What Type Of Person Thrives In Technology, According To A Senior Product Manager At A Tech Support Company
Vinnie, a Senior Product Manager, highlights the crucial people skills needed for success in the software industry, especially for those transitioning from technical backgrounds. The biggest challenge, according to Vinnie, is that a product manager must be "a people-centered role," adept at understanding and addressing user needs and pain points through communication and collaboration.
Communication, Problem-Solving, People Skills, Project Management, Technical Background
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Vinnie Shahzad
Senior Product Manager
Mid-Size Technology Support Company
UCLA, 2006
N/A
Engineering - Aerospace
Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG)
Product / Service / Software Development and Management
Video Highlights
1. People skills are essential, especially when transitioning from a technical background.
2. Product roles involve understanding user needs and translating them into solutions.
3. Strong communication is key to gathering requirements and collaborating effectively with diverse stakeholders.
Transcript
How would you describe people who typically thrive in the software industry?
For product roles, especially for those with technical backgrounds, you really need to focus on people. Many people transition into product from engineering, and they struggle because it's a people-centered role.
As I mentioned, you receive feature requests and hear about people's needs. You have to talk to them, understand their problems and pain points, and then figure out how to help them. I think that's truly the biggest challenge.