My Tech Transition: How Chetachi Mkparu Went From Brand Management Intern To Product Manager
While working as a brand management and strategy intern, Chetachi knew she wanted a product-facing role. She tells us how she made that happen.
My Tech Transition is a monthly ConTech series that shines a spotlight on Africans who have successfully transitioned into tech.
Written by David Onugha.
While working at an advertising agency as a brand management and strategy intern, Chetachi Mkparu knew she wanted a product-facing role in tech. Today, she thrives as an associate product manager at HerVest, where she actively contributes to the management of the company’s many products.
In this interview, Chetachi shares her career journey and gives tips to individuals seeking to successfully transition into the dynamic world of tech.
What’s your current role in tech and how long have you been in it?
Currently, I work as an associate product manager at HerVest. I started at HerVest as a customer success intern and worked in that role for about six months before getting promoted to associate product manager in April 2022.
What are the responsibilities and tasks of an associate product manager?
I work with a senior product manager and the CTO, who leads the engineering team. My role involves managing the product alongside the senior PM, working with engineers to ensure the product meets standards and requirements, aligning customer needs with business goals, and keeping stakeholders informed about product development and updates.
I also collaborate cross-functionally with the customer success, product design, quality assurance, and engineering teams to deliver the best quality products to our users.
What influenced your decision to transition into product management from customer success?
My ultimate dream was always to work in a product-facing role. However, as a newcomer to the tech industry, it was challenging to find entry-level product management positions. I applied numerous times but didn't succeed.
So, when the opportunity to work as a CX intern at HerVest came up, I applied and got in. While working as a CX intern, I showed interest in product management. Prior to joining HerVest, I pursued certifications in user experience and product design.
I also had transferable skills from my background in advertising and digital marketing, such as client relations and market research. All of these skills helped me adjust and learn more about product management.
You had a background in advertising and digital marketing?
Yes. I worked at an advertising agency as a brand management and strategy intern, and I learnt a lot. However, I wanted to have a greater impact on products and be involved in strategic decision-making.
That's what led me to explore opportunities in tech and eventually transition from advertising to customer success and then into product management.
How did you navigate the transition?
I had to learn more about key terms and concepts specific to the tech industry. I also took a certification course in product design with the Zuri Training Academy, which greatly helped me in my current role.
Additionally, since I didn't have a tech background, I had to learn the technical terms required for working in a startup environment, such as agile methodologies, Scrum, software documentation, user research, and market research.
I also took classes in product management and software development and learned about applying agile principles in product management.
As someone who now works in tech, what do you think sets the industry apart from others?
One major differentiator is the flexibility that the tech industry offers. You can work remotely from anywhere, whereas other industries often require your physical presence at a specific location. Additionally, in the tech industry, you're typically building products that directly impact customers' lives in a major way. The solutions you create can have a lasting impact and be recognised for generations to come.
What advice would you give anyone looking to transition into tech?
Firstly, join communities related to the industry and role you're interested in. Find entry points that may not align precisely with your desired role but can serve as a starting point. And most importantly, go out, meet people, attend meetups, and showcase what you have to offer.
In your CV and cover letter, make sure to highlight your transferable skills, along with any relevant online courses or certifications. Also, showcase any significant achievements or other measurable outcomes, as tech companies value results.