What is a Product Development Director?
A career as a product development director means overseeing and managing the creation of multiple products from origination to store shelves. Additionally, product development managers are responsible for creating and implementing a strategy to get their product out to stores on time. Directors of product development are a necessity to any industry with a product. For example, Tamerri Ater, an interviewee for Corporate Minority worked in the beauty industry. Even so, toy companies, car manufacturers, and clothing companies all create and sell products, and therefore require product development directors.
Path to a Career in Product Development
When it comes to education requirements, most people employed in product development hold at least a bachelor’s degree. As you move up into a management or director position it becomes more common to hold a master’s degree. Additionally, experience seems to be key when it comes to moving up the corporate ladder in the majority of careers, not just product development.
In the Corporate Minority interview with Tamerri Ater, she highly endorses college students taking advantage of internships. Also, she advocates that internships give students the opportunity to work in a professional environment and learn soft skills .
For more career advice check out Corporate Minority Career Insights.
