The transition from manual testing to product management wasn’t just a change in job titles—it was a complete shift in mindset, skills, and perspective. What began as a role focused on ensuring product quality eventually evolved into one where I was responsible for driving the product vision itself. Along the way, I encountered countless challenges, valuable lessons, and moments of growth that shaped me into the product manager I am today. In this post, I’ll take you through my journey, highlighting the key steps, decisions, and insights that guided me through this transformation. Whether you’re thinking about making a similar shift or are simply curious about the path, I hope my experience provides inspiration and practical insights for your own career evolution.
Starting my career as an application support tester doing manual testing for production changes, I was fresh out of university with no prior experience in testing. I was eager to learn and grow, but the path ahead was unclear. After a year, I transitioned into a project that involved feature testing, regression testing, and end-to-end testing. This shift opened up new opportunities to expand my knowledge, but it also raised an important question: Where do I want to go next?
At this point, I had some experience under my belt, but I wasn’t sure what the next step should be. Should I continue down the testing path and move into automation? Or perhaps transition into a leadership role like Product Owner, Test Manager, or Delivery Manager? I was also curious about becoming a Product Manager, but I didn’t know if I had the necessary skills—or the passion—for it. Honestly, I wasn’t even sure if I wanted to stay in IT at all.
Building a Foundation Through Self-Assessment
Without a clear direction, I decided to focus on setting personal goals that would help me regardless of the role I eventually chose. I began by researching different career paths and interviewing colleagues in various positions to better understand their day-to-day responsibilities. This process led me to create a career plan based on three essential criteria:
- Future Potential: What is the demand for this role over the next 5–10 years?
- Enjoyment: Is this something I’ll enjoy doing long-term?
- Career Growth: Does this role offer a clear path for advancement?
Developing Transferable Skills
To future-proof my career, I realized that technical expertise alone wasn’t enough—I needed to develop essential soft skills. I focused on communication, leadership, adaptability, and problem-solving, knowing these skills would be valuable in any role. Over the next two years, I took on tasks that allowed me to grow in these areas. For example, I mentored new graduates, participated more actively in meetings, and sought out leadership opportunities whenever I could.
Gaining Clarity: Product Ownership
As I reflected on my strengths and what I truly enjoyed, I found that I thrived in environments where I could take ownership of projects and make decisions that directly impacted the team. I enjoyed working closely with people, but coding wasn’t my passion. Gradually, my responsibilities evolved, and I found myself filling in for Product Owners or Delivery Managers during their absences. I led stand-ups and retrospectives, and each opportunity reinforced my growing interest in Product Ownership. My “yes” mindset—being open to taking on new responsibilities—proved key to this transformation.
Through these experiences, I gained clarity: I wanted to become a Product Owner. With this long-term goal in mind, I began aligning my tasks and professional development to support that objective.
Moving from Manual Testing to Product Ownership
While continuing my role as a manual tester, I sought out projects that would allow me to develop Product Ownership skills. One of the most significant opportunities came when my organization transitioned from manual testing to automation. I volunteered to lead this initiative, approaching it as if I were the Product Owner. I defined the requirements, developed a roadmap, and worked closely with key stakeholders, including Test Managers and the newly formed automation team.
I also created key documents, such as stakeholder registries and RACI charts, which helped me navigate the communication structure within the project. This experience not only built my confidence but also solidified my decision to pursue a career in Product Ownership.
Taking the Leap: Applying for Product Roles
Armed with practical experience, I updated my CV, emphasizing the skills and achievements that aligned with Product Ownership. I also completed a Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO) course, which strengthened my understanding of Agile methodologies. With these qualifications, I began applying for mid-level Product Owner roles, confident in the foundation I had built.
During this uncertain time, my wife played an enormous role in boosting my confidence and guiding me through critical career decisions. There were moments when I felt overwhelmed and doubted my abilities, but her background as an MBA graduate gave me invaluable strategic insights. She helped me navigate decision-making, long-term planning, and personal growth in ways I hadn’t considered before. Her belief in me, combined with her practical advice, was instrumental in my journey forward.
Lessons Learned
- Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions: Early in my career, I was hesitant to ask questions out of fear that I’d seem inexperienced. I later realized that everyone starts somewhere, and asking questions is a key part of learning. Now, I make it a point to create a welcoming environment where others feel comfortable asking questions.
- Be Proactive: Waiting for opportunities can slow down your career growth. Once I recognized this, I began actively seeking out opportunities—whether it was leading meetings, filling in for colleagues, or volunteering for new initiatives.
- You Don’t Need to Be Perfect: I spent too much time trying to check every box before applying for Product Owner roles. Eventually, I realized that you don’t need to be perfect to apply—just be honest about what you know and eager to learn.
- Effective Communication: Instead of constantly interrupting colleagues with questions, I found it more productive to group my questions and schedule regular check-ins with my mentors. This allowed me to get the guidance I needed without becoming a burden.
- Family Support : One of the most important lessons I learned is that talent and support can be closer than you think. My sister helped me take my first steps into manual testing, and my wife’s guidance and belief in me were pivotal in my career growth. Sometimes, we search externally for answers and support when it’s right there next to us. Trust in the support of those close to you—it’s irreplaceable and often more valuable than anything you’ll find elsewhere.
- Mindfulness and Meditation Help: Achieving clarity, sincerity, and focus has been a cornerstone of my personal and professional growth. SKY Breath Meditation has played a major role in maintaining that balance and keeping me grounded as I continue to grow. Do things with
Clarity in mind | Sincerity in Actions | Purity in Heart
By consistently refining my approach and being open to new experiences, I was able to make the leap from manual tester to Product Owner, and eventually into Product Management. The journey wasn’t always straightforward, but each step built on the last, guiding me toward my ultimate career goals.
The 'Product'ive Mind 