My first break into PM wasn’t what I expected.

I didn’t land my first Product Manager role through a traditional job application. There was no polished resume, no fancy MBA, and no recruiter magically offering me the job. Instead, I hacked my way in—by doing the work before I had the title.

I picked up PM tasks at my job, took on side projects, pitched myself to start-ups, and even worked part-time in different roles that gave me exposure to product development. At the time, I didn’t realize I was “doing” product management—I was just trying to solve problems, take ownership, and create impact.

When I finally applied for a formal PM role, I had real experience to talk about. And that made all the difference.

If you’re trying to break into Product Management, here’s how you can do it—step by step.

1. Work on Product Teams

If you're in a traditional role (consulting, marketing, customer support, etc.), your first step should be to work on a team that builds and launches products.

Some people jump straight from consulting or an MBA program into product management. But for most, the better strategy is to transition from an adjacent role first—then move into PM.

 Roles That Can Lead to Product Management:

• Product Operations (streamlining workflows & processes)

• Product Marketing (positioning & launching products)

• Data Science / Analytics (deriving insights from product data)

• UX / Product Design (crafting the user experience)

• Engineering (building and optimizing the product)

Spending a couple of years in one of these roles gives you deep exposure to product teams—so when you transition to PM, you already understand how everything works.

💡 Pro Tip: Pick a role that aligns with your strengths. If you’re analytical, data science or product analytics is a great entry point. If you love UX, consider product design.

2. Pick Up Product Management Tasks at Work

If you’re already working in a tech company (but not as a PM), look for ways to take on product-related responsibilities. Many PMs are overwhelmed and will gladly accept help from someone willing to step up.

Tasks You Can Volunteer For:

✅ Write product briefs & requirements
✅ Organize project management tools & backlog
✅ Lead sprint planning or weekly sync meetings
✅ Conduct user research & customer interviews
✅ Analyze product data & report insights
✅ Create launch checklists & rollout plans

By taking on these responsibilities, you’ll build real PM experience before officially holding the title. When it’s time to apply for a PM role, you’ll have tangible examples of your work.

💡 Pro Tip: If there’s no PM on your team, step up and own the role. Once leadership sees your impact, it’ll be easier to make the case for a formal PM transition!

3. Switch to Product Management on the Inside

At larger companies like Meta, Shopify, and Google, there are internal hiring processes that allow employees to switch departments. This can be an excellent way to transition into a PM role.

How to Position Yourself for an Internal Transfer:

• Build relationships with PMs and hiring managers in your company

• Express interest early—let your manager know about your PM aspirations

• Gain relevant experience by taking on PM tasks (see strategy #2)

• Prepare for PM interviews—most internal transfers require you to go through the same hiring process as external candidates

⚡️ Many companies will “level you down” when transitioning into a PM role. For example, a Senior Analyst may become an Associate PM. It’s worth it in the long run!

4. Pitch Yourself as a Generalist at a Start-up

Start-ups don’t always have dedicated PMs in their early stages. Instead, founders wear multiple hats. This means they might need help with product management without realizing it.

Here’s how you can position yourself:

🛠️ Offer to handle another critical role (marketing, operations, sales, etc.) while also taking on PM work.

This was exactly how I got my first PM job. At Helpful, I did product management part-time while also handling sales, customer support, and project management. Over time, I transitioned into a full-time PM role. ✨

💡 Pro Tip: If you have prior experience in engineering, design, or marketing, pitch that as your entry point while gradually taking on PM tasks.

5. Help a Start-up Part-Time

If you’re struggling to land a full-time PM role, consider working with a start-up in the evenings or on weekends. Many early-stage companies need help but don’t have the budget to hire senior talent.

How to Find Start-ups That Need Help:

• Ask friends or peers if they know anyone launching a start-up

• Reach out to local accelerators or VC-backed companies

• Find freelance PM opportunities on Upwork, A.Team, or IndieHackers

🌱 Even if the role is unpaid or for a stipend, the experience is invaluable. It gives you hands-on PM experience that you can later leverage in interviews.

6. Sell Your Domain Expertise

Product teams love hiring PMs who deeply understand their industry and customers. If you have specialized knowledge in a field, use that to your advantage.

Examples of Domain Expertise That Can Help You Break In:

🎯 Worked in customer support? Apply for PM roles at companies building customer support software (e.g., Zendesk, Intercom).
🎯 Have a background in finance? Target PM roles in fintech or blockchain companies.
🎯 Are you a content creator? Apply for PM roles at creator economy platforms (e.g., Patreon, Substack).

Pitch yourself as a domain expert who understands the customer’s needs better than anyone.

⚡️ If you’re passionate about a particular industry, lean into that! PM roles are easier to land when you understand the market inside and out.

Final Thought: There’s No “One Right Path” Into Product Management

I used to think breaking into PM required a linear path. It doesn’t. The best approach depends on your current role, skills, and strengths.

The key is taking action—whether that’s picking up PM tasks at work, switching roles internally, helping a start-up, or building your own projects.

Ask yourself: Which of these six strategies makes the most sense for me right now? Pick one and start today! ☄️