Product Management

Introductory Resources

• What is Product Manager?, 4-min-read Medium article.
• Moving from a PhD in Cell Biology to Product Management, Medium article (career story).
• From a PhD in Cell Biology to Product Manager at Sartorius (40 min-video).
• Understanding the consumer good vs pharmaceutical product management life cycle – 11 min-video.
• Examples of job titles as product managers progress in their career – 7-min video.

Venturing further in this career area

• Product Manager – general info, description, skills (BU Vault).
• Product Management Director – general info, description, skills (BU Vault).
• Product Development Director – general info, description, skills (BU Vault).
• Try and learn more about Product Management by auditing courses, like the Coursera Product Management online course.
• Quality Science Education – free courses offered throughout the year to students by industry professionals, on Global Regulatory and Legal Requirements of Quality, Product Development and Validation, and Risk and Failure Analysis.

Learning by doing job-related tasks

Job Simulations are job-related tasks that can be completed in a few hours, to help you assess how enjoyable and how much of a good fit a specific job could be for you. To make the most of job simulations, please set up SMART Goals to perform each simulation in a reasonable timeline. When you have completed the task, fill out the Self-Reflection Sheet, which will help you reflect on what you enjoyed (or did not enjoy) about the simulation, and how it can help inform your career exploration efforts.

• Product Design Virtual Simulation.
• Product Management Case Studies.

Preparing your transition into this career area

• Focus on your skills, Nature article.
• Explore and connect with members of professional organizations like the Boston Product Management Association (BPMA).
• Look for and join relevant thematic groups on LinkedIn, online communities, etc.
• Look for GMS Alumni who have transitioned into this career area.
• The Social Scientist enables early-career scientists to receive mentorship from folks who have transitioned into various careers – connect with industry mentors (scientists, founders, product managers, etc.).
• Analyze job descriptions to learn more about what institutions and organizations are currently looking for.
• Study company websites, follow them on social media and YouTube.
• Growing your network and having informational interviews with PhDs who have transitioned into careers of interest to you will enable you to learn more about the job’s daily responsibilities, hiring process, career progression, etc., and the sector as a whole.