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Embarking on a Productive Journey: Navigating Free Training Resources in Product Management

Venturing into the realm of Product Management is indeed a rewarding endeavor, provided you have the right training and resources at your disposal. The field is rich with opportunities, especially given the demand for product managers across various sectors like software, business intelligence, and marketing. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a growth of nine percent in management occupations between 2020 and 2030, with a specific growth rate of 10% for product manager roles from 2018 to 2028​1​.

On the financial front, the remuneration for product managers is quite attractive. The average salary for product managers in the US ranges widely based on experience, skill set, and level of responsibility, with figures ranging from $80,000 to over $150,000 per year​1​. More specifically, as of 2023, the average salary stands at approximately $127,192 according to Glassdoor​2​, $115,013 according to PayScale​3​, and $116,050 as per data from Indeed​4​.

Now, let’s delve into some free training resources that can help you kickstart or advance your career in Product Management:

  1. Product School: Product School offers a range of free micro-certifications, events, and downloadable books and guides on their website. They have a comprehensive library of free product management resources, making it an excellent place to start for anyone looking to get a taste of what product management entails​​.

  2. Free Product Manager Short Course: This free short course is ideal for those looking to try out the field and understand the basics of product management. It’s offered by CareerFoundry, a platform known for its career-change programs​.

  3. Product Academy's 14-Day Free Trial: Product Academy provides a 14-day free trial for their online Product Management course, allowing you to explore topics like product function, end-to-end product management process, managing product ideas, and more. This could be a good introduction to the more technical and strategic aspects of product management​​.

These platforms offer a unique approach to learning the essentials of Product Management. Whether you are looking to transition into a Product Management role or simply wish to enhance your existing skills, these free resources can serve as a solid foundation.

The promising career outlook and substantial salary figures, coupled with the availability of free training resources, make Product Management an appealing field to venture into.