A Google AI product manager, Marily Nika, has shared unconventional career advice for aspiring product managers: “be a crab.” Speaking on the “Growth Podcast” hosted by Aakash Gupta, Nika emphasized the importance of leveraging one’s existing experience and moving into roles that are adjacent to one’s current expertise.
Nika, who boasts over a decade of experience in AI product roles, believes that prior experience is a significant competitive advantage in the evolving tech landscape. She illustrated her point with the story of a student from her AI product management boot camp, who felt confined by his background in the hearing aid industry. The student thought his expertise was too far removed from technology to pursue a career in product management.
Upon further discussion, Nika encouraged the student to consider how his experience could be relevant in a different context. Together, they explored job opportunities on Apple’s careers site, where they discovered a position for a product manager focused on AirPods, highlighting how knowledge of hearing could be a valuable asset in that role.
“We need to be open-minded. We really need to bring in the previous experience we have because that’s gonna set us apart,” Nika stated, underscoring the necessity of recognizing the transferable skills that individuals possess.
She also recounted the journey of a sports journalist looking to transition into an AI product manager role in the sports sector. Instead of worrying about his lack of formal product management experience, Nika advised him to lean into his domain expertise. While product management skills can be acquired, a comprehensive understanding of users and industry nuances is irreplaceable.
AI Literacy: A Necessary Skill for Product Managers
Nika stressed that becoming “AI literate” is crucial for anyone pursuing a career in product management today. Understanding the intricacies of AI and the reliance on data is essential in a landscape where AI has become an expectation for the role.
“Understand the unique intricacies that AI brings, understand how dependent we are on data,” she explained, highlighting the balance between technical knowledge and product vision. Nika suggested that aspiring product managers should familiarize themselves with fundamental coding concepts, such as APIs, and grasp the product development lifecycle.
Other industry leaders echo Nika’s sentiments. A vice president of product and growth for AI products at Dropbox previously advised that product managers should engage with new AI tools, including those that allow non-coders to prototype ideas swiftly. This approach can accelerate their understanding of product design and enhance their creativity.
In December, a senior product manager at Microsoft noted that AI tools are increasingly being integrated into product management workflows. He shared how these tools have helped him draft documents, summarize information, and generate innovative solutions to product challenges.
As the tech landscape continues to evolve, Nika’s advice serves as a timely reminder for aspiring product managers to embrace their unique backgrounds while adapting to the demands of the AI-driven market. By being open to new opportunities and continuously developing their skills, they can position themselves for success in an ever-changing environment.
