Despite not having a background in tech or related fields, I’ve thrived as a PM/PO for over 5 years. Navigating through product challenges, technical issues, and stakeholder management has been a journey, but what keeps me going is the wealth of reliable and quality resources at my disposal. These sources have become my trusted companions, offering invaluable advice and opportunities for continuous learning. I’m excited to share my favorite resources with you, hoping they prove to be as beneficial for your growth as they have been for mine. Stay tuned!
ADPList
Recently introduced to ADPList by my coach, I’ve quickly discovered its immense value. This platform has connected me with a diverse array of senior and lead product managers from around the globe. ADPList serves as a hub where mentors and mentees converge, facilitating connections predominantly at no cost. What sets it apart is the variety of mentors hailing from different backgrounds, countries, and nationalities, with a primary focus on economic-related and tech/product/design roles. For mid-career product managers like me, finding mentors with extensive experience is simplified through filters, particularly by years of experience. ADPList has proven to be an invaluable resource for honing skills and expanding networks in the tech product management sphere.
ADPList may not be widely recognized in Vietnam yet, as I’ve noticed a shortage of Vietnamese mentors on the platform. However, I’ve discovered that some Vietnamese professionals are based abroad, complicating the search process when filtering by countries. To overcome this challenge, I’ve adopted the strategy of exploring profiles until finding mentors with relevant expertise. Engaging with Vietnamese mentors offers the advantage of conversing in my native language, fostering a sense of familiarity. Moreover, learning about their journey as PMs outside of Vietnam provides valuable insights into potential career paths.
To date, I’ve had insightful sessions with over 10 mentors, each lasting between 30 to 60 minutes. While not all provide immediate solutions during the initial meeting, many offer valuable advice and brief responses to inquiries. However, there are standout mentors who provide clear instructions and recommend useful learning resources.
One particular mentor stands out for her direct and effective problem-solving approach. Although her general sessions are free, she offers more detailed sessions such as CV feedback, mock interviews, or case study feedback for a small fee. What’s impressive is her commitment to donating all proceeds from consulting to a children’s charity program, adding greater value to each minute invested. This not only boosts my confidence but also reinforces the notion that every minute spent with her is worthwhile.
Youtube
Initially, I underestimated the potential of YouTube as a learning platform for product management, associating it primarily with entertainment. However, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the wealth of knowledge I’ve gained from various YouTube channels dedicated to product management. Here are three channels that have become my go-to sources for insightful content. At lease, a mid-level product manager, like me, found their advice to be sound and enriching.
PM Diego Granados
Diego came onto my radar with his video titled “How to Break into AI Product Management without experience“. Instantly intrigued, I delved into his channel and was captivated by the simplicity yet richness of his content. Diego often hosts industry experts who share invaluable insights on breaking into product management or acing PM interviews. Each video leaves me with key takeaways applicable to my own journey. Despite fewer recent uploads, I wholeheartedly recommend Diego’s channel to every product manager seeking actionable advice and inspiration.
Exponent
During a take-home assignment dilemma, my mentor suggested a video from this channel to aid in brainstorming a software improvement feature—an invaluable resource for aspiring PMs in the job search phase. The channel hosts mock interviews for various tech roles such as product manager, product designer, and software engineer, serving as excellent interview prep. Having faced challenging interview questions in the past, I appreciate how Exponent’s videos offer clear explanations for those tough queries, bridging knowledge gaps and boosting confidence.
Dr. Nancy Li – Director of Product
Nancy Li’s videos cover a wide spectrum of topics, from crafting standout PM resumes to navigating interviews. Whether you’re new to PM or aiming for senior roles, Nancy offers invaluable insights drawn from her diverse career journey to becoming a product director. Her authentic advice resonates with aspiring PMs and seasoned professionals alike. Beyond career tips, Nancy shares glimpses into her life, inspiring me as a woman in tech.
Free courses
Simply listening to others’ experiences isn’t enough; action is key. I’m a firm believer in the saying “Fake it till you make it.” While there are positions I aspire to but haven’t yet secured, I remind myself it’s a matter of “not yet” rather than “can’t.” This dilemma is familiar to many fresh graduates—recruiters demand experience, yet they can’t gain it until they’re hired. Even after over 5 years in the field, I still encounter similar challenges.
Acknowledging my weakness in data, I sought advice from my mentor, who suggested immersive courses to bolster my skills. Currently, I’m diving into freeCodeCamp and Kaggle, though it’s premature to provide detailed feedback until I complete them all and secure my dream job. Nonetheless, I’m finding the experience incredibly engaging—a pleasant surprise, considering my initial apprehensions about the difficulty level.
Another course I highly recommend trying out is Code In Place, a free introductory programming course centered on Python. Initially doubting my abilities, I found the course surprisingly accessible. Led by Professors Mehran Sahami and Chris Piech from Stanford University, the lessons are delivered via pre-recorded videos, complemented by engaging challenges and reading materials. Remarkably, I completed all lessons and challenges within just two weeks, investing four hours each day—an indication of its helpful yet straightforward approach.
Continuous updates from Tech & Product Community
Seeking advice from my line manager on enhancing my product sense, I was advised to immerse myself in exploring various products—an approach I’ve diligently followed ever since. Alongside engaging with PM peers and discussing ideas with colleagues, I rely on Product Hunt as a valuable resource for staying abreast of global product trends. This platform not only provides insights into the latest developments but also fosters a community-driven environment, facilitating market updates and networking opportunities.
Continuous learning is key in the journey of a PM. Personally, I believe a good PM should always strive to learn and evolve. What about you? Do you have any tips or tools you find beneficial? Feel free to share in the comments below! Thanks for reading until the end. Stay tuned for the next blog. See you soon!