In today's fast-paced tech world, the role of a growth product manager has become increasingly important. These professionals are at the forefront of driving product success and scaling businesses. As companies strive to stay competitive, the demand for skilled growth product managers continues to rise, making it a promising career path for those looking to make a significant impact in the product management field.
For aspiring growth product managers or those looking to enhance their skills, there are numerous courses and programs available to boost their careers. From comprehensive workshops to specialized training, these opportunities cater to various learning styles and career goals. This article explores the best growth product manager courses in 2024, highlighting options that range from intensive bootcamps to budget-friendly alternatives, all designed to equip professionals with the tools they need to excel in this dynamic role.
The Rise of Growth Product Management
In recent years, the role of growth product manager has emerged as a crucial position in the tech industry. This specialized field combines elements of traditional product management with a laser focus on driving user acquisition, engagement, and revenue growth. As companies increasingly prioritize scalable growth strategies, the demand for skilled growth product managers has surged, making it a promising career path for those looking to make a significant impact in the product management realm [1].
Importance of Growth Product Management
Growth product management plays a pivotal role in helping companies scale their user base and revenue through data-driven strategies and innovation [2]. With the rise of SaaS and subscription-based business models, growth has become a key priority for many organizations. Companies are now seeking professionals who can rapidly acquire users, increase engagement metrics, reduce churn, and expand into new markets [2].
The primary objective of a growth product manager is to increase the number of users and paid conversions. Their day-to-day responsibilities include:
- Analyzing usage data to uncover trends and opportunities to improve conversions
- Developing hypotheses about customer behavior and designing experiments to validate assumptions
- Overseeing the build and launch of new product capabilities geared towards user acquisition and engagement
- Closely monitoring funnel metrics and cohort analyzes to diagnose issues impacting growth
- Partnering with marketing, sales, and engineering teams to align on growth strategies and execution [2]
Career Opportunities in Growth Product Management
The career path for growth product managers is exciting and filled with potential. According to LinkedIn, interest in product management has doubled in the United States in the past five years [1]. This trend is reflected in the job market, with product management positions experiencing increased demand over the last decade. In fact, product management ranks fifth on Glassdoor's 2019 list of best jobs in America [1].
A typical career progression in growth product management might look like this:
- Associate Product Manager
- Product Manager
- Senior Product Manager
- Director of Product
- VP of Product
- Chief Product Officer and beyond [1]
Each step in this career ladder comes with increased responsibilities and requires a unique set of skills and experiences. For instance, senior product managers are expected to demonstrate the ability to think on their feet, be accountable for decisions, and make data-driven choices based on complex, interdependent factors [1].
Key Skills for Success
To thrive in growth product management, professionals need to develop a diverse skill set that combines analytical prowess, creativity, and strong communication abilities. Some of the essential skills include:
- Data Analysis: Strong proficiency in SQL, R, Python, and spreadsheet skills to process and interpret complex data sets [2].
- Experimentation: The ability to run A/B tests and controlled experiments to continuously improve conversion rates at each stage of the user lifecycle [2].
- Creative Problem-Solving: Growth product managers must ideate innovative solutions to growth challenges, such as new acquisition channels, referral programs, and engagement features [2].
- Cross-Functional Leadership: The capacity to influence engineers, designers, and marketers through compelling data-driven arguments and clear communication of results, insights, and recommendations [2].
- User Psychology: A deep understanding of user behavior and the ability to apply this knowledge to product development and growth strategies [2].
By mastering these skills and staying adaptable in the ever-evolving tech landscape, aspiring growth product managers can position themselves for success in this dynamic and rewarding field.
Comprehensive Growth Product Manager Programs
Growth Product Manager Workshop and Live Course
Two standout options for serious growth product management education are:
These programs are widely recognized as top-tier choices for those seeking to excel in growth product management. They offer comprehensive, hands-on learning experiences led by industry experts.
For those looking to enhance their skills in growth product management, several comprehensive programs stand out in the industry. These courses offer in-depth training and practical experience to help professionals excel in this dynamic field.
CareerFoundry Product Management Program
CareerFoundry provides a flexible online bootcamp for aspiring product managers. Their program is designed to transform career changers into job-ready professionals within four to 12 months [3]. The course structure combines the convenience of online learning with personalized guidance through a dual mentorship model [3]. This approach ensures that students receive tailored support throughout their learning journey.
CareerFoundry's curriculum covers essential aspects of product management, including web development, UX design, UI design, data analytics, and digital marketing [3]. This holistic approach equips students with a well-rounded skill set crucial for success in growth product management. The program's effectiveness is reflected in its high rating, with students on Career Karma giving it 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 502 reviews [4]. Participants particularly praised the curriculum's quality and the expertise of the instructors.
Product School Certification Course
Product School offers a highly regarded Product Manager Certification (PMC)™ program tailored for those aiming to secure their first product management role [5]. What sets this course apart is its faculty of real-world product leaders from top Silicon Valley companies such as Google, Meta, Netflix, Airbnb, Uber, and Amazon [5]. This direct connection to industry experts provides students with invaluable insights and up-to-date knowledge of current market trends and best practices.
The certification program is structured to fit into working professionals' schedules, with live online classes and small cohort sizes to ensure personalized attention [5]. Students benefit from 15 to 30 hours of coaching from instructors and receive tailored feedback to address their specific learning needs. The course culminates in a comprehensive final project where participants create a product from ideation to launch, providing them with a tangible portfolio piece to showcase to potential employers [6].
BrainStation Product Management Course
BrainStation's Product Management course offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers the entire product lifecycle. Students learn to define customer-centric product development strategies, apply Lean methodology and Agile development practices, and create effective go-to-market strategies [7].
The course is divided into several units, each focusing on critical aspects of product management:
- Fundamentals of product management and customer centricity
- Customer discovery and developing product vision
- Agile product management and Lean methodologies
- Working with development teams and Agile software development practices
- Product launch strategies and business analytics
- Product marketing and positioning
- Lean analytics for tracking product success and growth [7]
BrainStation's hands-on approach includes practical exercises in wireframing and prototyping, ensuring that students gain real-world skills applicable to their future roles as growth product managers.
These comprehensive programs offer aspiring growth product managers the opportunity to gain the knowledge, skills, and practical experience necessary to thrive in this competitive field. By choosing a program that aligns with their career goals and learning preferences, professionals can significantly enhance their prospects in the dynamic world of growth product management.
Specialized Growth Product Management Courses
For professionals looking to enhance their skills in growth product management, several specialized courses offer targeted training in this dynamic field. These programs cater to various aspects of product management, providing valuable insights and practical skills.
Cognitir's Introduction to Product Management
Cognitir offers an Introduction to Product Management course that provides a solid foundation for aspiring product managers. This program covers key topics such as A/B testing, wireframing, and conducting user interviews [8]. Participants engage in an in-class project where they develop a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) for their business ideas, offering practical experience in product development.
The course curriculum includes:
- Product Management Overview
- Problem-Solving Strategies
- Collaborative Environment
- Deep Understanding of Analytics and A/B Testing
- Exposure to Tools
Cognitir's approach emphasizes hands-on learning, allowing students to use real-world product management tools during the course [8]. This practical experience helps prepare participants for internships and full-time roles in the field.
Product Lessons' Product Toolkit
Product Lessons offers a comprehensive Product Toolkit course that covers the entire product lifecycle. The program, led by Doug Winnie, a former Adobe Principal Product Manager, guides participants through six stages of the product life cycle: research, plan, build, release, refine, and retire [9].
Key aspects of the course include:
- Overview of product management roles and responsibilities
- Day-to-day activities of a product manager
- Introduction to product team members
- Interactive methods for product definition
- Essential skills for successful product management
This course is suitable for aspiring product managers and team members seeking to improve their understanding of the product development process [9].
LinkedIn Learning's Product Management First Steps
LinkedIn Learning offers a Product Management First Steps course, also instructed by Doug Winnie. This program provides an excellent starting point for those new to product management or looking to transition into the field [10].
The course covers:
- Fundamentals of product management
- Partnering with teams to bring products to market
- Insights into the product lifecycle
This program is ideal for individuals working on side projects or collaborating with others to deliver products to market [10]. It offers a comprehensive overview of the product management process, making it a valuable resource for beginners and those seeking to refine their skills.
These specialized courses provide targeted training in various aspects of growth product management, offering professionals the opportunity to enhance their skills and advance their careers in this rapidly evolving field.
Budget-Friendly Growth Product Management Options
For those looking to enhance their product management skills without breaking the bank, several affordable options are available. These courses offer valuable insights and practical knowledge to help aspiring growth product managers advance their careers.
Udemy's Product Management A-Z
Udemy offers a comprehensive and cost-effective course called Product Management A-Z. This program is designed for beginners and provides a solid foundation in product management principles. The course comprises 4.5 hours of on-demand video content, one downloadable resource, and six articles [11]. Students also benefit from practical assignments and receive a certificate of completion upon finishing the course.
The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, starting with the basics of product management and the role of a product manager. As students progress, they delve into job-specific skills and tools, including:
- User research
- Creating specifications
- Writing user stories
- Developing product roadmaps
One of the key strengths of this course is its "Learn By Doing" approach. The program pairs theoretical concepts with real-world exercises, demonstrating how successful teams build products [12]. This practical focus helps students apply their knowledge immediately, bridging the gap between theory and industry practices.
The course also explores how leading technology companies like Amazon and Google design, develop, and deliver products that have won customer loyalty worldwide [12]. By understanding these successful strategies, students can learn to build and deliver technology products that customers will love and that will work for their businesses.
Great Learning Academy's Free Course
For those who want to start learning product management without financial commitment, Great Learning Academy offers an excellent free course. This program is ideal for beginners and covers a comprehensive range of topics [13].
The course curriculum includes:
- Basics of product management
- Product life cycle
- Developing product management strategies
- Product innovation
- The role of a product manager
By the end of the course, students gain a deep understanding of the product management process, effective product development, launch, and maintenance strategies [13]. The program enhances skills through practical examples, case studies, and real-world scenarios, providing a well-rounded learning experience.
Great Learning Academy's approach allows learners to study at their own pace through self-paced video content [14]. Upon completion, students receive a certificate, marking their achievement and readiness to succeed as product managers.
Udacity's Product Manager Nanodegree
Udacity offers a comprehensive Product Manager Nanodegree program that teaches the skills necessary to become a successful product manager. The program is structured into four main courses [15]:
- Introduction
- Product strategy
- Product design
- Product development
Each section focuses on a specific area of the product development process where product managers are involved. The courses provide insights into how each area works and what is expected of product managers in these roles. Experienced product managers from Google and other leading companies teach the program, ensuring students receive industry-relevant knowledge [15].
While Udacity has transitioned to a subscription model, it offers excellent value for money compared to traditional education options. The subscription costs $249 per month or $2,390 per year (a 20% saving) [15]. This model allows students to access Udacity's entire catalog of content, including over 80 Nanodegree and Executive programs, providing an opportunity to supplement their learning at no extra cost.
These budget-friendly options cater to various learning preferences and career stages, allowing aspiring growth product managers to acquire valuable skills and knowledge without significant financial investment.
Intensive Growth Product Management Bootcamps
For those seeking an immersive learning experience in growth product management, several intensive bootcamps offer comprehensive training programs. These bootcamps provide hands-on experience, expert instruction, and valuable networking opportunities.
General Assembly's Online Product Management Course
General Assembly has established itself as a pioneer in product management education, offering one of the first bootcamps focused on this field [16]. Their product management program has consistently been a popular choice among aspiring product managers. The course emphasizes a problem-focused mindset, steering students away from building for the sake of building and towards user- and data-focused experimentation [16].
The curriculum covers essential aspects of product management, including:
- Proper problem identification
- Data gathering techniques
- Problem validation methods
General Assembly's approach encourages students to treat everything as a hypothesis until launch, fostering an experimental mindset [16]. This prepares students to take educated risks and navigate the product development process effectively.
A unique feature of General Assembly's program is its group project structure, reflecting the collaborative nature of product management in the real world [16]. This approach helps students develop crucial teamwork skills, especially valuable in today's remote and distributed work environments.
Product School's Full-Time Program
Product School offers an intensive Product Manager Certification (PMC) program designed to equip students with the skills needed to excel in product management roles [6]. The program is led by experienced product managers from top Silicon Valley companies such as Netflix, Google, and Amazon, providing students with industry-relevant insights and knowledge [6].
Key features of the Product School program include:
- Interactive, hands-on curriculum
- Real-world case studies
- Small class sizes for personalized feedback
- Comprehensive final project
The final project is a standout element of the program, allowing students to create a product from ideation to launch [6]. This project serves as a tangible portfolio piece that demonstrates the student's ability to drive product success to potential employers.
Product School also offers ongoing support through on-demand access to course materials and tools, ensuring students can revisit concepts and refresh their skills even after completing the program [6].
BrainStation's Immersive Course
BrainStation's Product Management course offers a comprehensive curriculum covering the entire product lifecycle [7]. The program is designed to help students build essential product management skills, including:
- Defining customer-centric product development strategies
- Applying Lean methodology and Agile development practices
- Creating effective go-to-market strategies
BrainStation's approach combines in-person instruction with interactive online content and a hands-on, project-based curriculum [17]. This blended learning model caters to different learning styles and schedules, offering flexibility through their Online Live platform.
Throughout the course, students work on a real-world product management portfolio project, iteratively developing their final project each week [7]. By the end of the program, students create a formal proposal presentation demonstrating their end-to-end product launch strategy, serving as a foundation for their product manager portfolio.
These intensive bootcamps offer aspiring growth product managers the opportunity to gain practical skills, industry insights, and valuable networking opportunities, preparing them for successful careers in this dynamic field.
Choosing the Right Course for Your Career Goals
Selecting the appropriate course to advance one's career as a growth product manager requires careful consideration of various factors. By assessing current skills, identifying career objectives, and evaluating course features, professionals can make informed decisions that align with their aspirations and industry demands.
Assessing Your Current Skills
Before embarking on a new learning journey, it's crucial for growth product managers to conduct a thorough self-assessment of their existing competencies. This process helps in identifying strengths and pinpointing specific areas that require focus [18]. A comprehensive evaluation of core product management competencies provides a clear perspective on one's skills and experiences, enabling the prioritization of learning efforts.
Key areas to assess include:
- Technical proficiency
- Data analysis capabilities
- Communication skills
- Strategic thinking
- Leadership abilities
Product managers should have a strong foundation in these areas, as they are essential for overseeing the product lifecycle and collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams [19].
Identifying Career Objectives
Setting clear, actionable goals is essential for growth product managers. These goals serve as a compass, guiding every decision, strategy, and communication in their career [20]. When identifying career objectives, consider the following types of goals:
- Skill Enhancement Goals: Focus on developing competencies crucial for the role, such as mastering new UX design tools or obtaining certifications in Agile methodologies.
- Leadership and Influence Goals: Aim to improve communication skills, cultivate a high-performance team culture, and expand influence within the organization.
- Innovation and Impact Goals: Strive to pioneer solutions that redefine user experiences or market standards, driving significant user growth or spearheading groundbreaking features.
Evaluating Course Features and Benefits
When selecting a course, growth product managers should consider several key factors to ensure the program aligns with their career goals and learning preferences:
- Curriculum Relevance: Ensure the course covers essential aspects of product management, including web development, UX design, data analytics, and digital marketing [3].
- Practical Application: Look for programs that offer hands-on experience and real-world projects, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios [12].
- Industry Expertise: Courses taught by experienced professionals from top companies provide valuable insights and up-to-date knowledge of current market trends [5].
- Flexibility and Format: Consider whether the course offers a learning structure that fits your schedule, such as live online classes or self-paced modules [5].
- Networking Opportunities: Programs that facilitate interaction with peers and industry experts can help expand your professional network and open doors to new opportunities [21].
By carefully evaluating these aspects, growth product managers can select courses that not only enhance their skills but also align with their long-term career aspirations, ensuring a meaningful investment in their professional development.
Conclusion
As we wrap up our exploration of growth product management courses, it's clear that the field offers diverse opportunities for professionals to enhance their skills and advance their careers. The Growth Product Manager Workshop and Live Growth Product Manager Course stand out as top-tier options for those serious about excelling in this dynamic field. These programs provide comprehensive, hands-on learning experiences led by industry experts, setting the foundation for success in growth product management.
To thrive in this evolving landscape, aspiring growth product managers must carefully consider their career goals and choose learning paths that align with their aspirations. Whether opting for intensive bootcamps, specialized courses, or budget-friendly alternatives, the key lies in selecting programs that offer practical experience, industry insights, and networking opportunities. By investing in continuous learning and skill development, professionals can position themselves to make a significant impact in the world of growth product management, driving innovation and success in the ever-changing tech industry.
FAQs
What are the top certifications for a product manager?
The best certifications for product managers include the Certified Product Manager Online Course, Software Product Management, Product Management Training, Master of Product Management, Product Manager Degree, Product Strategy Program, Certified Product Manager, and Product Management Online Certification.
How can someone become a growth product manager?
To become a growth product manager, one must develop strong data analysis capabilities, understanding funnel metrics and user behavior over time. Proficiency in SQL, R, Python, and spreadsheet software is crucial for handling and interpreting complex data sets. Additionally, coding skills are vital for a career in growth product management.
What career advancement opportunities exist for product managers?
After gaining 3 to 5 years of experience, a product manager can progress to a Senior Product Manager role. This position involves similar responsibilities as the mid-level product manager role but includes overseeing Assistant Product Managers (APMs) or other PMs. The primary focus is to guide the team in developing goals and realizing the product vision.
What educational courses are recommended for aspiring product managers?
Aspiring product managers are strongly advised to pursue an MBA. For those unable to commit to a full-time MBA program due to current job commitments, short-term online courses that enhance relevant skills are a recommended alternative.
References
[1] - https://www.productplan.com/learn/product-manager-career-path/
[2] - https://www.theproductfolks.com/product-management-blog/how-to-become-a-growth-product-manager-skills-needed-to-become-a-growth-manager
[3] - https://www.coursereport.com/schools/careerfoundry
[4] - https://careerkarma.com/comparison/careerfoundry-vs-product-school/
[5] - https://productschool.com/vs/products-school-vs-brainstation-b
[6] - https://productschool.com/product-manager-certification
[7] - https://brainstation.io/course/online/product-management
[8] - https://cfany.org/event/introduction-to-product-management-cognitir/
[9] - https://www.linkedin.com/learning/product-management-first-steps
[10] - https://www.linkedin.com/learning/product-management-first-steps/become-a-product-manager-23450388
[11] - https://careerfoundry.com/en/blog/product-management/best-product-management-courses/
[12] - https://www.udemy.com/course/the-product-management-course/
[13] - https://www.mygreatlearning.com/academy/learn-for-free/courses/product-management
[14] - https://www.mygreatlearning.com/product-management/free-courses
[15] - https://learnopoly.com/udacity-nanodegree-cost/
[16] - https://www.coursereport.com/blog/what-youll-learn-in-general-assembly-product-management-course
[17] - https://www.coursereport.com/best-product-management-bootcamps
[18] - https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-assess-product-management-skills-competencies-eleanor-kolossovski
[19] - https://vervoe.com/how-to-assess-a-product-candidates-skills/
[20] - https://www.tealhq.com/professional-goals/product-manager
[21] - https://www.tealhq.com/professional-goals/growth-product-manager
