A few months ago, I sat down for a mentoring session with a telecom professional who had spent years managing field operations, supervising teams, and ensuring network efficiency. But beneath all that technical discipline was an unmistakable desire for something bigger — a transition into Product Management and a meaningful place within the digital innovation ecosystem.
What stood out immediately was not confusion or fear, but clarity of ambition. He wanted to build products, shape user experiences, engage in requirements discussions, collaborate with engineering teams, and contribute to solutions that touch millions. He had already completed a comprehensive course in Product Management, but like many career switchers, he felt something was missing: real-world exposure, industry context, and a bridge into the tech ecosystem.
Our session became that bridge.
Understanding the Journey: From Telecom Operations to Product Thinking
Transitioning from a traditional industry into tech often requires more than certificates — it requires experience, visibility, and intentional positioning.
As we discussed his goals, it became clear that his background actually gave him a powerful advantage: an operational mindset, deep user empathy, and problem-solving skills shaped by years of working in fast-paced environments. The goal wasn’t to erase his past, but to repackage it into product value.
The Strategy We Built Together
Start with Volunteering — The Fastest Path to Relevance
I encouraged him to volunteer with a tech community or startup. Not as free labor, but as a strategic move to:
- Experience real product cycles
- Join requirement sessions
- Gain hands-on exposure
- Build confidence
- Create a tangible portfolio
- Develop a network within tech
Volunteering is like an entry visa into the tech world — no gatekeepers, just value and contribution.
Seek Internships or Short-Term Product Roles
Once comfortable with tools and collaboration styles, the next step is to:
- Take on product internships
- Assist with product backlog grooming
- Join project-based teams
- Support UX or data-driven decisions
These bite-sized experiences build the muscle memory required to think like a Product Manager.
Build a Portfolio & Strengthen Visibility
Together, we mapped out how he could:
- Document mini case studies
- Write about product improvements
- Showcase volunteer product work
- Join product communities
- Attend events, workshops, and tech meetups
Because in today’s world, opportunities flow toward visible people, not silent talent.
The Turning Point
By the end of the session, I saw a transformation — not in skills, but in confidence. He walked away with a roadmap, clarity, and a belief that his dream was achievable.
This mentoring moment reminded me of something powerful: people often have everything they need — they just need someone to help them see it clearly.
Skills Demonstrated During the Session
- Active Listening
- Creativity & Strategic Thinking
- Communication & Clarity Structuring
- Decision Making
- Problem Solving
- Tech Guidance (Data, DevOps, Product)
Final Thought
Career transitions are not leaps — they are steps.
And sometimes, the most important step is simply having someone believe in you, guide you, and show you what’s possible.
I’m grateful for the opportunity to support professionals stepping into tech. Each mentoring moment reaffirms why I do this — to help people unlock possibility.
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