In a dynamic and fast-evolving industry like tech, staying ahead requires constant learning and adaptation. Recognising this, NUS Product Club, in collaboration with the NUS Centre for Future-ready Graduates (CFG) and SAGE, organised a highly anticipated workshop titled "Product Management Immersion: Navigating Real-World Challenges." This event, held in March, was an inspiring confluence of knowledge, practical skills, and networking opportunities designed to prepare students for the challenges of product management.

The partnership between NUS Product Club, NUS CFG, and SAGE brought together a wealth of resources and expertise, creating a comprehensive learning platform for participants. NUS CFG, with its mission to equip students with the skills and mindsets needed for the future workforce, played a pivotal role in shaping the workshop's agenda. SAGE, known for its innovative approach to career development and community engagement, contributed significantly to the event's success.

The workshop featured esteemed speakers from various industry giants who shared their invaluable insights into the diverse realms of product management. The lineup included:

Wing Shan Kam, Digital Product Manager at DBS, who provided a deep dive into her experience in the Bancassurance team, emphasizing the importance of leveraging emerging technologies to enhance customer journeys.

Jianyang Huang, Product Manager at Visa, who discussed his role in business intelligence and data, highlighting how generative AI is transforming product management.

Mark Vu, former Product Lead at Nas Company, who recounted his journey from a backend engineer to a product leader, shedding light on the unique challenges and opportunities within startups.

Participants engaged in a series of interactive discussions and hands-on activities, covering essential topics such as:

• PM Focus Areas: Exploring ways to improve digital customer journeys, enhance product usability, and deliver business value.

• Understanding PM in Startups vs. MNCs: Comparing the dynamics and challenges faced by product managers in different organisational settings.

• Different Types of PM Roles: Distinguishing between core-feature PMs, technical PMs, and growth PMs, and understanding the skills required for each.

One of the workshop highlights was the Case Study Challenge, where participants were tasked with improving a Business Intelligence platform's user experience using generative AI. Teams brainstormed innovative solutions, prioritized their ideas using frameworks like RICE, and outlined execution strategies with detailed user stories and acceptance criteria. This hands-on approach helped participants develop a structured methodology to tackle real-world PM challenges.

The workshop was more than just a learning experience; it was a step towards building a community of like-minded individuals passionate about product management. These workshops offer a unique opportunity to gain practical knowledge, network with industry experts, and prepare for a successful career in product management. Stay tuned for more enriching sessions, and join our community as we navigate the exciting challenges of product management together!

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