Product Manager roles in FB

Amazon
fMdo04

Go to company page Amazon

fMdo04
May 25, 2018 15 Comments

I’m a PM with 3+ years of experience at Amzn, working on product concept strategy through launch, working with different teams of design and engineers.

What I don’t have is an engineering background, but I can understand basic technical concepts explained to me, I know what questions to ask and challenge solutions when necessary, and translate them to non technical audience. My strengths are in influencing cross functional stakeholders, deeply understanding customer needs and translating them to requirements, earning trust with engineers and designers, and strong written and oral communication.

What are the basic technical 101s I should know and learn if I want to be a successful PM at FB?

With my current skill set, would they even take chances on someone like me?

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TOP 15 Comments
  • PayPal
    ltnr50

    Go to company page PayPal

    ltnr50
    Nope, I interviewed for FB TPM, 80% is technical,20% other stuff.
    May 25, 2018 4
  • All you are describing is the right traits of a good PM. I worked alongside several PMs who came from liberal arts backgrounds. I think you should apply.
    May 25, 2018 1
  • Microsoft / Product
    A1sTblue

    Go to company page Microsoft Product

    PRE
    Microsoft
    A1sTblue
    Here is what was a good summary from one of my LinkedIn contact:

    As a PM you should know:
    1. Basic programming. Take an online intro to Python course.
    2. How technology works. Especially web/mobile apps, trending concepts like AI, ML, self-driving cars, etc.
    3. How to work with engineers and gain their trust
    4. How to make tradeoff decisions between engineering, design and product needs

    Some of this will come from reading and studying. A lot of this will come from experience. A larger percentage through curiosity and asking the right questions.
    May 26, 2018 0
  • Intel
    Mirthy

    Go to company page Intel

    Mirthy
    "I deal with the goddamn customers so the engineers don't have to. I HAVE PEOPLE SKILLS!" https://youtu.be/hNuu9CpdjIo

    If FB PMs don't have tech backgrounds, do FB SWEs still respect their product design recommendations? Or just pay the PMs lip service, snicker behind the PM's back and proceed on their own way? I thought out of all the FANG, Amazon's PMs have the most power and potential to make an impact.
    May 26, 2018 3
    • Facebook / Product
      Reduction

      Go to company page Facebook Product

      Reduction
      It’s not that the engineers don’t care about the end user experience.. many do. It’s just that without any product/UX input, the solutions they come up with tend to not make sense from a business or user perspective. I’ve seen an engineering driven culture at FB in which individuals ship code without consulting their team members about product / user impact.
      May 26, 2018
    • The struggle is real for sure. And this is even more the reason why good PMs are important. Our challenge however is that PSC favours more diff over making the right diff :x
      May 26, 2018
  • Amazon / Product
    Bigstick

    Go to company page Amazon Product

    Bigstick
    I came from Amazon and joined FB in the last 6 weeks, not a strong tech background, similar skill set to you. Wasn’t asked a single tech question during the interview process.
    May 25, 2018 2