How structured learning helped me land my Product Manager role

September 20, 2025
Leadership
5 min read

I spent six months researching programs before deciding on the right course. I wanted something that fit my goals, not a standard MBA in banking or finance. That choice became the turning point for my career.

I started with a B.Com degree and now have four years of experience in product management. I recently moved up from Junior Product Manager to Product Manager. My current work covers both B2B and B2C products.

Here are some ways that a targeted curriculum, hands-on projects, and mentorship influenced my career path for anyone entering product management from a non-technical background.

In this article

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Before the MBA

I knew I wanted to work in product management but needed formal training to make the shift. A typical MBA did not fit. I wanted a program built only for product careers.

At the start, I was still building confidence. I was quiet and often kept to myself.

Why I choose IPL?

Three things stood out to me about the Institute of Product Leadership.

Curriculum The syllabus was practical and taught live, not from textbooks.
Industry expertise All faculty members came from industry, not from traditional academics.

Community On my first day I met people from different states and cultures. That grew my network and helped me connect with peers.

The Transition Process

Learning by doing

The course was based on practice. My main capstone project was designing a dating app. I applied everything I learned to that project.

Mentorship

I had one-on-one mentorship with Pinkesh and Sai. Their guidance helped me shape my career goals. Having professors with real industry experience made the learning relevant.

Networking

The TMBA program gave me access to strong networks.

Alumni forums let me reach out to people in many industries.
Career Club connected us to hiring teams from top companies.
Personal growth The induction and peer interaction helped me move from being reserved to more open and confident.

After the MBA

The results came quickly. Through the Career Club I got my first placement at Rapoten. Over time I built on that experience and was promoted from Junior Product Manager to Product Manager. It has now been four years in the field.
As per the Gallup Survey, “Employees with mentors are twice as likely to strongly agree that they’ve had opportunities to learn and grow at work.”

Reflections and Advice

Looking back, two lessons stand out.

Background is not a barrier I came from a B.Com background and still built a career in product management.
Ask questions A product manager must ask the right questions at the right time. That habit shapes decisions and builds credibility.

Specialized learning, hands-on work, and strong networks made the difference in my career. My journey shows that with the right training and support, you can step into product management no matter where you start.

Author Bio

I am Sushanth Kumar, a Product Manager working on both B2B and B2C products. I transitioned into this role with a B.Com degree and four years of experience, after completing a MBA in Technology program in product management.

Institute of Product Leadership is Asia’s First Business School providing accredited degree programs and certification courses exclusively in Product Management, Strategy, and Leadership.

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