Best Product Management Bootcamps in 2023
With the demand for tech professionals on the rise, aspiring entrants to the industry have been doubling down on learning how to code. For those who are less interested in programming, however, launching a tech career may not seem feasible. This is where non-tech roles, such as product managers, come in. With the entry of product management bootcamps to the education scene, landing these roles has become more attainable than ever.
Why Choose a Product Management Bootcamp?
Product management bootcamps provide shorter yet more focused pathways to product management. By more focused, we mean programs that are specifically designed to provide in-depth training in product management.
The bootcamp model allows motivated individuals to learn the intricacies of product management quickly and efficiently by targeting in-demand and marketable skills. Such training, in turn, allows bootcamp students to get into the market rapidly. And while a bootcamp certificate isn’t equivalent to a college degree, these programs offer a significant cost and time advantage over universities.
Popular Product Management Bootcamps
Many product management programs are hosted by larger bootcamps, such as General Assembly. These major organizations also host a variety of coding bootcamps, covering everything from software engineering and data science to tech sales.
Product management bootcamps come in different forms and appeal to different target markets. As mentioned earlier, some programs are designed for upskilling while others are for reskilling.
Product management bootcamps offer full-time and part-time schedules. Students can also opt for in-person or online courses. Some in the latter category offer live classes, instructors, and scheduled attendance. Flexible programs also exist for people with conflicting responsibilities.
The 5 Best Product Management Bootcamps
BrainStation
BrainStation is a coding bootcamp with a comprehensive program in product management. Students learn how to identify market opportunities, develop product launch strategies, and manage teams.
The curriculum is project-based and students develop a strategy and presentation for a go-to-market product. Graduates from the program receive a certificate to help them stand out to employers.
General Assembly
As the first coding bootcamp, General Assembly has earned a reputation for helping thousands of students find successful careers in various fields. This includes the bootcamp’s product management program.
General Assembly’s product management course is for both beginners and professionals. It’s available part-time for in-person and online students. The course is conducted through relevant lessons and portfolio projects.
Product Gym
Product Gym is a non-coding bootcamp that focuses entirely on product management. Students can participate in the program with no prior experience in product management.
The program is part-time and students develop skills in managing every aspect of a product’s lifecycle, such as product releases.
Product School
Product School is a product management bootcamp. Students can take part in part-time and self-paced programs. The program primarily focuses on product management, leadership, and building software products.
Graduates from Product School go on to work at several large companies in the industry, such as Facebook, PayPal, Netflix, Apple, and Google.
Technosoft
Technosoft is a bootcamp that doesn’t focus on coding. Instead, it teaches students QA automation or product management. Students can take part in part-time or full-time courses.
The product management course is taught by an industry leader. It takes 8 to 10 weeks to complete and gives students all of the real-world skills needed to successfully start their careers.
The Beginning of Product Management Bootcamps
Initially, bootcamps were created to train students for more technical fields, such as data science and software engineering. As the tech industry began expanding, however, bootcamps geared towards producing qualified candidates for non-technical roles started emerging. These included product management roles which, although not a coding field, are deeply embedded into the tech industry.
While most product management programs cater to people with little to no industry experience, some target seasoned professionals looking to advance in their careers. These programs are also often offered to companies that prefer upskilling their existing workforce rather than hiring from outside.
The Curriculum
The curriculum for a product management bootcamp is generally designed to attain mastery in the end-to-end development of a product or a feature. At many bootcamps, students learn Agile practices and focus a significant amount of time on product strategies.
Students also learn market research, UX design foundations, and stakeholder management. And because product managers work with teams to ensure the successful launch of a product, bootcamps also advance collaborative training. At the end of the program, students learn how to create a product roadmap. They also perform a product launch with a team, along with the evaluation of the results.
The Application Process
Product management bootcamps require an application process which, though similar to college admission, is usually not as time-consuming. The first step involves filling out the application form. If the bootcamp decides the applicant is a good fit for the program, they arrange an in-person or online interview. The follow-up interview is for fact-finding and also a chance for applicants to learn more about the bootcamp.
After the interview, some schools require a brief skills test. In most cases, the test is manageable with some basic study beforehand. After the interview and (possible) tests, applicants move on to a final interview. Some programs skip the final interview and admit the applicant, who can then choose to attend or find another program.
The Financing Options
Product management bootcamps often provide the same financing and payment options as traditional coding bootcamps. Unlike colleges, most bootcamp students are not saddled with decades of crippling loan debt for two reasons.
First, bootcamps generally cost less than college. Second, several payment plans and money-back guarantees lessen the risk for students looking to invest in a bootcamp education. Of course, scholarships can wipe out a significant portion of tuition cost, so don’t hesitate to evaluate what programs you qualify for.
Product Management Bootcamp Loans
Student loans are available for product management bootcamps through specialized financing companies. Climb Credit and Skills Fund are the primary providers of bootcamp loans. Both have a solid history of providing tuition assistance to students.
Income Share Agreements
Income share agreements (ISAs) are a revolutionary new way to pay for education. At its core, the ISA is both a tuition deferment and a job guarantee. These programs seek to de-risk education by advancing a risk-sharing mechanism between the school and its students.
An income share agreement defers tuition payment until after the student graduates and lands a job in the field they trained for. This comes with safeguards, including a minimum income requirement. This means that a student’s payment obligation does not start until the income threshold (around $40,000 or more) is met. Afterward, they pay a fixed percentage of their salary within a specified timeframe, or until a set amount is met.
ISAs often require that the student finds employment within a year. If they fail to do so despite following the school’s job placement process, all or part of the tuition is waived entirely. Some agreements even offer living stipends for full-time programs, making it economically viable for many more people to attend a bootcamp. General Assembly, considered one of the best ISA bootcamps, has a product management program that can be financed through an ISA.
FAQ
What is product management?
A product manager’s job is to guide the success of a product. They manage a product’s progress from development to improvements made after its release.
How much does a product manager make?
The average salary of a product manager is $100,000 a year. This doesn’t include bonuses. Senior-level product managers earn upwards of $150,000 a year.
Is product management a good career?
Yes, product management is a lucrative career with high salaries, long-term stability. Not only do product managers oversee the development of a product, but they also ensure its longevity through updates and improvements.
Can product management coding bootcamps help me find a job?
Yes, product management coding bootcamps train you to work as a professional in the field. Several product management bootcamps are partnered with large companies to help you find a position.
