Advice for becoming a PM

Bell
ydxy42

Go to company page Bell

ydxy42
Oct 11, 2020 6 Comments

I'm a business new grad that finished up school about 2 months ago. My full time offer from Microsoft was rescinded because they could not get my visa in time for my start date. This was because I graduated 3 months later than I was supposed to because some of my classes were affected by COVID and they could not process my visa in time for my rotational program. I tried to figure something out with them for over 3 months and nothing could be done.

While I was upset, I got over it and saw this as an opportunity to pursue product management. This was something I've wanted to get into for more than a year. A hackathon I did at Microsoft really inspired me and I realized how much fun I had working with engineers and designers on building great products! However, coming from a marketing background I knew my technical skills were not enough. This year I taught myself python, SQL and data structures and algorithms (in progress). I'm by no means an expert, but trying my best.

I prepared for APM programs by readying books like cracking the PM interview and decode and conquer + I did over 50 MOCK interviews to practice. I did not get a single interview to any of the the APM programs. I don't want to think my efforts were wasted, but it's hard to do so. I reached back out to my connections at Microsoft for any open entry level PM or marketing roles. But no luck.

I would love to get some advice or guidance from any existing PM's out there on what I can do to become a better PM or get that first interview. I really believe PM is what I want to do! All help is appreciated 🙏


FYI: Did 2 internships at Microsoft ( one as a non-tech PM and one as a PMM) & one at SAP ( marketing)

#pm #productmanagement #microsoft

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TOP 6 Comments
  • Google
    TAUX77

    Go to company page Google

    TAUX77
    Apm and entry level PM roles are really hard to get unless you go through the on campus recruiting pipeline. I'd recommend getting a related role like swe or something around data and transition in a few years.
    Oct 11, 2020 3
    • Apple
      hH3du5

      Go to company page Apple

      hH3du5
      Agreed, it’s probably easiest at this point to transition into PM at your current company
      Oct 11, 2020
    • Bell
      ydxy42

      Go to company page Bell

      ydxy42
      OP
      Apple, I'm currently not working at the moment, since I just finished school. Hence why I've been looking into PMM or PM roles. Once I get somewhere I will definitely try that
      Oct 11, 2020
  • Samsung
    kimchikun

    Go to company page Samsung

    BIO
    Stressed out but surviving
    kimchikun
    You are going to have better chance of scoring a PMM role than a PM role at this rage. Try catering your resume for that specific role - I would suggest the extra work is worth it since a lot of recruiters are matching resumes through keywords, esp for junior roles.

    Since Most PM roles tend to require a certain level of experience you are going to find it tough to noticed. Also try for second tier companies since the big ones can afford to be very selective.
    Oct 11, 2020 1
    • Bell
      ydxy42

      Go to company page Bell

      ydxy42
      OP
      My Microsoft full time offer was a PMM role. Unfortunate situation with the offer. But,yes, I agree, currently looking out for and focusing on PMM roles. Appreciate the advice!
      Oct 11, 2020