Have you ever been inspired by a project or a team and felt like you wanted to be a part of something bigger? That’s exactly what happened to me in 2021 when I was working on a project with an amazing team from the US, UK, and SA. Our product lead’s approach and frameworks inspired me and made the project fun and easier for me. Little did I know that this would be the start of my journey into the product domain from marketing communications and advertising.
Three months later, I started my personal research about product management which opened me up to a world of development, design, marketing, and management down to product acquisition management and the different roles therein. I dove into free courses on Udemy and YouTube channels to learn from amongst other platforms and resources like articles, blogs, ebooks, and even social media and content creators.
My enthusiasm for product management intensified, and I was presented with an opportunity by a senior acquaintance to apply my strategic expertise towards resolving a Project Management Challenge. This challenge broadened my perspective and brought me to a realization that my knowledge could be a product of relevance to people around me. I took paid courses, attended boot camps and started networking with people who were ahead of me on the career path to learn from them.
In 2022, I opted to volunteer for one of my mentors who was working on a product at that time. The experience got me even more excited because I realised how great I was at it. Another mentor sponsored me to take the Certified Scrum Product Owner certification by Scrum Alliance, which meant so much to me. I went a different route instead of directly pursuing a product role, but I’m proud of my decision.
Within two years of consistently learning to become a product manager and marketer, I have been able to mentor at least six friends on product management design and marketing, and some have gotten jobs and are earning comfortably. I’m still working on projects that will help young folks who want to start a career in product management, design or marketing get a smooth start.
The road to success may be narrow, but it has different paths that lead to the destination, which is success. I couldn’t give up because I defined a clear goal for myself, which was to first help as many people as possible before thinking of working as one. My current role sits within the product management and marketing fields, but I could also be regarded as a PRODUCT EVANGELIST on many instances. I’m excited to join ADPList as a mentor to further expand my reach to young people who are looking to start a career in tech. This journey has been one of inspiration and passion, and I’m grateful for the support I’ve received so far. Wish me well as I continue on this path, and feel free to reach out if you need any help or advice.