors Student, Scholarship Recipient, Took Out Loans, Greek Life Member, LGBTQ, Student Athlete
Video Highlights
1. Product management roles vary in technical requirements; some prioritize computer science backgrounds while others value business acumen and execution.
2. Regardless of background, the ability to prioritize tasks, navigate competing priorities, and say 'no' to less important tasks is crucial for success.
3. Strong organizational and focus skills are highly valued, often considered "soft skills" developed over time but essential for success in the product management field.
Transcript
How would you describe people who typically thrive in the industry?
This is an interesting question, and I have an interesting answer because there are so many different kinds of product managers. Some companies prefer individuals with a technical background, like computer science. Other companies are fine with people who are more business savvy but can also drive things to the next stage and be execution-oriented.
I think no matter how technical you are, or how much business or industry knowledge you have, your ability to get things done is crucial. This is especially true in difficult environments or when you have many competing priorities, as mentioned in the last question.
The ability to stay focused and keep your eyes on the prize, and the ability to say no, are what make a product manager admired in the industry. To me, this is really the skillset that, as you can imagine, is almost like a soft skill you develop over time. This ability is really rewarded in this industry.