How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- specialist courses
University
You could do a degree or postgraduate qualification, then join a graduate training scheme with an employer.
Most subjects are acceptable, for example:
- project management
- business management
- business analytics
- computing
- marketing
Choosing a course that includes an internship or industry work placement could give you an advantage when looking for jobs.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
- a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course
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Apprenticeship
You could apply to do an apprenticeship, such as:
- Digital Product Manager Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
- Project Manager Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship
- Digital and Technology Solutions Professional Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship
These can take between 2 and 4 years to complete.
After finishing your apprenticeship, you'll need to get experience of working in digital delivery teams before getting a job as a product owner.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
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Work
You could start in a junior or assistant role. Employers will set their own requirements, though an understanding of some of the following might be helpful:
- product marketing
- customer experience
- user research
- business change management
- agile project management methods
Other Routes
If you do not have work experience, there are some things you can do, such as:
- develop skills in data analysis
- study online about the role of digital product management
- take a specialist course in product management
- join online product management communities for tips and networking opportunities
Real career story
University and work experience
“I went to university to study French and Politics. At university I did work experience at a city council. I found it interesting seeing the choices that the council was having to make.”
Master’s degree and first job
“I did a master’s in public policy as I was finding it hard to get a job. I got a job as a policy officer, but I found this role quite boring, as it relied a lot on reading reports.”
Business analyst
“I got the opportunity to be a business analyst as you didn’t need any specific experience. I really enjoyed this work as it was fast-paced, and I worked on lots of different areas. I went on to do a few more business analyst roles.”
Product manager
“I wanted a role with a bit more responsibility, so I moved to a junior product manager role, and then became a senior product manager. I enjoy this role as there’s always lots to do, and I’ve worked on lots of interesting projects.”
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Career tips
Digital products can be anything from websites, chatbots and apps to online payment and booking systems.
Further information
You can find out more about careers in the digital technology industry from: