Best Product Management Certification Courses: Why You Need Them for This Job Market

Did you know who floated the idea of a “product manager?” It was in 1931 when a marketing manager at Procter & Gamble said that he needed “brand men.” His 300-page proposal said that he was looking for people who could manage specific products. That’s how product managers came into being. Roadmapping, strategic thinking, UX understanding, data analysis, user-centricity, research skills, etc., are some skill sets a product manager should possess. All the above skillsets and more are taught when you choose the best product management certification courses. 

Product management has become an extremely popular career choice in India, with a significant demand for qualified professionals. As per an India Today report, over 20,000 job opportunities in product management are available for individuals with the necessary qualifications. These roles are known for offering highly competitive salaries, averaging about 246% higher than the national average income in India. The increasing popularity of product management as a career has consequently driven a surge in the number of individuals pursuing product management certification courses. These certifications are seen as a means to stand out from the competition and secure desirable positions in the job market.

Why Product Management is Trending and In-Demand

Even some of the famous CEOs such as Satya Nadella (Microsoft), Sundar Pichai (Google) Susan Wojcicki (YouTube) are all successful product managers.  Product managers play a critical role in a company’s success, and their demand remains consistently high worldwide. As a result, companies offer competitive salaries to deserving product management professionals. 

According to Naukri, India has 20,000 product managers today. Indian companies recognize the value and importance of skilled product managers and are willing to provide lucrative compensation packages to attract and retain top talent in the field. However, there are more reasons why product management is in demand; let’s look at some of them:

1. Career Growth Opportunities

Product management offers numerous career growth opportunities as it welcomes individuals from diverse backgrounds and equips them with a wide range of skills, such as technical, leadership, and analytical abilities. This allows product managers to explore different paths within the field, including roles in technology, user experience (UX), or business.

2. High Salary

One of the attractive aspects of product management is the potential high salary it offers. Given the profession’s increasing demand, it is no surprise that product managers receive competitive compensation. According to Ambition Box, the average salary for product managers in India is ₹1,690,000 per annum, with experienced candidates in technical domains like software products earning up to ₹3,550,000.

3. Work Environment

While product managers interact with various teams, such as engineering, development, design, and marketing, their primary day-to-day collaboration occurs within the product team. Together, they handle product launches, update product backlogs, make decisions on features and market strategies, meet deadlines, create product roadmaps, and more.

4. Drives Innovation

They are responsible for developing new products and services that cater to evolving market needs, ensuring the company remains competitive. Their contributions are instrumental in shaping the success and growth of the organization.

5. Impact People’s Lives

Perhaps one of the most rewarding aspects of product management is the opportunity to positively impact people’s lives. Product managers are involved in creating products that enhance daily tasks, simplify processes, or even improve health outcomes through medical devices. Many product managers find personal fulfillment in contributing to products that have a meaningful and positive impact on users.

Why Product Management Certification is a Must-Have in Today’s Job Market

Marty Cagan, in his book “Inspired,” explains that the main job of a product manager is to create a product that is valuable, easy to use, and possible to make. Within the User Experience (UX) field, product managers need to understand the market and their customers, test if a product is easy to use, and find new opportunities for improvement.

Managing all of these responsibilities can be challenging, which is why many people in the field recommend getting a product management certification. This can help you learn and master the necessary skills and processes to successfully guide a product from the idea stage to its completion.  Let’s look at a few reasons why a certification helps become a good product manager. 

Career Preparation

Certification prepares you for a career in product management and helps you progress by improving your understanding and skills.

Skill Development

One can expand their skill set with certifications, enabling better performance and opening up new roles and responsibilities.

Job Opportunities

Certification increases your chances of accessing new job opportunities and promotions. It can also help you get higher-level job roles and improve your earning potential.

Credibility

One can demonstrate specialized knowledge and skills with certifications. This helps you become a desirable and credible candidate to employers.

The Value of Product Management Certification in Today’s Competitive Job Market

According to the World Economic Forum, half of employees worldwide will need to undergo reskilling and upskilling by 2025. While reskilling does involve an investment, it is undoubtedly a worthwhile endeavor. A product management certification is valuable for those willing to upskill in this field. Let’s check the importance of product management certification.

1. Enhanced Employability

Product management certification sets you apart from other candidates by demonstrating your dedication and competence in the field. It increases your chances of being shortlisted for job interviews and improves your employability prospects.

2. Industry Recognition

Reputable certifications are recognized and respected within the product management industry. They validate your skills and knowledge, giving employers confidence in your abilities.

3. Skill Validation

Product management certification programs cover various essential skills, including market research, product strategy, user experience, and agile methodologies. By earning a certification, you validate your proficiency in these areas, making you a more attractive candidate to employers.

4. Career Advancement

A product management certification can accelerate your career growth by opening doors to higher-level roles and increased responsibilities. It demonstrates your commitment to professional development and positions you as a competent leader in the field.

ALSO READ: Who is a Product Manager

What do Product Managers Need to Know About Certification and its Impact on Their Careers?

Here is how the career of product managers will impact depending upon their years of experience

Entry-Level (0-2 years)

Personally: As a student or someone starting their career, getting certified as a product manager allows you to join a community of PMs and increase your chances of securing lucrative jobs. It adds a highly sought-after qualification to your resume, helping you stand out from other candidates and differentiate yourself in a competitive job market.

Professionally: At this stage, certification provides a strong foundation in product management principles, processes, and strategies. You gain the confidence to manage products effectively and access valuable templates, frameworks, and strategies experienced PMs use.

Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Personally: By pursuing certification, you have the opportunity to connect with like-minded product professionals who share your passion for the field. Building a network of future Product Directors, Chief Product Officers (CPOs), and Founders can lead to lasting connections that provide ongoing benefits throughout your career.

Professionally: Certifications enhance your chances of promotion within your company. It positions you as a strong candidate for senior positions. It also helps you assess your product management experience, identify areas for improvement, and further strengthen your skills.

Senior-Level (5+ years)

Personally: As a senior product manager, certifications offer opportunities to mentor junior PMs, build connections with potential future hires, and network with guest speakers or industry experts, all of which can advance your career.

Professionally: Advanced training through certification equips senior product professionals with the skills to effectively coach others in user research, customer needs evaluation, and product project management. These delegation skills are crucial for career progression and taking on leadership roles.

Product Management Jobs are on the Rise and How Emeritus Courses Can Help

Product management courses at Emeritus can play a valuable role in helping individuals pursue a career in product management or further advance their existing roles. These courses offer comprehensive and industry-relevant content, covering essential topics such as product strategy, market research, user experience, and agile methodologies.

Individuals gain access to expert-led instruction, practical insights, and real-world case studies by enrolling in these courses.