Diversifying Your PM Career with Spikes
In this essay, we’ll discuss managing your PM career as a "portfolio of spikes,” where each role fulfills a unique need during a unique point in time of your life, and where all of your PM jobs put together creates a rich and rewarding portfolio of experiences that satisfy a large portion of your needs and wants.
When people consider product management, it's often through the lens of a dream job – a singular destination to strive for. However, this perspective doesn't align with the dynamic reality of product management, where growth and evolution are constants. I've come to realize that a healthier approach involves understanding the diverse roles within product management and the trajectory we forge across our careers.
Let’s begin by debunking the myth of the dream job and delving into why this mindset is counterproductive. The landscape of technology is ever-shifting, and the demands of companies evolve in tandem. More importantly, our own aspirations transform as we navigate various life phases. Early on, we might be driven by ambition, transitioning to a more balanced outlook as we consider starting a family, and eventually embracing roles focused on people management and mentorship. The notion of one ideal job doesn't hold water in such a multifaceted journey.
So, how do we approach building our careers as product managers? The answer lies in constructing a portfolio of career spikes. Think of it as accumulating a collection of meaningful experiences. Each experience should cater to 1-2 aspects that resonate with you:
Social impact
Management chops
Industry expertise
Compensation
Advancement speed
No single role will encapsulate every aspect, but a well-structured portfolio can encompass them all.
Think of every PM role as a stepping stone in your growth, and as a unique spike that fleshes out a balanced portfolio over the duration of your lifelong career. When you kick off a new PM role, my suggestion is to immerse yourself in a role for 18-36 months – this period is ideal for acquiring valuable insights. It positions you to pivot into related roles down the line.
Once that foundation is set, consider making strategic switches towards your desired path. Transform a one-way career door into a two-way conduit. Give each role a fair chance – leaving prematurely denies you valuable lessons. However, don't overstay your welcome either, as continued learning shouldn't obstruct your overall trajectory.
Remember, every role contributes to your knowledge base. Yet, it's imperative that the knowledge you accumulate aligns with your long-term goals. While understanding tangential or adjacent fields has merit, there's a limit to its relevance.
To recap, the dream job narrative in product management is misleading. Embrace the idea that your journey will encompass various roles, each contributing to your growth. Craft a career mosaic that showcases your experiences. Transition strategically, using each role as a building block. This journey isn't linear, and that's the beauty of it. By understanding that every role is a step forward, you'll navigate your product management career with clarity, purpose, and adaptability.
