Transition to a Product Management role
Need some ideas/advice. I have some Project/Program Management experience under my belt even though it’s not my strong suit or liking. Have extensive experience in business solutions implementations at Apple and many previous employers. These implementations often resulted into a new system/product getting developed ground up for internal partners/customers. 1. What strategies would y’all suggest to transition to a product management role? I don’t think I’ll have a shot at such a role within Apple given I’m not from SWE background and have limited IT experience so will have to try outside. 2. Are boot camps like Product Gym any helpful in making such a transition? Anyone with experience with them? with some success? TC 280k #product #productmanager #pm
If you want to skip all the bullshit, join Product Gym. Happy to answer any questions you have
Are you from Product Gym?
1. Get some real-world experience in your off-time & weekends. Read Inspired by Marty Cagan as well as Sprint. Once you do that launch something based on a topic you’re passionate about. It could be as simple as a Wordpress site. It may not even be a tangible product, just an idea you pitch to Angel investors or VCs. Otherwise, volunteer and work on stuff for a non-profit or help an early stage startup. Once you get some experience, network with someone inside Apple, get one of them to be a mentor, and try to transfer. Another option is to look at something Apple is struggling with, pitch a solution internally, and deliver. 2. Don’t do boot camps. See # 1. Real world experience is king. 3. If you insist on interviewing outside Apple, then get the experience I mentioned but also start reviewing stuff like Exponent, Rocketblocks, or Product Alliance so you know how to answer product ideation, estimation, & system design questions. You’ll want to get around 20 mock interviews done before you step to the likes of Meta, Amazon, Google, etc. those sites will connect you with other folks to be interview partners.
Appreciate the inputs. The idea of helping early stage startups is brilliant! I’m just afraid Apple’s policies will rule out working for a lot of startups even if it’s voluntary! Will need to check on that.