What are the job requirements of a product manager?

I'm interested in pursuing a career as a product manager after college, but I don't know much about the actual requirements. Can anyone shed some light on what skills or qualifications I should focus on developing?

Product management is a complex field because it intersects various areas such as business strategy, design, and technology. Here are some typical job requirements and competencies that a product manager should have:

1. Educational Background: Many companies prefer to hire product managers who have a bachelor's degree in business or a related field. Having an MBA or a degree in computer science, engineering, or design can also be beneficial.

2. Project Management Skills: One of the key roles of a product manager is to oversee the creation and improvement of products from conception to completion. You should be able to manage resources, monitor timelines, and ensure the efficient execution of tasks.

3. Technical Knowledge: You'll need to understand the technologies your products are built on and how they impact the user experience. While you don't need to be a software engineer, basic coding knowledge or understanding of software development processes can be beneficial.

4. Data Analysis: A product manager should be comfortable working with data--you'll often need to analyze user data, market trends, and competition. Proficiency in Google Analytics, SQL, A/B testing, and other data-driven decision-making tools can enhance your capabilities.

5. Communication and Leadership Skills: As a product manager, you'll collaborate with various teams (marketing, engineering, sales). Effectively communicating your vision and rallying your team around shared product goals is vital.

6. Market Research and Customer Insight Skills: Understanding customer needs and market dynamics is crucial for creating successful products. You should be able to design, implement, and analyze customer surveys and use this data to inform product decisions.

7. Commercial Acumen: You should have a good understanding of business strategies and know how to evaluate the likelihood of a product’s success in the market.

Please keep in mind that different companies and industries may have slightly varied requirements, so be sure to research specific job postings in your areas of interest. Gaining practical experience through internships, project-based courses, or working on your projects can also be very beneficial.