Here's how you can overcome challenges and obstacles in pursuing continuing education as a Product Manager.

The world of product management is a constant sprint. New technologies emerge, customer needs evolve, and staying ahead of the curve is crucial. This relentless pace makes continuing education a non-negotiable investment for product managers. But let's be honest, carving out time and energy for learning amidst demanding deadlines and overflowing inboxes can feel insurmountable. Here's the thing: the challenges you face in continuing your education are likely reflections of the very skills you're trying to hone. Let's explore some common roadblocks and reframe them as opportunities to strengthen your product management toolkit: Limited Time: This screams Prioritization. Being a product manager is all about making tough calls.

In my experience blocking off dedicated "learning time" in your calendar, such as 30-60 minutes 3 times per week helps with efficient time management. Also listening to product management podcasts or audiobooks during commute and Taking online courses that allow you to learn at your own pace and fit lessons into your schedule are some of the ways of continuing education with effective time management

It is important to maintain a growth mindset throughout your career, but it can often be difficult to find the time to pursue those additional interests. When I find particularly crunched for time, I look into flexible programs that can be completed at my own pace. When that is an option, I then set a goal of a minimum amount of time per day I could dedicate. Remember that a 1% improvement every day is a 37 fold improvement by the end of the year. This is the power of incremental growth. This approach not only fits into hectic schedules but also fosters continuous improvement, empowering lifelong learning and professional development

The best way for PMs to expand their skills is by building their own 0-1 product, but the environment is key: - Bad environments involve relentless feature production and crisis management. Your focus should be on finding a new role that allows for this learning & space/time. - OK environments demand strong product management but involve excessive meetings and upkeep. You should aggressively manage your time and delegate to maintain productivity and create the space/time for getting hands-on w/ your own product. - Good/Great environments offer autonomy and space, focusing on outcomes vs. outputs. You should feel Empowered to leverage your exposure peers to explore a problem space deeper, doubling your efforts as career-impacting.

Take advantage of free or cheaper resources as well. Formal education can be expensive and is not the end-all-be-all. Personal educational growth can be achieved in a variety of ways.

Learning is continuous but increasingly challenging due to the rapid pace of change, which disrupts our balance between personal well-being and career. Personally, I've found the following strategies very helpful and time-saving: Join focus groups. Attend meetups. Subscribe to top industry newsletters and use AI to summarize them. Prioritize your focus areas to excel—remember, you can do anything but not everything. Use LinkedIn effectively; many people specialize in one area, and you can learn to divide and conquer from them.

Forming study groups with peers allows for collaborative learning and regular discussions, making complex topics more manageable. Finding a mentor or being a mentor yourself can provide valuable guidance and reinforce your knowledge. Joining professional networks and online forums helps you stay connected with the community, sharing resources and learning from others' experiences.

When continually educating yourself it is important to convert knowledge you gained into learning and insights. For this to happen it is important to design the education as such that it integrates your learning within the work. What I have seen working is a combination of 3 different elements. First align with the company goals and highlight how your continuing education will benefit the organization, making it easier to gain support. Then build in on-the-job learning to ensure the application of new skills and knowledge directly to your projects. This reinforces learning and demonstrates its practical value. Lastly, engage in cross-functional projects that allow you to learn from different departments and broaden your skill set.

Lifelong learning and product management go hand in hand. Create space during the work week and outside of work hours for growth. Incorporate podcasts, industry literature like Marty Cagan's works, and online courses and certifications into your routine. Schedule dedicated time for learning and treat it as a priority. Engage in webinars and join professional groups to stay updated. Embrace learning challenges as opportunities to enhance your skills and adaptability. Each step in continuing education not only improves your expertise but also drives your career forward, ensuring you remain a valuable asset in the ever-evolving field of product management. As this becomes part of your system, lifelong learning will be natural.

Identify your learning goals and select courses that align with your career objectives. Integrate study time into your daily schedule, treating it as a non-negotiable commitment. Leverage online resources and flexible learning options to accommodate your busy workload. Seek support from your employer, such as time off or financial assistance, emphasizing how the education will benefit your role. Stay motivated by setting milestones and celebrating progress. Balancing work, education, and personal life requires discipline, but the long-term career benefits make it worthwhile.