Fundamentals of Product Management

Want a career that hones your hard and soft skills while helping create positive change in people’s lives? If so, product management—a highly influential and sought-after role in business today—might be right for you. This hands-on course will cover the core skills needed during the entire product management lifecycle. We will learn how to generate ideas; validate opportunities with market research and customer interviews; and craft an effective vision, strategy, and roadmap. Students will also learn to create effective product and UX (user experience) designs and iteratively get to product/market fit with an MVP (minimum viable product), while utilizing frameworks like AARRR (consumer metrics) and Jobs to Be Done. We will explore how to define and track the right metrics; optimize for conversion, growth, engagement, and retention; and accelerate learning using techniques of continuous discovery and delivery. This course will also cover the collaborative aspects—working in Agile and Scrum teams, writing effective specifications and user stories, communicating and collaborating effectively with stakeholders, and growing in your PM career. Students will actively participate throughout the course and gain hands-on experience with quizzes, assigned readings, and a project in product design to drive the learning home. You will finish the course knowing how to avoid common pitfalls and be empowered to truly succeed in the field of product management.

WHAT MAKES OUR ONLINE COURSES UNIQUE:

Course sizes are limited.

You won't have 5,000 classmates. This course's enrollment is capped at 65 participants.

Frequent interaction with the instructor.

You aren't expected to work through the material alone. Instructors will answer questions and interact with students on the discussion board and through weekly video meetings.

Study with a vibrant peer group.

Stanford Continuing Studies courses attract thoughtful and engaged students who take courses for the love of learning. Students in each course will exchange ideas with one another through easy-to-use message boards as well as optional weekly real-time video conferences.

Direct feedback from the instructor.

Instructors will review and offer feedback on assignment submissions. Students are not required to turn in assignments, but for those who do, their work is graded by the instructor.

Courses offer the flexibility to participate on your own schedule.

Course work is completed on a weekly basis when you have the time. You can log in and participate in the class whenever it's convenient for you. If you can’t attend the weekly video meetings, the sessions are always recorded for you and your instructor is just an email away.