In this Accredian Spotlight interview, we feature Anurag Pal, a Data Governance & Quality Lead with over 14+ years of experience. He is currently associated with Novartis. His insatiable quest for knowledge and upskilling led him to enroll in the Global Certificate in Product Management at Accredian.
Question 1: Which program & batch are you part of at Accredian & tell us more about your current work profile?
Anurag: I am part of the August batch, 2021 of Product Management.
Currently I am working in Novartis as a Data Governance and Quality Lead.
Question 2: Walk us through your career journey & what got you interested in Product Management?
Anurag: I have a total of 14 years of experience in IT and R&D areas. Currently I am a Data Governance Lead and Product Owner/Manager of one strategic program. I am into Product Management and I was in the PO role in past few projects.
Question 3: What all Product Management concepts, frameworks & tools have you mastered in your program at Accredian so far?
Anurag: Concepts and frameworks that I have mastered are:
- Product Manager
- Product Management
- Product Strategy
- Product Research
- Market Research
- Product Roadmap
- Product Goal
- Product Vision, etc.
Question 4: What were some of the initial challenges when you got started on your Product Management journey and how did you overcome it?
Anurag: I initially had confusion distinguishing between Product Owner and Product Management, and their scope and requirements. I started with the PO role and focused on the end goal. I kept tracking and engaging with customers and end users to overcome this.
Question 5: Who is your favourite faculty at Accredian and what did you learn from them?
Anurag: My favorite faculty members are Ishaan and Mr. Sai. I have learnt all product management concepts and scopes; market demand and opportunities; and a clear understanding of product management processes and components from them.
Question 6: In your view, what is the goal of Product Management & how has it evolved in the last few years?
Anurag: I feel that the main goals of product management are: product, planning, scope, goal, requirements, adaptation, scaling, usability, sustainability and growth.
Question 7: What are the current trends in Product Management that you are most excited about?
Anurag: What I am most excited about in the current product market are:
- Product standardization
- Product innovation
- Product new strategy
- Product evolution
- Product industrialization
Question 8: Which are some of the Product Management blogs, podcasts, communities & channels that you follow?
Anurag: I follow:
- India Product Management Group
- Product Management Professional
- Accredian Product Management Community
Question 9: Please tell how your journey has been with Accredian so far and what are the elements that you liked.
Anurag: My journey so far with Accredian is really good. I had an excellent virtual class experience. Good understanding and knowledge sharing with real time examples.
The experience of faculty members was fascinating. I was a part of very interesting and informative sessions.
Question 10: What is your advice to anyone wanting to start a career in Product Management?
Anurag: Product Management is the current trend. If any one wants to get into this area then they should first learn the basics and think broadly. Out of the box thinking is very important here. Quick learning and a strategic mindset are also required.
Hope you enjoyed reading this interview. If you want to read more such interesting student stories, check out Accredian Spotlight.
