So you want to be a product manager? Make yourself the product

Carlos Gonzalez de Villaumbrosia, founder and CEO of Product School, offers insights into what it takes to become a successful product manager, highlighting the rigorous and competitive nature of the field. Product School provides an eight-week part-time course across San Francisco, Silicon Valley, and New York, aiming to formalize training for aspiring product managers in a manner similar to technical programs like General Assembly. Gonzalez emphasizes the importance of creating a personal project to demonstrate curiosity and expertise, understanding the market deeply, and blending both quantitative and qualitative data to make informed decisions. He notes that while technical skills are beneficial, high-performing product managers often stand out due to their communication skills, emotional intelligence, and ability to synthesize information. The role demands adaptability, the ability to work with diverse teams, and a strong focus on time and energy management. Gonzalez underscores the importance of understanding market dynamics and staying attuned to user expectations to guide products to success. Despite the challenges, he views the role as highly rewarding, offering opportunities to innovate and lead product development that impacts users' lives positively.