My Experience Teaching the SKILLNG Product Management Cohort 2023: Process, Highlights, and Lessons Learned

Teaching the SKILL NG Product Management Cohort was a rewarding and enlightening experience. It was a 6 weeks class (2nd September - 15th October, 2023) of intense learning and practice with 10 students. In this article, I will delve into the why, the process, and the highlights and lessons learned throughout this journey.

The Why?

• Sharing Knowledge and Experience

One of the main driving forces behind my decision to teach the SKILL NG Product Management Class was the desire to share my knowledge and experience in the field of product management. I transitioned from a legal background and so I understand first hand what it means to start from ground zero in a new field. Also having spent years honing my skills, overcoming challenges, and learning from successes and failures, I felt a strong urge to pay it forward. The world of product management is a dynamic and ever-evolving one, and I wanted to contribute to the growth of aspiring product managers.

• Fostering Growth and Mentorship

Teaching isn't just about imparting knowledge; it's about fostering growth and mentorship. The opportunity to guide and mentor new and aspiring product managers was a compelling reason to embark on this teaching journey. I wanted to contribute to a platform for individuals eager to explore the intricacies of product management, enabling them to learn from real-world experiences and challenges.

• Building a Community of Learners

Teaching isn't a one-way street. It's about building a community of learners who engage, collaborate, and contribute to a shared knowledge pool. I believed that by teaching, I could be part of this collaborative community and benefit from the diverse perspectives, questions, and ideas brought by the students.

The Process

• Curriculum Development

The process began with curriculum development. Crafting a comprehensive syllabus that covered the foundations of product management, history, methodologies, responsibilities, skills, and the product lifecycle was essential. Each module had to be meticulously designed to engage students and provide them with actionable insights.

• Interactive Learning

Creating an engaging and interactive learning experience was a priority. In addition to traditional lectures, I integrated case studies, group discussions, and hands-on exercises. Practical experience is often the best teacher, and I wanted to ensure students had ample opportunities to apply their learning.

We came up with a “product idea” for the learning duration and we used that idea as a learning guide. We developed user personas and a product requirement document. This was very helpful for the students and I was impressed when some of them sent me their own PRDs and user personas they worked on for their capstone project.

• Feedback and Adaptation

Continuous feedback loops were critical. Collecting feedback from students allowed me to adapt and fine-tune the course to meet their needs and expectations. This iterative approach enhanced the learning experience and demonstrated the importance of adaptability in product management.

Highlights and Lessons Learned

• Inspired and Engaged Students

The most rewarding aspect of this journey was witnessing students' growth and enthusiasm. Their questions, curiosity, and commitment to learning were inspiring.

• Adaptability and Continuous Learning

Product management, like teaching, requires adaptability and continuous learning. This experience reinforced the importance of staying current, embracing change, and never losing sight of the ever-evolving nature of the field.

• The Joy of Giving Back

Ultimately, teaching the SKILL NG Cohort Product Management Class rekindled the joy of giving back. It was a reminder that knowledge is a gift, and the act of sharing it can be one of the most fulfilling experiences in one's career journey.

Teaching the SKILL NG Cohort Product Management Class was a journey filled with purpose, growth, and inspiration. It has not only allowed me to share my knowledge but also to become a lifelong learner.

I hope to do more of this.