2023 Best Online Product Management Bootcamps
Earlier this year, global consulting firm McKinsey and Company reported that companies across all industries are increasing their investments in software development, which means a growing need for top-notch product managers. Tech companies, as well as many other types of business organizations, need motivated professionals with the right skill set to manage product life cycles, from launch and ideation through delivery and maintenance.
If your strengths lie in data analysis and problem-solving, this need may signal an opportunity for you. What's more, you can quickly train for the job through an online product management bootcamp. All of the online courses on our ranked list below have received at least 10 product management bootcamp reviews. Only those options that have received an average of four out of five stars or better have made our list.
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What Is an Online Product Management Bootcamp?
If you'd like to develop the skills and knowledge to become a product manager without quitting your job or leaving home, consider enrollment in an online product management bootcamp as opposed to an in-person course. Both part-time and full-time online product management bootcamps are available for motivated learners. Most immersive project management bootcamps last between three and six months and all coursework is accessed and completed through an online portal. Some programs are self-paced, while others require you to log in at specified times to participate in live lectures and class discussions.
The curriculum of a product management bootcamp is designed to teach you the fundamental skills and product mindset to work as a project manager (PM) in the tech industry. Acting as the primary point person among the user experience, engineering, marketing, and sales teams, PMs oversee the creation and ongoing improvement of a product. With this in mind, bootcamp course materials introduce you to all phases of the product development life cycle and show you some of the many considerations that need to be factored into managing a product.
Product management programs also place a heavy emphasis on skill development. Among the many technical skills you're likely to encounter are conducting user research, roadmapping, design thinking, prototyping, planning sprints, creating user stories, prioritizing features, analyzing data, A/B testing, and monitoring budgets. Your program may teach you various project management methods, such as agile or scrum, and introduce you to software programs like SQL and Tableau. Interactive assignments give you real-world experience and help you build a portfolio of projects that you can use in your job search.
In addition to developing product management skills, PM bootcamps provide opportunities for you to enhance some of your soft skills. These include written and verbal communication, people motivation, planning and prioritizing, and leadership abilities. In particular, you'll learn to listen to the needs of your customers and other stakeholders and to apply that knowledge to the development and maintenance of your product.
Want more information on product management bootcamps, including student reviews? See our comprehensive list of product management bootcamps and our list of the best product management bootcamps.
FAQs About Online Product Management Bootcamps
Can You Take a Product Management Bootcamp Online?
Yes, you can take a product management bootcamp online. When you're choosing a bootcamp, make sure you select an online option that meets your specific needs.
For example, since online courses are mostly self-directed, you may want to look for a bootcamp provider that offers mentorship opportunities so you can speak to working professionals when you have questions about the industry. Bootcamps that offer scholarships may be important if you need financial help. You may also want to look for bootcamp providers that feature career services to help you conduct an effective job search and interview.
What Jobs Can I Get After an Online Product Management Bootcamp?
Although there have been several noteworthy layoffs in the tech industry recently, experts say that the need for skilled product managers is still strong. Once you've completed your online product management bootcamp, you'll be qualified for product manager jobs in many types and sizes of organizations, from small startups to tech giants. You will likely start your new career as an entry-level Junior Product Manager, but after several years of experience, you'll be ready to move into higher-level positions.
Most job openings are for generalist product managers who typically manage all aspects of one or possibly two products. However, some employers are looking for product managers with expertise in certain aspects of business. If you have prior experience in areas such as software engineering, new business ventures, or digital marketing and market research, for example, you may be qualified for one of these specialist PM roles.
How Much Do Product Managers Make?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is our trusted source for career, job market, and salary information. Unfortunately, the BLS does not provide specific data for product managers, but information on related occupations may offer some insights. According to the BLS, project management specialists earn a median annual wage of $94,500, and data scientists earn a median annual wage of $100,910. The BLS also notes that job growth rates for many tech-related occupations are projected to be significantly higher than the average for all occupations through 2030.
Are Online Product Management Bootcamps Worth It?
Yes, if your career goal is to become a product manager, a product management online bootcamp may be the ideal next step for you. Whether you have some experience in tech or you're moving into technology from some other field, these online bootcamps offer a hands-on learning experience that will help you develop essential project management skills. You can complete your training without the significant investment of time and money required to earn a college degree.
Want to explore other learning opportunities in tech? Review our lists of best coding bootcamps and many other related subjects.