What Course Should I do to Become a Product Manager?
Glassdoor reports that the average annual income for a Product Manager (PM) in India is between ₹14,00,000 and ₹35,00,000 (1), making it one of the most profitable professions in the tech and business sector. A product manager is in charge of overseeing a product’s development from conception to launch, balancing customer needs, commercial objectives, and technological constraints. Additionally, this role necessitates strategic thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving. As businesses continue to focus on producing user-centric solutions, the demand for skilled project managers is increasing significantly. Therefore, if this is your field of choice, we’re sure you have questions: What are the things I need to know? What are the skills I should have? And what course should I take to become a product manager? Find your answers in this blog.
What is Product Management and Who is a Product Manager?
Product management is all about building the right products for the right people. It brings together business, technology, and user needs, ensuring that a product not only gets created but also thrives in the market. At the center of it all, a product manager plays a crucial role in this process. They define the vision, prioritize features, and collaborate with teams like engineering, design, and marketing to turn an idea into something real. So, what exactly does a PM do? First, they identify problems worth solving. Then, they figure out which solutions make sense and how to bring them to life. Unlike project managers, who focus on timelines and execution, product managers drive the bigger picture—deciding what to build and why it matters. Because they work across teams, strong communication and decision-making skills are essential.
Now, if you’re thinking about stepping into this role, you might ask—what course should I do to become a product manager. The answer depends on your background and career goals. While some PMs learn on the job, many take specialized courses from Emeritus, covering product strategy, user research, and agile development.
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Key Skills Required for a Product Manager
Being a product manager isn’t just about having great ideas—it’s about turning them into successful products. To do that, you need a mix of analytical thinking, collaboration, and execution skills. Moreover, since the role requires working across teams, balancing priorities, and making tough decisions, mastering these key skills is essential. So, to tackle the question of what course should I do to become a product manager, you should look at the course enhancing these skill sets.
Product Management Courses
1. Strategic Thinking
A PM needs to go beyond daily tasks and focus on long-term goals for the organization. In fact, by carefully analyzing market trends, competition, and business needs, they can make informed decisions that shape a product’s success. However, without a well-defined strategy, even the best ideas can struggle to gain traction.
2. User Research and Customer Insights
Building a great product always starts with understanding what customers truly need. PMs regularly gather feedback, analyze user behavior, and translate those insights into meaningful solutions. In fact, the better they understand their audience, the more likely they are to create products that people actually want.
3. Agile and Scrum Methodologies
Since product development is constantly evolving, PMs must work in a swiftly moving, seamless environment. This means collaborating closely with teams, adapting to changes, and ensuring smooth product iterations. Additionally, without agility, teams risk getting stuck in rigid plans instead of making continuous improvements.
4. Roadmap Planning and Prioritization
A PM can’t build everything at once, so prioritization is key. As a result, they must carefully decide which features to develop first by balancing customer needs, business goals, and technical feasibility. By setting clear priorities, they ensure that limited resources go toward the most impactful work.
5. Decision-Making with Data
While intuition plays a role, a PM must also rely on measurable insights. Tracking product performance allows them to make smarter choices about future improvements. Whether it’s user engagement, retention, or revenue, leveraging the right data ensures that decisions are based on real impact.
6. Leadership and Stakeholder Management
Since PMs work with developers, designers, marketers, and executives, strong leadership is crucial. Additionally, communicating clearly, aligning teams, and managing expectations help ensure that projects move forward efficiently. In fact, without effective stakeholder management, even well-planned initiatives can face roadblocks.
If you’re asking yourself what course should I do to become a product manager, look for one that thoroughly covers these essential skills.
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How to Choose the Right Course for You
When selecting a course to become a product manager, it is critical to match the programme to your objectives and schedule. Here are some important considerations to consider.
1. Are You Transitioning or Upskilling?
First, consider your existing career circumstances. Are you new to product management, or are you looking to advance in your current role? If you’re migrating, you may require more complete training that covers the fundamentals. On the other hand, if you’re already working in a relevant profession, a specialized course concentrating on advanced skill sets might be a better fit.
2. Consider Course Duration and Commitment
Assess how much time you have available to do the course. Some courses are short and intensive, while others last several months. Therefore, select a course that accommodates your schedule and pace. In fact, if you have full-time work or other responsibilities, you may prefer a more flexible, part-time course from Emeritus.
3. Search for Industry Projects and Certifications
Ensure that the course provides practical learning opportunities. Look for programmes that offer hands-on projects and industry-recognized certificates. Moreover, this will help you gain experience and make you more competitive.
So, if you’re wondering what course should I do to become a product manager, consider these factors to find the best fit for you. Here are some courses for each level.
Best Product Management Courses
| Course | Duration | Summary |
| Professional Certificate Programme in Product Management by IIM Kozhikode | 39 weeks, online | This course equips professionals with essential skills for driving product development, market strategies, and user experience. This programme offers live sessions, prerecorded lectures, case studies, and expert-led masterclasses, focusing on product strategy, analytics, and AI integration in product management. The curriculum includes tools such as Asana, Jira, and Google Analytics, and covers real-world applications. It is designed for entry- to senior-level managers seeking to enhance their product management expertise and leadership capabilities. |
| Product Management from ISB Executive Education | 16 weeks, online | The ISB Executive Education Product Management programme offers a comprehensive approach to managing the entire product lifecycle. It includes AI and generative AI modules, along with 140+ prerecorded videos, nine top tools, and seven masterclasses. Key skills covered are competition analysis, roadmapping, A/B testing, and user research. Learners will work on hands-on projects with companies like Swiggy and Paytm, focusing on product analytics, roadmap creation, and product design. The course also includes 15 live sessions and case studies to build a strong product management portfolio. |
| Chief Product Officer (CPO) Programme from IIM Kozhikode in association with Kellogg Executive Education | 12 months, online | The Chief Product Officer (CPO) Programme from IIM Kozhikode, in collaboration with Kellogg Executive Education, prepares product leaders for strategic and functional roles. It includes live sessions, masterclasses, and hands-on simulations in product strategy, innovation, and leadership. Participants also gain insights from industry practitioners and engage in a capstone project. The programme covers product vision, synergies, and product-led growth. Additionally, Kellogg offers courses on data strategy and AI applications, enhancing product management through AI. This programme is ideal for CPOs, business founders, and consultants aiming to advance their product strategy skills. |
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Why Choose Emeritus for Product Management Courses?
Emeritus is a global learning platform that partners with top universities such as IIMs, IITs, and ISB Executive Education to offer high-quality courses. Whether you’re new to product management or looking to enhance your skills, Emeritus provides an industry-relevant curriculum that equips you with the knowledge needed to excel in the field. If you’re wondering what course should I do to become a product manager, Emeritus offers a variety of specialized programmes that cater to different experience levels. Their courses are designed in collaboration with leading universities, ensuring that the content is up-to-date and aligned with industry standards.
One of the key benefits of learning through Emeritus is the hands-on approach. The curriculum includes real-world projects and case studies, so you can apply what you learn immediately. Moreover, the courses are taught by expert faculty who bring valuable industry experience, giving you insights that go beyond textbooks. These courses are a great option for aspiring product managers because they combine expert knowledge, practical learning, and flexibility. If you’re serious about advancing in product management, this is an ideal platform to gain the skills you need. So, to answer your question—what course should I do to become a product manager—look no further for the answers
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