How to get into Google/Microsoft as PM with no CS background and bad at mental math?

Indeed
mgi

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mgi
Apr 11 17 Comments

Title.

Already called in to interview with Google but declined for the reasons mentioned in the title.

YoE 12: 8 business side (non tech) & 4 as (internal tools) PM. Great at my job.
TC 187k

Edited for clarity.

I'm well aware that I'll need to learn new skills, but I need advice as to which to prioritize and some info around the level I need to reach in them.

Specifics about those skills would help, too.

For example, do I need to be an expert in comp sci or just know the basics? Do I need to know how to write code? Which language would you recommend? Expert level? Are there specific resources you'd recommend to practice on-the-spot estimation/market sizing skills?

I will put in the work. I just need to know what the right work is.

#product #productmanager #pm

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TOP 17 Comments
  • Why do you need to be good at mental math?
    Apr 11 7
  • Cigna
    SeveredFlr

    Go to company page Cigna

    SeveredFlr
    What does bad at mental math even mean? You can’t handle a fermi problem?
    Apr 11 4
    • Indeed
      mgi

      Go to company page Indeed

      mgi
      OP
      I am hoping for some more specific advice like "learn X first, then Y and don't worry about Z." Updated the post for clarity.
      Apr 12
    • Cigna
      SeveredFlr

      Go to company page Cigna

      SeveredFlr
      Yeah I’m still wondering what the mental math your lacking

      I mean I’m Dsylexic so solving math without some help would be tough. Yet thinking through a problem like fermi isn’t a huge issue.

      Estimate how many queries google does in a day kind of thing

      I’d just lay out the problem and use a calculator if needed ;)

      Now I didn’t make it through google HC, but your problem solving is more to prove not dividing 1 billion by a third

      (Of which you can approximate and make math easy)
      Apr 12
  • Microsoft / Eng
    HK-46

    Go to company page Microsoft Eng

    BIO
    Software engineering and program mgmt
    HK-46
    1. Go to one of the Ivy league schools they recruit from
    Or
    2. Be diverse
    Or
    3. Go to a code camp (they love these)
    Apr 12 1
  • New
    pwndofj

    New

    pwndofj
    What is difference between internal SaaS and internal tools?
    Apr 11 1