IIT Roorkee Annual Technical Fest Experience (Cognizance) 2023

Navigating the Basics of Product Management: A Voyage at Cognizance 2023

The virtual halls of Cognizance 2024, the famous annual Techfest of IIT Roorkee, were filled with excitement as delegates from all over the world gathered for a trip to the core of product management. Among the numerous workshops and events, the one that was as brilliant as a star was the “Basics of Product Management” workshop, hosted by NextLeap. The workshop, which was planned for December 17, 2023, was meant to be a thorough analysis of the basic principles and practices that form the groundwork of the product management field.

Upon logging into the virtual platform, a feeling of excitement flowed in me mixed with curiosity. How would a virtual workshop be able to create the kind of immersive environment that you would get from an in-person interaction? Nonetheless, as the workshop started, all the questions were gone in an instant. The organizers had easily created a virtual space that was perfect for learning and collaboration, and which thus, set the stage for a very enriching experience.

The workshop was initiated by the industry experts who are the source of knowledge and practical experiences, and then proceeded with the discussion of the fundamentals of product management. Before any idea was set up, a product vision was defined and a roadmap was formulated which were both explained clearly and deeply. The active discussions and stimulating exercises turned the theoretical concepts into real life, thus, making the learning environment a dynamic one where the students were encouraged to ask questions and the flow of the insights started.

During the workshop, we were able to explore in greater detail the various aspects of market dynamics and user-centric design. Through the analysis of case studies and real-world examples, we acquired a deep knowledge of how to spot market niches, understand the users’ needs and send solutions that are close to them. The workshop went beyond the theoretical, giving the practical tools and the frameworks that are necessary to deal with the complexities of product management.

One of the most remarkable features of the workshop was the number of activities that involved working on the projects and working together as a team. The virtual break-out rooms were used to divide the participants into teams, who then worked together on real-life problems, using their newfound knowledge to come up with innovative solutions. Such sessions not only amplified the learning but also encouraged the development of a sense of belonging and teamwork that crossed geographical boundaries and developed a global community of product managers.

At the end of the workshop, I received a great number of pieces of information and experiences, which enriched me tremendously. The lessons shared by the experts on the importance of customer empathy and the art of effective communication were not only confined to product management but were also of wisdom that went beyond the topic of product management. Besides, the bonds formed with the other participants and the advice from the mentors in the industry left a lasting impression and became the basis for my career and my personal development.

After the workshop, I realized how the workshop had affected me deeply. Besides the technical skills, the workshop was also the one that gave me a deeper purpose and direction. It had been the spark that kindled a desire to use technology as a source of good, to sympathize with the users and to be the leader of all sorts of innovation. The way I have left me transformed, motivated and ready to go on the next part of my career with a new energy and a new will to do my best.

Conclusion:

When I was leaving Cognizance 2024 and the digital world of the workshop, I had a feeling of thankfulness and respect for the experience. I would like to thank NextLeap and the organizers for arranging the workshop that was both literally and metaphorically beyond boundaries. The lessons I learned, the relationships I made, and the memories I created will still be with me and help me to make decisions as technology and innovation continue to change, all the time, as I strive to make a meaningful impact in the world of product management.