How can a PM crack into new domain area (say for example, AR/VR) when they work for a non-AR/VR company ?

Answer

4 Answers

Product Management Skills Product Management Career Path

Clara Lee

PayPal VP, Product | Formerly Apple, Automattic, Deloitte • 1y
It can be difficult to change companies AND domains in one step. I would advise you to consider the possibility that this may be a two step process, where you focus on changing one variable at a time:
1. Change companies while keeping domain constant.
2. Change domains once you are internal and you’ve built up enough credibility.
Ultimately, it is up to you what you are comfortable with. Personally, I have found gradual transitions have allowed me to achieve greater success at each stage.
1,595 Views
Victor Dronov

Atlassian Head of Product, Trello • 1y

Let me assume you are staying within your software (or hardware) realm, as switching from software to hardware product management (or vice versa) could be way steeper hill than entering a new domain like AR/VR. Here is something that would made me seriously consider a candidate without a specialized AR/VR experience - for an AR/VR position: Stellar track record in non AR/VR product management. You rock as a product manager - many will consider this more valuable than hands-on with the domain. Th ...Read More

3,729 Views
Karishma Irani

Scribe VP of Product | Formerly LaunchDarkly, New Relic • 1y

Managing products in a new space provides the perfect balance of applying existing expertise you have about your craft (product management, in this case) and acquiring a new set of skills by overcoming challenges that test the limits of what you thought you knew about the product and business. Personally, I love breaking out into new domain areas and think every PM should find an opportunity to do this (preferably at their existing company) every 2-3 years. It also helps build your portfolio to ...Read More

3,467 Views
Katherine Man

HubSpot Group Product Manager, CRM Platform • 3mo

Start by treating it like a focused domain immersion, not a job switch. Go deep on the space by using the products, reading teardown content, and understanding where the real constraints and opportunities are. Then build something small in the domain, even a lightweight prototype or concept using available tools, so you can speak concretely about user experience, limitations, and tradeoffs. Layer in user insight by talking to people who actually use or build in AR/VR and documenting patterns you ...Read More

801 Views