Breaking News: Hyper Island Launches a Product Manager Program

“It’s really exciting to launch the first and only Product Manager program within higher vocational education in Sweden.” says Lisa Boldt-Christmas, Head of Business Ops and Development at Hyper Island, who led the collaboration to shape the program.

Developed in collaboration with industry experts, this program is designed to equip the next generation of agile, future-proof product leaders.

“They’ll be equipped to navigate complex digital landscapes, drive strategic innovation, and create impactful, user-centric products,” she adds.

With a focus on real-world experience, strategic thinking, and leadership, the program ensures that students graduate with the skills, tools, and mindset needed to thrive in one of today’s most in-demand roles in tech, business, and digital product development.

A Product Manager (PM) is the strategic driver behind a product’s success. They align business goals, user needs, and technical possibilities to ensure that products are developed, launched, and continuously improved in a way that creates real value.

The role is increasingly critical as more and more companies shift from project-based development to product-driven approaches. In this new environment, Product Managers need to lead with agility, make data-driven decisions, and foster cross-functional collaboration.

“Despite recent layoffs in tech, Product Managers are still in high demand across sectors like media, healthtech, fintech, gaming, and SaaS,” says Lisa Boldt-Christmas. “With AI and automation reshaping industries, the need for PMs who understand data, user behavior, and building high performing teams is only growing.”

Whether it’s developing breakthrough apps, leading digital transformation projects, or optimising user experiences, Product Managers are at the forefront of shaping the products and services we use every day.

Just think of some of the greatest innovations shaping our future. Behind them all? A Product manager making sure products aren’t just created, but created right. From the first iPhone to today’s leading AI tools, PMs have been the strategic architects behind game-changing innovations.

Skilled Product Managers have become increasingly vital across industries, but there’s a gap in education–few programs truly prepare students for the realities of the role. However, Hyper Island’s hands-on, industry-connected approach makes it the perfect place to bridge that gap.

Lisa highlights how:

“The Hyper Island methodology is extremely relevant for training Product Managers, with its focus on human interaction and learning by doing. Employers are looking for leaders who can communicate, collaborate, and navigate uncertainty–all of which are core skills developed through our way of learning.”

Our YH methodology ensures students gain not just theoretical knowledge, but real-world experience by:

✅ Working on real client challenges with industry partners

✅ Learning through hands-on projects instead of traditional lectures and exams

✅ Gaining industry experience through an internship (LIA) before graduation

✅ Developing future-proof skills in agile methods and product strategy

The Product Manager program is built to give students the technical knowledge, strategic thinking, and leadership skills needed to be fully equipped for the job. Some key learning areas include:

🔹 Product strategy & business models – Understanding how products create value

🔹 Data-driven decision-making – Using analytics and KPIs to make smarter choices

🔹 User journeys & prototyping – Prototyping and testing products with real users

🔹 Agile methodologies – Mastering Scrum, SAFe, and iterative workflows

🔹 Leadership & collaboration – Managing teams and stakeholders effectively

At Hyper Island, collaboration is key. Students won’t just study Product Management–they’ll immerse themselves in it by working on real-world challenges alongside industry professionals. Lisa emphasises this immersive approach:

And with a built-in industry placement (LIA), students will graduate with hands-on experience–ready to step directly into the job market.

Graduates of this program will be prepared for a variety of roles, including (but not limited to):

🚀 Product Manager – Leading product development from idea to launch

📈 Product Owner – Managing roadmaps and prioritising product features

🎯 Product Strategist – Driving innovation and long-term product vision

⚡️ Agile Project Manager – Ensuring smooth and efficient product development processes

🌀 Scrum Master – Facilitating Agile workflows and team collaboration

The role of the Product Manager is a unique blend of design, tech, and business, requiring both strategic thinking and hands-on execution. With Hyper Island’s industry-focused approach, students won’t just learn about product management–they’ll experience it, through tackling real-world challenges, collaborating with industry professionals, and developing teamwork as well as leadership skills.

Looking ahead, Lisa shares her excitement for what’s to come:

“I’m really excited and curious to see the kind of talent this program will attract. This role sits at the intersection of design, tech, and business, requiring a full range of skills in teamwork, communication, and collaboration. I can’t wait to see our students and graduates using these skills to their full potential.”

Are you interested in breaking into this exciting field? Visit our website for more details.