How To Become an AI Product Manager? Start Your Journey with these Actionable Steps

Do you know? As per the Reuters, In the first quarter of 2025, AI startups secured $73.1 billion in venture capital, accounting for nearly 58% of all global VC investments.  

This surge underscores the escalating demand for AI-driven solutions and, consequently, the professionals who can lead their development. 

Becoming an AI Product Manager in 2025 is not just a career choice; it's a strategic move into one of the most dynamic and lucrative fields in technology. As industries across the globe accelerate their AI initiatives, the need for skilled professionals who can bridge the gap between advanced AI technologies and market needs has never been greater. 

In this blog, we'll explore the essential steps to embark on this career path, including the key responsibilities and skills required, educational pathways, ways to gain relevant experience, and the tools and technologies every AI Product Manager should be familiar with.  

Whether you're transitioning from a traditional product management role or entering the tech field for the first time, this guide will provide you with a comprehensive roadmap to becoming an AI Product Manager in 2025. 

Enroll in our top AI & Machine Learning Courses today and start your journey toward becoming a confident and skilled AI Product Manager. 

What Are the Steps to Become an AI Product Manager? 

Becoming an AI Product Manager is an exciting journey, but it requires a clear plan and the right mix of skills, education, and experience. By following the right steps, you can prepare yourself for this fast-growing career and stand out in the competitive AI product management job market. 

Steps to Become an AI Product Manager: 

Step 1. Acquire Relevant Education: 

• Start with degrees or certifications in computer science, AI, machine learning, or business management.  
• Consider specialized programs like an AI product manager course to gain focused knowledge. 

Must Read: What Is Artificial Intelligence? 

Step 2. Build Technical and Product Skills: 

• Learn the basics of AI, ML, data analytics, and product management.  
• Understanding AI for product managers helps in designing effective strategies and making informed decisions. 

Step 3. Gain Practical Experience: 

• Work on real projects, internships, or entry-level roles in product management or AI-focused companies.  
• Hands-on experience is key to becoming an AI product manager. 

Also Read: Top 13+ Artificial Intelligence Applications and Uses 

Step 4. Network and Find Mentors: 

• Connect with industry professionals, attend AI and product management events, and seek mentorship to learn from experts and grow your career. 

Step 5. Create a Strong Portfolio: 

• Showcase your projects, product strategies, and AI solutions to demonstrate your capabilities to potential employers. 

Step 6. Apply for AI Product Manager Roles: 

• Start applying for AI product manager jobs with your skills, experience, and portfolio. 
• Highlight your knowledge of AI product management and AI for product managers in your applications. 

If you’re serious about becoming an AI Product Manager, the right training can give you a major advantage. upGrad offers top programs designed to help you gain practical skills and real-world expertise in AI and product management: 

• Executive Programme in Generative AI Leadership 
• Masters in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (IIITB Program)  
• Generative AI Mastery Certificate for Managerial Excellence 

What Are the Key Responsibilities of an AI Product Manager? 

AI Product Managers play a crucial role in bridging the gap between AI technology and business needs. If you’re wondering how to become an AI Product Manager, understanding these responsibilities is essential.  

They ensure that AI products are technically sound, meet market requirements, and deliver value to users. 

Key Responsibilities of an AI Product Manager: 

• Define AI Product Strategy and Roadmap: Plan the vision and direction of AI products to align with business goals. 
• Collaborate with AI and Data Teams: Work closely with data scientists, engineers, and designers to build effective AI solutions. 
• Analyze Market and User Needs: Research customer requirements and industry trends to guide AI product development. 
• Monitor AI Product Performance: Track key metrics and KPIs to ensure products are delivering value. 
• Manage Stakeholders: Communicate effectively with executives, clients, and cross-functional teams. 
• Ensure Ethical and Responsible AI Use: Consider bias, fairness, and transparency while deploying AI products. 

Also Read: How AI is Transforming Digital Marketing? 

What Skills Are Required to Become an AI Product Manager? 

To become an AI Product Manager, you need a combination of technical knowledge, product management expertise, and soft skills. These skills help you understand AI technologies, manage teams, and create products that solve real business problems. Knowing the right skills is a key step in learning how to become an AI Product Manager. 

Key Skills Needed to Become an AI Product Manager: 

• Technical Skills: Understand AI, machine learning, and data analytics basics to make informed product decisions. 
• Product Management Skills: Plan roadmaps, define product strategy, and manage product life cycles effectively. 
• Analytical Thinking: Use data to analyze trends, measure success, and optimize AI products. 
• Communication Skills: Clearly explain complex AI concepts to stakeholders, teams, and clients. 
• Leadership and Collaboration: Lead cross-functional teams and work closely with engineers, designers, and business leaders. 
• Problem-Solving Skills: Identify challenges in AI product development and find innovative solutions. 
• Ethical Awareness: Ensure AI products are fair, transparent, and responsibly designed. 

Must Read: Product Manager Skills Required to Succeed 

What Educational Pathways Can Help You Become an AI Product Manager? 

Education is a critical foundation for anyone aiming to become an AI Product Manager. The right degrees and courses provide you with both technical knowledge and product management expertise, helping you understand AI technologies and apply them effectively in real-world projects. If you want to know how to become an AI Product Manager, choosing the right educational pathway is the first step. 

Relevant Degrees 

Pursuing the right degree helps you build a strong foundation in both technical skills and business management skills required for AI product management. These degrees prepare you to understand AI technologies and apply them effectively in product roles. 

Top Relevant Degrees: 

Degree	Key Focus
B.Sc. in Computer Science	Learn programming, algorithms, and AI fundamentals.
B.Tech in Data Science	Gain skills in data analysis, machine learning, and predictive modeling.
BBA / MBA in Business Management	Develop skills in strategy, leadership, and project management for AI-driven products.

Certifications & Courses 

Certifications and specialized courses are a fast way to gain practical knowledge in AI product management. They help you learn the latest tools, strategies, and industry best practices to excel as an AI Product Manager. 

Top Certifications and Courses: 

Program Name	Type	Duration	Key Focus
Executive Programme in Generative AI Leadership	Certification	5 months	AI leadership, product strategy
Masters in Artificial Intelligence & ML (IIITB)	Masters	18 months	Deep AI/ML knowledge, hands-on projects
Generative AI Mastery Certificate for Managerial Excellence	Certification	2 months	AI for managers, decision-making, product strategy

What Tools and Technologies Should Every AI Product Manager Know? 

To excel as an AI Product Manager, you need to be familiar with the tools and technologies that support AI product development and management. Knowing the right tools helps you collaborate effectively with data scientists, engineers, and other stakeholders, and ensures your AI products are efficient, scalable, and valuable. 

Essential Tools and Technologies for AI Product Managers: 

• AI & Machine Learning Platforms: Tools like TensorFlow, PyTorch, and scikit-learn help you understand and manage AI model development. 
• Data Analytics and Visualization Tools: Excel, Tableau, Power BI, and Python libraries for analyzing and interpreting data. 
• Product Management Software: Jira, Trello, Asana, and Monday.com for roadmap planning, task tracking, and team collaboration. 
• Collaboration Tools: Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Confluence to communicate effectively with cross-functional teams. 
• AI for Product Managers Tools: Low-code AI platforms like DataRobot or H2O.ai for quick prototyping and testing of AI features. 

How Can You Gain Relevant Experience as an AI Product Manager? 

Gaining practical experience is essential to becoming a successful AI Product Manager. Real-world experience helps you apply your technical knowledge, manage AI projects, and understand market needs. If you want to know how to become an AI Product Manager, building relevant experience is a key step. 

Ways to Gain Relevant Experience: 

• Internships in AI or Product Roles: Work on real AI projects to understand product development and data-driven decision-making. 
• Entry-Level Product Management Jobs: Join companies in tech, healthcare, or FinTech to learn the basics of product strategy and management. 
• Transition from Traditional Product Roles: Leverage your existing product management experience while focusing on AI-driven products. 
• Freelance Projects or AI Labs: Participate in AI research, freelance product projects, or online competitions to gain hands-on experience. 
• Networking and Mentorship: Connect with AI product managers, attend webinars, and seek guidance from industry experts. 
• Build a Portfolio: Showcase your AI projects, product roadmaps, and problem-solving examples to demonstrate your expertise. 

Related Article: AI Product Manager Salary in 2025 

How to Become an AI Product Manager with upGrad? 

If you want to become an AI Product Manager, upGrad offers top AI & Machine Learning courses that provide the perfect mix of knowledge, practical skills, and industry exposure. Our programs are designed to help you build expertise in AI, machine learning, and product management, preparing you for high-demand AI product manager jobs. 

Why Choose upGrad for Your AI Product Manager Journey: 

• Gain hands-on experience with real-world AI projects 
• Learn AI product management skills and strategies 
• Develop technical knowledge and leadership abilities for AI-driven products 
• Build a strong portfolio to showcase your capabilities to employers 

Enrolling in upGrad’s top AI & Machine Learning courses will provide you with the skills, confidence, and experience needed to succeed as an AI Product Manager. 

Not sure which program is right for you? Book a free counselling session with our experts. Our team will guide you based on your background, experience, and career goals.