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As AI expands its reach into every industry and aspect of our lives, the need for skilled professionals who can effectively manage AI products is growing rapidly. The IBM AI Product Manager Professional Certificate is a program designed to equip individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills to become successful AI product managers.
But what does this certificate cover?
Let’s find out more in this first-look review below.
My Verdict: IBM AI Product Manager Professional Certificate
The IBM AI Product Manager Professional Certificate is a comprehensive introduction to managing AI products. It is perfect for those who are planning to land an in-demand AI product manager role.
The program consists of 10 courses that cover two main areas: product management and generative AI development.
Pros
- The certificate program is recognized and accredited by IBM, a well-respected leader in the AI industry.
- It provides a comprehensive and structured curriculum that covers both product management and generative AI development, which is not currently offered by many certificates.
- The courses are designed by industry experts with extensive experience in AI product management.
- The program includes portfolio projects that allow learners to apply their knowledge and demonstrate to potential employers.
Cons
- The certificate program is relatively new, and there are not many reviews or feedback from previous learners.
- It requires a time commitment of 5 to 6 months, which may be challenging for individuals with busy schedules.
- Not exactly appropriate for someone new to a tech role, as an AI product manager requires more experience.
What is The IBM AI Product Manager Professional Certificate?
The IBM AI Product Manager Professional Certificate is a program offered by IBM through Coursera that aims to prepare individuals for the role of an AI product manager. It consists of 10 courses, each focusing on different aspects of AI product management and generative AI development.
Through this certificate, learners will gain in-depth knowledge and skills related to both the business skills and technical skills required of an AI product manager.
What Topics Does the Certificate Cover?
Here are the courses taught in the certificate:
- Product Management: An Introduction
- Product Management: Foundations & Stakeholder Collaboration
- Product Management: Initial Product Strategy and Plan
- Product Management: Developing and Delivering a New Product
- Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Generative AI: Introduction and Applications
- Generative AI: Prompt Engineering Basics
- Generative AI: Foundation Models and Platforms
- Product Management: Building AI-Powered Products
- Generative AI: Supercharge Your Product Management Career
As you can see, there’s a good balance between product skills and AI skills to help you grasp a better idea of the two sides the AI product manager entails.
I like that there’s also some fundamental data science content in there to help you understand the tech behind the AI apps you’ll build.
All content is also delivered by video lectures on the online Coursera platform, which makes its a flexible learning experience.
What Skills Will You Learn?
The IBM AI Product Manager Professional Certificate covers a wide range of skills that are essential for success in the role of an AI product manager.
Some of the key skills you will learn include:
- Product management principles and techniques
- Stakeholder collaboration and communication
- Developing product strategy and plans
- Building and delivering new products
- Introduction to artificial intelligence (AI)
- Prompt engineering basics
- Building an AI/deep learning model
- Data science fundamentals
- Generative AI applications and platforms
Who Should Take the Certificate?
This certificate is ideal for anyone interested in pursuing a career as an AI product manager or looking to upskill in the field of AI product management. It’s also suitable for current product managers who want to expand their skills in AI.
However, this certificate may not be suitable for complete beginners with no background in tech or product management. It is recommended that learners have some experience in a related field before enrolling in the program.
Some examples of people who should consider the certificate:
- Product managers looking to transition into AI product management
- AI engineers
- Data scientists
- Data analysts
- Technical professionals with an interest in product management and AI
- Business professionals interested in the intersection of technology and business strategy
Why Take the Certificate?
Emphasis on AI Products
Currently, there are not many certificate programs that focus specifically on AI product management. This certificate fills a gap in the market and provides learners with specialized knowledge and skills in this growing field.
Accredited by IBM
The certificate program is recognized and accredited by IBM, giving learners confidence in the quality of the curriculum and recognition from a well-respected industry leader.
Soft Skills Training
By purchasing the certificate, you’ll be granted free access to IBM’s People and Soft Skills Specialization. This is a great added bonus to the program as it focuses on developing essential soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and leadership – all crucial for success in a product management role.
Learn from Industry Experts
The courses are designed by industry experts from IBM with extensive experience in AI product management, providing learners with valuable insights and practical knowledge.
Hands-on Learning
The program includes portfolio projects that allow learners to apply their knowledge and gain hands-on experience in building AI-powered products. Since you’ll also be looking at real-life cases and how they can be worked on, you’ll have a better idea on how to handle such projects too.
Related Questions
How much does the certificate cost?
The IBM AI Product Manager Professional Certificate costs $49 USD per month, but learners can also choose to pay for the full program upfront at a slightly discounted price of $359 USD. Financial aid is available for those who qualify.
Alternatively, the certificate is included in every Coursera Plus subscription. Coursera Plus is a monthly subscription to over 7000 courses on Coursera at a single price of $59/month.
How long does it take to complete the certificate?
The IBM AI Product Manager Professional Certificate takes approximately 5 to 6 months to complete, depending on your pace and schedule. IBM recommends that you complete it in 6 months with 10 hours of studying a week.
Is prior experience required for this certificate?
While prior experience in product management or AI is not required, it is recommended that learners have some background knowledge and understanding of these topics. This will help you better comprehend the materials and concepts taught in the courses. However, if you are willing to put in the time and effort to learn, this certificate can still be beneficial for beginners in this field.
What jobs can I apply for after completing this certificate?
After completing the IBM AI Product Manager Professional Certificate, you will have the skills and knowledge necessary to apply for roles such as AI product manager, AI project manager, or technical product manager with a focus on AI.
You may also be qualified for positions in data-driven businesses or startups that are looking to integrate AI into their products and services.
Additionally, this certificate can provide an advantage for product managers looking to advance their careers within their current company and take on more responsibilities in AI products.
Is there financial aid available for this certificate?
Yes, financial aid is available for this certificate. Learners who qualify for financial aid will receive a discount or full coverage of the program costs. To apply for financial aid, you can fill out an application on Coursera’s website and provide any necessary documentation to support your request.
What is an AI product manager?
An AI product manager is a professional who oversees the development and management of AI-powered products. They are responsible for identifying market opportunities, defining product strategy, collaborating with various stakeholders, and guiding the product development process.
Final Thoughts
Wrapping up, the IBM AI Product Manager Certificate provides an excellent entry point for those interested in AI product management. It offers a comprehensive curriculum, hands-on learning experiences, and the opportunity to learn from industry experts at IBM. With the growing demand for AI skills in the job market, this certificate can be a valuable asset for anyone looking to advance their career in this field.
