Traditional program management consists of guiding a suite of programs for business success. As IT has recently become ascendant in the marketplace, that paradigm has applied to software in a role called the technical program manager. Leading tech companies, like Meta, Apple, and Amazon, have made ample use of this position in their business strategy. The problem is that there is no set career progression into this role. Arpit Agrawal tries to demystify this role and teach readers to identify the skills necessary to assume responsibilities in this job.
The skillset required for a technical program manager marries both business knowledge and technical expertise. Agrawal suggests ways for those with a software background to expand their management expertise and those with a managerial background to learn about technologies. He comprehensively covers all the aspects of this job, from skills and common difficulties to interviews and handling the first few months.
Prospective readers might first notice about this book that it’s lengthy and requires a significant time investment. While such comprehensiveness is laudable, some sections – particularly the values to succeed – became repetitive; I would suggest condensing of the text would have created a stronger power punch to the text. That is my main criticism. I like how he provides exhaustive lists at time of various competencies required. It shows the high bar of excellence required for this role. Most of those lists are not repetitive and help readers think through what it takes to succeed in this position.
Overall, this book helped steady me a bit as someone still new as a technical program manager. It helped me identify different competencies I need to work on in my professional development. I appreciate the broad challenge that this role provides and how Agrawal identifies what it takes to succeed. This book deserves a read by anyone interested in technical program management.
The Technical Program Manager Guide: Navigating the Path to Success
By Arpit Agrawal
Narrated by Virtual Voice
3rd Edition
Text copyright (c) 2024
Independently Published
Audio copyright (c) 2025
Independently Published
ASIN B0FPRNRY95
Length: 18:32
Genre: Management, Software
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