How to Be A Product Manager at TikTok | Interview with Shannon

Introduction

In this enlightening interview, we delve into the career journey of Shannon, a Product Manager at TikTok, who also excels as a content creator dedicated to helping young individuals break into product management. Shannon shares her unique career path, internships, valuable skills, and strategies for those looking to enter the field of product management.

Shannon’s Background

Shannon grew up in Los Angeles as the daughter of Taiwanese immigrants. Her interests in the internet sparked early, but her educational journey took various turns when she attended Williams College, where she majored in mathematics. Initially uncertain about her career direction, Shannon explored different fields, including pre-med and investment banking.

It was during a month-long internship at Minted that Shannon encountered the world of product management for the first time, even though she didn’t recognize it as such at the time. This pivotal experience, combined with her entrepreneurial spirit, led her to co-found a startup modelled after Ticketmaster, focusing on East Asian markets.

After seeking advice from a mentor, Shannon learned about product management and started pursuing associate product manager (APM) roles post-college. Through networking, she connected with alumni and secured her first APM role at Realtor.com, where she was promoted to Product Manager after a few years.

Shannon later attended Harvard Business School, where she briefly explored consulting before returning to tech, eventually culminating in her position at TikTok.

A Day in the Life of a Product Manager

Shannon elaborates on the diverse nature of her role as a Product Manager. A typical week may involve a significant portion of time dedicated to meetings, as well as strategic planning, analyzing data, and collaborating with various teams. As a Product Manager, Shannon plays a crucial role in defining the "why" and "what" of product development.

Her job requires a balance of strategic thinking and collaboration across different departments, from engineering and design to user experience and data analysis. While she describes the role as akin to being the "CEO" of a product, she emphasizes the necessity of influencing without direct authority and navigating stakeholder alignment.

Skills for Aspiring Product Managers

Shannon outlines several skills crucial for those aiming to break into product management, including:

1. Leadership and Communication: Ability to lead projects and effectively communicate with diverse teams.
2. Technical Literacy: Understanding technical concepts, even without a coding background.
3. Analytical Skills: Proficiency in analyzing data and deriving insights for decision-making.
4. Track Record of Excellence: Demonstrated success in previous roles.
5. Relevant Experience: Experience in related fields can be advantageous.

Shannon emphasizes that while having a prestigious educational background can be beneficial, it is not strictly necessary to succeed in product management.

Opportunities in Product Management

The demand for product managers is growing, and Shannon notes that this presents a plethora of opportunities for those currently in college or transitioning from other tech roles. To break into product management, aspiring candidates should consider:

• Finding a mentor already working in product management.
• Building relevant side projects or startups to gain experience.
• Learning technical skills such as SQL and a programming language (e.g., Python).
• Targeting specific companies that align with their background and interests.
• Networking strategically to gain strong referrals for open positions.

Shannon advises that intentional networking is essential, and securing a referral from someone within the organization can make a significant difference in the job application process.

Conclusion

As Shannon continues her journey as a Product Manager at TikTok while creating valuable content to inspire others, she has opened up new pathways for aspiring product managers. Her experiences provide a comprehensive blueprint for climbing the career ladder in product management, making her insights invaluable for the next generation.

Keywords

product management, product manager, Shannon Sue, TikTok, career path, internships, skills, leadership, technical literacy, analytical skills, networking, mentoring

FAQ

1. What is product management?
Product management involves guiding the development of products from inception to launch, focusing on defining the goals, overseeing execution, and ensuring the product meets user needs.

2. Do I need a specific degree to become a product manager?
While a degree in a relevant field (such as computer science, engineering, or economics) can help, it is not strictly necessary. Many successful product managers come from diverse educational backgrounds.

3. How can I gain experience in product management?
Building side projects, seeking internships, and engaging with mentors in the field can help you acquire the necessary experience and skills.

4. What skills are important for product managers?
Key skills include leadership, communication, technical literacy, analytical abilities, and relevant experience.

5. How can networking help in securing a product management job?
Networking facilitates connections with industry professionals, providing access to job opportunities and potentially obtaining referrals that can enhance your job application process.