How common it is to pivot to a PMM role from a more technical role? How would you give advice for those who want to do it?

• I actually came to PMM from an SE role/background and would highly recommend people who are in technical roles consider PMM! The best part about this transition is that you're already trained on how to be an expert on the product, and how to best address and identify customer pain points, and craft solutions for those paint points. 
• Specific to making the transition from an SE or technical account manager role, I think the easiest step is to get involved with PMM is to provide feedback on pitch decks and ideas for new collateral. One of your biggest assets is also your customer relationships, so use that time with customers to ask them about how our product can do more for them, or what use cases they wish we solved. Maybe we do actually solve that today, but our message just isn't getting out there...and maybe a new space that needs a dedicated PMM of which you can end up becoming the lead!

I see it all the time!

I am a researcher-turned-product marketer at a tech company in the research industry. When I joined SurveyMonkey, I started as a solution consultant with technical research methodology expertise. I was a subject matter expert that was brought in to "talk the talk" with prospects and clients.

Being in a customer-facing technical role HUGELY prepared me for a role in product marketing. I became an expert in our industry, product, methodology, and customer. I knew what customers needed and how our products solved those problems.

If you're looking to transition to PMM from a more technical role, I would lean into your technical expertise in that field while building up other softer skills like:

• Communication: all PMMs need to be able to create clear, compelling messaging. If you can clearly explain technical concepts to people, that's a great start.

• Project management: PMMs are constantly tackling complex, multi-faceted projects, especially when it comes to product launches

• Collaboration: PMMs work with SO many teams and lead by influencing others.