Product Marketing Career Path

I'm on my 5th year of product marketing in my career, with another 5 years before that in general demand gen at very small companies. I've had management experience in the past, but not in a Product Marketing role. Often times in smaller companies, there will be 1 or 2 PMMs, usually in a very flat hierarchy, or a single boss, with no room to really move up a proverbial ladder and into management experience. So what are ways that I can prepare myself now, so that if the time comes to apply for a Director position (either internally or at another company) that I can be considered even without recent people management experience? Are there any courses for this that are highly regarded in the management arena?

Every company I've worked for has had a crazy amount of work to do, and PMM inherently has a lot of asks and stakeholders they're working with. Is it possible to work 40-45 hours a week in PMM in B2B tech?!

Concerned it's somehow jeopardizing my job search (laid off a month ago in a bloodbath)

I'm researching the pros/cons of taking an industry solution focused career path in PMM (e.g. PMM specifically focusing on Banking/Financial Services, Insurance vertical;) Curious to hear opinions about this career path, progression, and opportunities. What are some of the shifts you've noticed in the PMM-world for career paths. For example, PLG and hybrid motion seems to be the latest career trends. I can see how specializing in a specific vertical provides some exclusivity and depth of knowledge that can be hard to come by (and potentially in high demand?). I can also see how the specialization would be an easy cut in an acquisition or if a company is struggling financially. Obviously, we do what we can to prove the value of our contributions and protect against this potential. Any thoughts or opinions? Also would love any suggestions for PMMs to research further who may have gone down this path.

For example, some companies have roles for product marketing managers specifically working on sales enablement. Or specifically working on customer research / competitor intel. Do you think for a long term career in PMM it's better to be well rounded in all these areas or focus on one specific area within PMM?

I am starting to realize how important it is to be tied to a revenue-driving function in a company in order to have stability and PMM seems to be one function let go frequently in these layoffs the past few years. Most people want to jump to PM which then makes that even more competitive in this market. Beyond going up the ladder, what are some successful exits you've seen from PMM?

Im currently in sales and am interested in pursuing a career in product marketing . I would love some advice on possible courses or best practices .

i.e. working at a large company with minimal scope, focusing on sales enablement but knowing you need experience on the product launch side, other marketing teams covering responsibilities, etc.

My most recent experience is doing partner marketing at Toast, which was on the same team as product marketing, doing partner product launches, running our partner program, doing sales enablement, and planning/executing campaigns. I have experience in content marketing at Tripadvisor (where I helped grow product adoption of a new product), and project management experience at the WiMAX Forum (where I empowered member companies like Hitachi, Siemens, GE, and more to bring WiMAX technologies to market as part of their product offerings).

Do you think it is good or bad for a long term career in PMM to continuously work for companies in the same industry? Or will that pigeon hole you later on? Think Fin-tech companies, Prop-tech companies, Ride share or mobility companies, Cyber security, etc.

I don't want to just be a launch project manager or a new releases copywriter.

I'm starting a new job next week! Would love to hear your top tips in general as well as at the director level.

What type of experience is critical to grow in a product marketing career?

In addition to the background check and research, I spend a full work day (more than 9 hours) on the home assignments. Should I take a course? Do you have one you recommend? It would be great to have a mentor to guide me and to brainstorm with.

I am a Psychology student about to graduate in a few months, and am looking for insight into how I can grow skills relevant to product marketing and look for experience.

what should i do and what should be expected