Product Haven

Thank you all so much for the overwhelming response to my job update! I’ve received a lot of DMs asking about the resources I used, so I wanted to share the ones that really helped me prepare and land my dream role. ? Communities ? These communities kept me motivated, provided insights, and offered mock interview resources: ? Product Haven Slack: A hub for aspiring PMs and new grads with amazing support for mock interviews. Lewis C. Lin Slack Community: Packed with experienced PMs offering resume reviews, interview tips, and mock practice. StellarPeers: Great for finding mock interview partners ? Job Opening Information Applying early gave me an edge. These platforms helped me stay in the loop: APM List by Exponent: Regular updates on big tech PM intern and APM roles. APM Season: Their LinkedIn posts are also incredibly helpful! LinkedIn Creators like Morgan Young, Skyler Basco, BobaTalks, and Jade Walters regularly post about PM internships and APM opportunities. Video Resources on YouTube YouTube was my go-to for understanding frameworks and thought processes. My favorites: Exponent: Mock interview playlists for specific companies? Product Alliance: Product Manager Interview lessons playlist IGotAnOffer: Product Manager mock interviews: Our favorites playlist While there are paid resources like coaching services, as a college student, I was tight on funds and couldn’t afford them. I didn’t spend any money, but I did invest a lot of time and didn’t give up. There are endless free product resources online: people, books, videos, case studies, and more. I’d say if you are passionate, just start learning and your interest is going to take you there. Hope this helps!

I failed…….. I applied for the 2024 Meta RPM cohort, went through the entire interview process, and gave it my all—only to receive a rejection. It was tough to process, especially because: -> It was my dream role. -> I skipped Thanksgiving break while my friends went on a trip. -> I missed classes, research opportunities and other experiences to focus on interview prep. -> I put in the work—200+ mock interviews, great feedback—yet it still wasn’t enough. So there I was—without the job, my social life fading, and my grades slipping. I started questioning every sacrifice I made. What could be worse? I let myself feel the disappointment, cried for two days, and then decided to focus on what I could control. A year later, I applied again—for the 2025 cohort. This time, I approached it differently. I wasn’t as hard on myself. I knew I had the passion, skills, and experience for this role. If it was meant to be, it would be. I also had a backup job and a startup idea I was actively working on. And today, I’m beyond grateful to say that I’ve started my journey as a Rotational Product Manager at Meta in New York City! I wouldn’t be here without my incredible support system—my family, who stood by me, my friends who believed in me even when I didn’t, and the amazing online product community that helped me grow. The Product Haven and Lewis C. Lin Slack channel were invaluable—I found mentors, mock interview partners, and friends who supported me throughout this journey. And a huge thank you to my recruiters, Jhordan Alexander and Adam Harrison, for believing in me—again. I’m stepping into this next chapter with immense gratitude and excitement for what’s ahead. If there’s one thing I hope people take from my journey, it’s this: Rejection is not permanent, but giving up is. As a recruiter once told me, “A no today doesn’t mean a no forever.” Keep applying, keep learning, and trust that what’s meant for you will find its way. P.S. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing insights from my interview journey, what I did differently, and the best product resources that helped me. Stay tuned!

The Cold Email Playbook: How to Land Your Dream Startup Product role as a student in 2025 ?? In the rapidly evolving landscape of tech intern recruiting, one strategy continues to stand out as a game-changer: the art of cold emailing. We here at Product Haven have seen firsthand how a well-crafted cold email can transform a job search from frustrating to phenomenal. Why Cold Emailing Still Matters in 2025 Let's cut through the noise. Despite the abundance of job boards and networking platforms, cold emailing remains a powerhouse strategy. Recent data shows personalized cold emails can achieve response rates up to 29%, with some recruiters reporting engagement as high as 60-80%. The Startup Mindset ?? Startups value initiative, research skills, and direct communication. A targeted cold email does more than request a job – it demonstrates these exact qualities. You're not just another applicant; you're a proactive problem-solver who understands their business. Your Cold Email Research Roadmap ??? 1. Finding Your Target Startups: Goldmine Sources: - Y Combinator (YC) Public Directory - Venture Capital Firm Portfolios - Recent Funding Announcements What to Look For: - Company Vision - Product Offerings - Competitive Landscape - Recent Growth Initiatives 2. Contact Reconnaissance ?? Top Tools for Finding Emails or Contacts: - RocketReach - Apollo - Twitter / X (for direct DMs) Pro Tip: Don't just find an email. Find the right email. Target: - Heads of Product - Team Leads - Founders (in early-stage startups) The Anatomy of a Killer Cold Email Subject Line Magic Forget generic subjects. Think: - "3 Product Insights for [Company Name]" - "Solving [Specific Challenge] Together" - Referencing mutual connections Personalization That Converts: - Reference recent company news and direct founder quotes - Show genuine product understanding - Highlight how your skills solve their specific challenges The Perfect Email Structure: - Quick, compelling introduction - Demonstrate immediate value (very important) - Low-effort call to action - Concise, under 200 words Follow-Up Strategy ? - Wait 3-5 business days between emails - Maximum of 3 follow-ups - Each follow-up adds new value Beyond the Job: Building Relationships: Remember, a cold email isn't just about securing a role. It's about initiating a professional relationship that could shape your career's future. Its also important to note that startups are very busy and fast paced so when emailing them, be mindful of their bandwith and emphasize your value adds as an individual. Final Advice: Be genuine, be valuable, be persistent. The startup world moves fast. Your next opportunity is waiting in someone's inbox right now. Are you ready to reach out?

? If I Were 18 Again: 5 Things I’d Do Right Away ? Looking back, here’s how I’d set myself up for success early on: 1?? Build a Personal Brand Your personal brand is like a living resume—it’s how people perceive you professionally. Start sharing your journey, learnings, and goals on platforms like LinkedIn. Consistency is key—the more you post, the more visible you’ll become! It’s a small effort that pays off in big ways. 2?? Follow Recruiters on LinkedIn Recruiters are the gatekeepers to opportunities. Follow and engage with them to stay updated on hiring trends, open roles, and what companies are looking for. Here are some amazing recruiters worth following: jeff nguyen Manny Duenas ?? Jaylyn Jones Phong M. 3?? Follow Job-Focused Content Creators Some creators specialize in sharing job openings and career advice—don’t miss out on their insights. Their posts can be a goldmine of opportunities. I recommend following: Morgan Young Jade Walters Kanika Mohan Arlina Yang Kevin Shim 4?? Create a Personal Website Your website is your digital portfolio and can set you apart. Use it to showcase your projects, skills, and achievements in ways a traditional resume can’t. Pro Tip: Platforms like BootstrapMade offer great templates to get started. You can also explore Wix, Carrd, or GitHub Pages if they suit your style better. 5?? Network Like Crazy Every interaction could lead to a new opportunity. Attend events (both in-person and virtual), reach out to peers, and don’t hesitate to send thoughtful messages to people you admire. Platforms like LinkedIn Events, Slack communities, or even Discord channels are excellent starting points. Join Product Haven or Rewriting the Code Slack Channels. ?? It’s never too early to start shaping your future—your 20-something self will thank you! What’s one thing you wish you’d started earlier in your career? Share your thoughts below—I’d love to hear! ?? #CareerAdvice #EarlyCareerSuccess #PersonalBrandingTips #NetworkingMatters #LinkedInGrowth

“Mom, i’m a Georgia Institute of Technology 2025 Focus Scholar” was a text I sent this morning ?? [story background + recruiting playbook] Focus 2025 is one of the programs i’ve been looking forward to the past couple months. When I hit “submit,” I honestly went back to homework as if it was nothing, so I wouldn’t get my hopes up for an extremely competitive program with a selective admissions process. But today, I’m so glad I took that bet on myself.?? With this program, i’m headed to Atlanta this January to explore graduate school, research labs, and connect with faculty driving innovation in technology ???????? This wouldn’t have been possible without years of investing in my professional development, starting at 15 with Student Council! (i feel old) ??Kelley Cusmano unknowingly shaped my work ethic #besthighschoolteacherever Those early leadership skills shaped my drive to give my all in everything I do. I applied to internships with the mindset of wanting to learn and try new things. Here’s a recruiting playbook I live by! Step 1: Finding Roles: ? Jobright.ai Internship List at https://lnkd.in/g9e99UGE ? Using above repo, you can directly apply to 61k internships opportunities in the US with hourly updates Step 2: Practicing for Interviews: ? Leverage Tech: Use voice-to-text tools to transcribe your answers, then paste them into ChatGPT to refine and improve. ? Mock Practice: Big things are coming soon with Product Haven (a community that changed recruiting for students worldwide) Step 3: Favorite Resources: ? Newsletter: iykyk.careers is my go-to! ? Creators: Chloe Shih and Avni Barman are sharing the coolest stories through series on all their platforms that i’m keeping up with ?? The teenage me that didn’t know how to apply to colleges/fafsa/jobs is screaming of joy. ???? ??: the emails!!!! #GeorgiaTech #GraduateSchool #GATech #Jobrightaipartner #internships #resources #college #tech #newgrad

Recruiting Season Isn't Over Yet! ?? Hey everyone, I know many of us are feeling the pressure as recruiting season starts to wind down. But don't lose hope - there are still plenty of opportunities out there! ?? Here are some things you can do to keep your product journey moving forward: ?? Cold Outreach to Startups Startups are always looking for talented and driven individuals. Don't be afraid to reach out directly to companies you're interested in, even if they don't have posted openings. Craft a compelling message showcasing your skills and passion for their mission. ?? Explore Spring Roles and Internships While many summer internships may be filled, spring roles are still up for grabs! Keep an eye out for part-time or project-based opportunities to gain experience and make connections. ?? Sharpen Your Skills Use this time to level up your product skills. Take online courses, work on personal projects, and dive deep into areas like user research, data analysis, and UX design. The more you learn and practice, the more valuable you'll be to potential employers. ?? Mock Interviews and Case Studies Start preparing for future interviews by participating in mock product sessions with peers or mentors. Tackle case studies to hone your problem-solving skills and learn how to articulate your thought process. ?? Join Our Slack Community Don't forget, you're not alone in this journey! Join our vibrant Slack community to connect with fellow aspiring PMs, share resources, and support each other along the way. ?? https://lnkd.in/gzanXFdd Remember, your product journey is a marathon, not a sprint. Stay persistent, keep learning, and don't be afraid to think outside the box! You've got this! ?? #productmanagement #techjobs #studentcareers

?? My Top 3 Resources for PM Prep! ?? These are my absolute go-to resources that have helped me prepare, sharpen my skills, and land some awesome internships: 1?? Dianna Yau on YouTube??? Dianna’s videos offer killer insights, but make sure to really understand the frameworks, not just memorize them. 2?? Product Haven Slack Channel??? A must-join for aspiring PMs early in their careers! We’re talking networking , advice, and PM wisdom all in one place. 3?? ThePMinterview.com ??? Solo prep? This is the perfect tool for recording yourself answering questions and fine-tuning your responses. ?? These resources have seriously boosted my PM prep game. If you have any other recommendations? Drop them in the comments! ?? #ProductManagement #PMPrep #CareerTips #ProductHaven #DiannaYau #InterviewPrep

Introducing a Resume Review Mastersheet ?? Sign up as a resume reviewer or request to get your resume reviewed??? Our community is built on trust and students helping students so we wanted to make this open system to help facilitate quick and helpful resume reviews ?? The rules are in the spreadsheet below and pinned in the?Product Haven slack, please make sure to follow them appropriately! https://lnkd.in/guJi6ars

Product Haven Presents: Transitioning from SWE to PM ?? Are you a university student with a background in Software Engineering and considering a shift into Product Management? Join us for a special session where you'll hear from fellow students who have successfully navigated this transition during their internships. Panelists: Stephanie Li: Reddit PM Intern Justina Chua: Coinbase APM Intern Anjali Bathra R.: Intuit RPM Alan Tang: Microsoft PM Intern Hosted and organized by: Brian Miki: Salesforce APM Intern This session is designed for students like you who are exploring career options in Product Management. Our panelists will share their insights, tips, and experiences on how they made the leap from coding to leading product initiatives. Details: Date: Saturday September 14th, 2024 Time: 10:00-11:00 AM (PST) Here is the link to add to your calendar: https://lnkd.in/gF_yYb4c Submit your questions ahead of time through our dedicated form here: https://lnkd.in/gefg2bSC This is a great opportunity to get real-world advice from your peers, learn about different PM pathways, and start planning your own transition!

With the recruiting szn in full swing, Product Haven is ready to share with you all so many opportunities! One of the first ones being Leland’s incredible speaker series. This upcoming one is going to one of the most impactful ones as you’ll learn about insider knowledge on navigating the recruitment landscape and understanding the work culture at leading firms. For this talk, the experts include APMs from LinkedIn, Coinbase, and Grow Therapy. Sign up ASAP to book your spot: https://lu.ma/apmsuccess Also, we highly recommend signing up for a free Leland account to stay in the loop for more free events, exclusive offers, and PM resources outside of Product Haven! We can’t wait to join the session and learn!!! #resources #APM #PM #recruiting #college #students Josh Angle Leland