Key Skills for Aspiring Product Managers

Breaking into Tech with ConfidenceBy Korngo Dosoo

The technology industry is evolving, and while women now make up 35% of the tech workforce, up from just 9% in the early 2000s, gender diversity remains a challenge. Product management is one of the areas where diverse perspectives, strong communication, and strategic thinking play a crucial role in success. These skills, which many women and underrepresented groups bring naturally, make it an ideal field for those looking to transition into the tech space.

For those making this transition, the journey into product management can feel overwhelming. However, with the increasing availability of learning platforms, mentorship networks, and industry communities, aspiring product managers have the resources to develop the necessary skills to thrive in this dynamic field.

Why Product Management?

Product managers define what should be built and why. They sit at the intersection of technology, business, and user experience, working closely with engineers, designers, and executives. Unlike software engineers, who focus on writing code, product managers ensure that the products being developed align with customer needs and business goals.

This role requires a combination of problem-solving skills, strategic vision, and customer empathy. A strong product manager must understand data, technology, and business strategy while also being able to lead teams without direct authority. These qualities make product management a viable career for professionals transitioning from diverse backgrounds such as finance, marketing, design, and operations.

Data-Driven Decision Making

Great product managers rely on data rather than intuition. They track user engagement, analyze customer behavior, and assess business performance using clear metrics. A good understanding of data helps product managers validate product ideas, measure success, and make informed decisions.

In Ghana’s fintech sector, product managers are increasingly leveraging data to drive financial inclusion. Startups like Zeepay and Hubtel use behavioral analytics to predict transaction patterns and improve customer retention. Unlike Western markets where user data is vast and easily accessible, African product managers must work with alternative data sources such as mobile money transactions and informal credit histories. This presents a unique challenge in emerging markets where limited but high-impact data must be used efficiently to shape product decisions.

To build a strong foundation in data analysis, aspiring product managers should start with basic spreadsheet tools such as Google Sheets and Excel to analyze trends. Learning data visualization platforms like Tableau, Google Data Studio, and Power BI can also be helpful. Understanding A/B testing, customer segmentation, and key performance indicators is essential for assessing product success.

Understanding Technical Fundamentals

Product managers are not expected to write code, but they should understand the technology behind their products. A basic grasp of how APIs work, how databases store information, and how software is developed helps product managers collaborate effectively with engineers.

A growing number of product managers in Africa are working in fintech, e-commerce, and software development companies that rely on cloud-based solutions and digital infrastructure. Understanding the underlying technology, even at a basic level, is critical for effective decision-making.

There are several ways to build technical understanding. Platforms like Product School offer introductory courses on technical concepts for product managers. Learning the basics of SQL to retrieve and analyze data can also be beneficial. Familiarity with agile methodologies such as Scrum and Kanban helps product managers work efficiently with engineering teams.

Gaining hands-on experience with product development tools can also be valuable. No-code platforms like Bubble and Glide allow aspiring product managers to experiment with building simple applications, helping them better understand the development process.

Communication and Leadership

Product management is a highly collaborative role that requires working with engineers, designers, marketers, and executives. Product managers must communicate effectively, aligning different teams towards a shared vision. They also need to influence stakeholders and navigate conflicts without direct authority over the teams they work with.

In my experience mentoring aspiring product managers in Ghana, I have seen firsthand how effective communication can make or break a project. Product managers must be able to translate complex technical information into clear business terms while also ensuring that customer feedback is accurately conveyed to engineering teams.

To develop strong communication skills, aspiring product managers should practice public speaking, storytelling, and negotiation. Conducting user interviews and customer research helps in building empathy and refining communication skills. Learning how to facilitate cross-functional meetings and resolve conflicts effectively is also crucial.

Reading widely on leadership and team dynamics can provide additional insights. Books such as "The Making of a Manager" by Julie Zhuo offer valuable lessons on how to lead and influence teams effectively.

Strategic Thinking

A good product manager does not focus only on features but also on solving real customer problems. They need to think strategically, ensuring that every product decision aligns with the company’s business goals.

Many African startups face unique challenges in scaling their products due to infrastructure limitations and differences in consumer behavior. Product managers must be able to balance innovation with practical execution. In Ghana, mobile money adoption is high, but many users still prefer cash transactions. A fintech product manager working on a digital payments solution must not only build a seamless app but also find ways to encourage behavioral shifts among users.

Developing strategic thinking involves practicing how to create product roadmaps, which help connect customer needs with business objectives. Understanding market research, competitor analysis, and business strategy is also important. Studying real-world case studies from companies such as Airbnb, Stripe, and Spotify can provide useful insights into how successful companies make strategic product decisions.

A product manager must always ask the right questions. What is the customer’s pain point? How does solving this problem contribute to business growth? Answering these questions helps in prioritizing the right features and driving impactful decisions.

Adaptability and a Growth Mindset

The technology industry is constantly evolving. What worked a year ago may no longer be relevant today. Product managers need to be adaptable and open to continuous learning.

A growth mindset allows product managers to see failures as learning opportunities. Seeking mentorship and engaging in continuous learning can accelerate professional growth. In Ghana, there is a growing ecosystem of product managers who are learning from each other and building solutions tailored to African markets. I have worked with several aspiring product managers through Women in Product Ghana, helping them transition into tech roles by designing hands-on workshops on data-driven decision-making. The program has successfully placed over fifty women into product roles at startups and tech firms.

Keeping up with industry trends is also essential. Following developments in artificial intelligence, fintech, and emerging technologies ensures that product managers remain relevant in a competitive industry.

Taking the First Step

Breaking into product management does not require waiting for the perfect opportunity. The industry values diverse backgrounds, and every aspiring product manager brings a unique perspective. The most important step is to start learning, engaging with the community, and applying for roles, even before feeling completely ready.

The tech industry is always in need of individuals who can think critically, solve problems, and drive meaningful innovation. Product management is more than just building great products; it is about creating solutions that improve people’s lives. Anyone with the right mindset, willingness to learn, and determination to succeed can build a fulfilling career in this field.

There has never been a better time to take the leap into product management. Start today, build your skills, and embrace the opportunities that the technology industry has to offer.