Unlocking New Opportunities: The Power of Secondment in Product Management
As an “accidental product manager,” I’ve learned that sometimes the best way to grow in your career is to take a leap of faith and try something new. One way to do this is through secondment, a process where a company assigns an individual to another department or role, allowing them to gain new skills and experience without making a full commitment.
What is Secondment?
Secondment is a formal or informal program that enables employees to work in a different department or role within their company. This can be a win-win for both the employee and the organization, as it allows individuals to develop new skills, gain exposure to different areas of the business, and “test the waters” before making a career change.
The Role and Benefits of Secondment in Product Management
In product management, secondment opportunities can be particularly valuable. They provide a chance to learn about the day-to-day functions of a product manager, gain experience in market research, strategy, and design, and develop a deeper understanding of the product management function. Companies like Google have formal secondment programs, such as the Associate Product Manager (APM) program, which rotates recent college graduates through several divisions before they settle into a single department.
Making the Most of a Secondment Opportunity
To get the most out of a secondment opportunity, it’s essential to take it seriously and come in with a growth mindset. Identify a product management “buddy” who can provide guidance and support, and develop a formal research plan to understand the new department, customers, stakeholders, and market opportunities. Additionally, conduct a “reverse interview” to learn more about the organization and its culture, and establish a feedback mechanism to ensure you’re meeting objectives and deliverables.
Overcoming Challenges
While secondment opportunities can be incredibly valuable, they can also come with challenges. These may include changes to the opportunity and deliverables, conflicting demands from your old role, and scope creep. To overcome these challenges, it’s crucial to define expectations and goals upfront, communicate regularly with your new manager, and be prepared to negotiate and adapt to changes as needed.
Real-World Examples of Secondments in Product Management
I’ve seen secondment opportunities work successfully in various contexts. For example, when I went on sabbatical, a hardware product manager covered for me and gained software experience. Another example is a software engineer who worked with me on a product incubation effort and eventually left the company to become a product manager at another organization.
Conclusion and Key Takeaways
Secondment opportunities are an excellent way to gain experience as a product manager, especially for those looking to break into the profession. They allow individuals to “test the waters” without making a full commitment and can provide a clear path to a career change. To maximize the benefits of a secondment opportunity, it’s essential to align expectations with stakeholders, communicate regularly, and be prepared to adapt to changes as needed.