I already started this conversation on Twitter but decided to share it here as well.
It’s been 7 months and counting working at my first official product role and I must say it has been a great experience for me. But before I proceed, let me reintroduce myself….👋
Hi, my name is Awajioyem Miracle Ikoawaji, a Developer turned Product Sis. I’ve been in Tech for half a decade now and I am very passionate about people, problems and products.
I started my first official product role in Jan 2023 as an Associate Product Manager and I must say it’s been hectic but amazing. I’m currently a part of a Rotational Product Management program at Spotify which means I have the opportunity to work with and train under amazing Senior PMs who are older and greatly experienced in their career.
Nice to meet you 🤝🏻
📍Now back to the focus of this article, Some light bulb moments/learnings from my first product role :
- The first thing I realised is that product management in theory is definitely different from product management in reality.
Honestly, nothing beats learning on the job because most times you’ll be faced with situations that even frameworks and templates can’t rescue you from.
Your ability to adopt and adapt will be tested.⚒️
- Impostor syndrome will be a regular visitor, especially as an early career PM but don’t let that stop you.
Everyone deals with it even the Senior PMs. You just don’t see it because they’ve developed a way of handling it when it shows up. Recognise that everyone no matter their level is still learning.
Don’t be too hard on yourself… Be kind to yourself.❤️
- It’s ok if you don’t have the answers, no one will bite you😂 … Yes as a PM you are accountable for the success of your product but you must recognise that you’re also human.
Mistakes are inevitable but ensure you learn from them.✍🏼
- Share what you are working on early enough and often.
Don’t let the perfectionist in you get the best of you. Ask questions, and get feedback on work done as early as possible.
Make changes until it’s awesome! 🌟
I have more in the bank but I’m curious to hear from you…what were your own light bulb moments in your first product role? I’ll be in the comments waiting to learn☺️
