Breaking into an APM role at a larger company

New
scrumagile

New

scrumagile
Mar 29 3 Comments

Looking to break into an APM role in Big Tech, Gaming or Consumer SaaS, but I can’t seem to even get a recruiter to speak with me.

I current have 3 years experience as a Product Owner working for a small startup out of college with F500 customers. My role has me performing duties for both a scrum Product Owner and a Product Manager (Writing EPICs, defining MVPs and features) however I can’t get another interview to save my life.

I would ideally like to work with a larger company in the aforementioned areas but have been ghosted across the board.

Academically I come from a small school in Boston and have never been able to get a shot similar to those from target schools.

What are some steps I can take to stand out or at least get a phone screening.

I have considered an MBA but I’m worried with my Quant being weaker it would keep me out of a T15.

YOE: 3
TC: 63k :(

#pm #product #productmanager

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  • HSBC / Product
    d400004

    Go to company page HSBC Product

    PRE
    Tesla Motors
     d400004
    so here's my take: the issue u have right now (the blurring of roles between PM / PO) is something you'll find in many startups, but it is also the perfect environment for you to get a feel for what you want to do / what to be avoided.

    with that said, don't think things will be drastically different in large firms. most of these "big firms" will have at least 30-50 years of technical debt & historical / people things that you gotta deal with - roles being blurred will be one of the most common issues.

    and, in these large orgs, you'll very often just be a small cog with little chances of changing anything (unless you manage to get super senior & broad buy-in). if you have this skill, you might as well apply that in your current firm now and optimize things to your ideal state, rather than thinking of exiting to big firms.

    i was in a similar situation to you, and my suggestion to you was exactly what i did. it wasn't easy, but it was a huge learning opportunity, and it also laid the groundwork: helped me increase my TC by 850%+ in 7 years. just some food for thought.

    in terms of APM programs, you'll be competing with fresh grads, MBAs, or people who can deliver but are okay with less pay. this is the hardest way to get into any big firm imo. Instead of APM programs, go apply for entry level PM roles. your chances will be better there statistically imo.
    Mar 29 2
    • New
      scrumagile

      New

      scrumagile
      OP
      This was really great insight thank you. I have applied for both APM and PM roles but have yet to manage a screening.

      I suppose in reality the size of the org isn’t as important to me as the product or compensation.
      Mar 29
    • HSBC / Product
      d400004

      Go to company page HSBC Product

      PRE
      Tesla Motors
       d400004
      that's right. money is important for sure, but the problem you're facing is more of a product culture issue that'll be very common in many places. just the luck of the draw
      Mar 29