By: Korngo Dosoo
When I began my journey into product management, I did not have a computer science degree, a background in software engineering, or access to a traditional entry point into technology. Today, I work as a Senior Product Manager building digital tools used by users across Africa and the United Kingdom. My intention is to encourage women, especially those who may feel like outsiders to the technology industry, to know that they belong in this space.
Women now make up approximately thirty-five percent of the global technology workforce. Although this is progress compared to earlier years, many women still hesitate to pursue careers in digital technology due to assumptions about technical expertise. Product management, however, is one of the few roles in technology that actively welcomes people from diverse backgrounds. It blends design, business, communication, and strategy. In this article, I share practical skills that helped me transition into product and how you can begin developing them too.
Developing an Analytical Mindset
At DennisLaw, where I led the launch of a mobile legal application, we constantly used data to improve the product. Whether it was identifying the most used features or measuring adoption across different customer types, data helped us make informed decisions. Product managers do not need to be data scientists, but we do need to be data aware.
You can start building this skill by working with basic tools such as Google Sheets or Microsoft Excel. From there, explore platforms such as Power BI or Tableau. Learn how to ask good questions, understand patterns, and make decisions based on evidence rather than assumptions.
Understanding Technical Concepts
One of the early challenges I faced in product was understanding technical conversations. As someone without a software background, I initially felt overwhelmed. Over time, I learned to listen, ask questions, and gradually understand key concepts.
To succeed as a product manager, you do not need to write code, but you must understand how software is built and how decisions made by developers affect timelines and users. Start with beginner courses on platforms like ALX or Coursera. Read documentation. Attend developer meetings. Sit quietly and observe. You will be surprised by how much you learn over time.
Mastering Soft Skills
When I led the development of Help Me Settle, a digital relocation tool, I worked with engineers, designers, and community leaders. None of them reported to me, but they looked to me for direction and clarity. That experience taught me that soft skills are what truly define a product manager.
Focus on clear communication. Learn how to write meeting notes, product briefs, and emails that are concise and informative. Practice empathy by speaking to your users. Lead by listening. Volunteer for small leadership roles wherever you are, whether in school, work, or community.
Thinking Strategically
At TMT, I manage digital tools used in fisheries monitoring across African countries. Product decisions are not only about features. They are also about understanding policy goals, national interests, and user workflows. Strategy helps us see the bigger picture.
Practice by studying real company roadmaps. Try building your own for a product idea. Understand how products fit into a company’s mission, generate revenue, or solve a problem for society. Strategy means connecting the dots between ideas, users, and outcomes.
Embracing a Growth Mindset
When I entered the technology industry, I realised that I would never know everything. What mattered more was being open to learning, trying, and improving. I have led training sessions for legal professionals, taught young women in Ghana, and coached new product managers. In every setting, the most successful learners were those who were not afraid to ask questions or admit they were still learning.
Start by being honest about what you do not know. Read books. Join learning communities. Surround yourself with people who challenge you to grow. Remember, progress is more important than perfection.
Getting Practical Experience
Product management is not something you can fully learn in theory. You must practise. I have built products for legal firms, civic institutions, and international users. Every project taught me something new.
You can start by managing a project in your current environment. Create a mock application for students. Volunteer with a local business. Apply for product internships or join virtual challenges. Experience builds confidence, and confidence creates momentum.
Why Now is the Right Time
The technology industry is moving toward greater inclusion, and product management is one of the best roles for women to enter and lead. Companies are looking for fresh perspectives, and your background is a strength, not a weakness.
There is room for more women in product leadership. There is room for more voices. If you are curious, willing to learn, and motivated to lead, now is the right time to take that first step.
Final Words
As someone in her late twenties working in digital product development, I have seen how technology can be both intimidating and empowering. I started with no blueprint, but I built my own path through curiosity, learning, and practice.
You do not need to have all the answers to begin. Start with what you have. Use what you know. Learn what you can. And when in doubt, ask for help. You belong here. Your ideas are valid. Your perspective is needed.
I hope this article helps you take that first step into the world of product management.
