Feeling a little stuck in transitioning to PM role— and seeking advice

I’m actively trying to transition into product management — and it’s been… humbling. Despite working on live products, wearing multiple hats (from project managing client deliveries to still writing frontend code) in my full time role, and freelancing on the side for a B2B AI product, I’m not seeing the traction I hoped for. Most of my applications don’t even get shortlisted.

I know transitions take time — especially when you’re coming from an engineering background and trying to break into PM without the title. But some days, it’s hard not to wonder: am I positioning myself wrong? Am I applying to the wrong roles? Or is it just a matter of patience?

Here’s what I am doing: • Managing cross-functional delivery at a services startup (PM + frontend dev) • Consulting for an early-stage AI product on product direction and scoping • Completed a product course where I wrote 6+ case studies But it still feels like I’m in the in-between — doing the work, but not getting the title.

If you’ve navigated a similar leap (or are on the other side), I’d love to hear: 👉 What helped you get through this phase? 👉 What changed your trajectory? 👉 Or even — am I missing something obvious?

Any thoughts, stories, or advice are welcome 💛