Business Analyst to Product Management

Question: I'm a business analyst looking to move to product management. What can I do?
‍

The good news is BAs already perform a lot of the key functions that PMs execute - from understanding customer needs to detailing requirements.

The difference is PMs are additionally accountable for the success of the business. They research the market, road map & prioritize to move the needle.

‍

Thus, a few things BAs can do to make the turn towards a PM:

1. Rather than be pure order-takers, align with sponsors on their KPIs and take a more consultative approach. Co-partner with them on achieving the numbers they care about.

2. Work closer with design & engineering teams to understand their concerns and challenges when dealing with requirements. That feedback will help in improving user stories & specs.

3. Create a project portfolio deck. Each slide should describe the product worked on, the problem it solved and the activities performed.

4. Measure success not through delivery but via business impact. Take interest in analytics tools & report back key numbers to clients (they will love you for that). And ensure you surface those specific metrics in your resume.

Finally, apply for PM jobs with a link to your portfolio and revised resume.

‍

Good luck!