How to become a chief product officer

What does a chief product officer do?

A chief product officer oversees a company's product development department. They are responsible for planning, analyzing, strategizing, and executing operations. They also make sure that development teams work together towards shared goals. Chief product officers are found in almost every industry and in companies of all sizes. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), chief product officers and other chief executives earned a median annual salary of $206,680 in 2023.

Steps to become a chief product officer

To become a chief product officer, you'll need to earn a degree, gain professional experience, and obtain optional professional certification. Follow these steps to get started:

Step 1: Earn a bachelor's degree

Becoming a chief product officer starts with earning a bachelor's degree in business, business administration, business management, economics, marketing, or a related field. Degrees in other areas, such as web design or computer science, may also be helpful.

If you choose to earn a business-related degree, consider selecting a program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). This is not mandatory, but graduates of programs with such accreditation often have a competitive edge over other applicants when vying for a job. Graduation from an accredited program guarantees to potential employers that your studies have met accepted quality and integrity standards.

Step 2: Gain professional experience in product management

After earning your degree, you'll need to gain professional experience in product management, product development, product strategy development, marketing, and leadership. Most chief product officers gain at least 10-15 years of product-related experience before pursuing a chief product officer position.

Step 3: Find a mentor

While you gain professional experience, finding a mentor in the field can be a great way to learn about emerging technologies and industry best practices. A good mentor will have 10 or more years of experience. Their insights and knowledge can help you better understand the industry and connect to other professionals.

Step 4: Earn a graduate degree

A graduate degree isn't always required to become a chief product officer, but it can boost your résumé to help you stand out from other applicants. Some chief product officers choose to pursue master's degrees in fields such as business administration, business management, or marketing.

Step 5: Obtain professional certification

Professional certification is another optional but recommended step. Certifications like Certified Product Manager® and Certified Product Marketing Manager™ from the Association of International Product Marketing and Management, Certified Product Owner® from the International Consortium for Agile, and Certified ScrumMaster® from Scrum Alliance could help boost your credentials and demonstrate your expertise to current and future employers.