How to Land a Product Management Internship Straight Out of College

Breaking into product management (PM) right after college can be a challenging feat, especially since most PM roles require years of experience. However, with the right strategy, you can maximize your chances of landing that coveted PM internship. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started.

1. Craft a Product-Focused Resume

Your resume is your first impression. To get your PM interview, you need a resume that showcases either your PM experience or your potential to be a PM. Here’s how to craft a standout resume:

• Highlight Side Projects: If you don’t have direct PM experience, think about any side projects where you’ve acted in a PM capacity. PMs work cross-functionally with design, engineering, and marketing teams. Highlight any relevant experience and the direct impact you had on the product.
• Showcase Leadership: Leadership experience is a strong signal to potential employers. If you’ve held leadership roles in school clubs or at work, make sure to list them. Leadership demonstrates your ability to manage teams and projects effectively.

For more detailed tips on crafting your PM resume, check out this video where Steven critiques his Google Associate Product Manager resume.

2. Target the Right Companies

Not every company hires PM interns, unlike software engineering roles. To ensure your efforts are focused, follow these steps:

• Research: Stay informed about companies that offer PM internships. Networking and keeping in touch with peers can help you discover opportunities you might otherwise miss.
• Referrals: Applying with a referral can significantly boost your chances. Many companies prioritize referred candidates, assuming employees will refer qualified individuals. Watch this video for tips on how to get a referral.

3. Prepare for Interviews

Once you’ve secured some interviews, it’s time to prepare. PM internship interviews typically cover three areas:

• Behavioral
• Product
• Technical.

Behavioral Interviews

The goal here is to assess your fit within the team and your communication skills. Common questions include:

• Why do you want to be a PM?
• What is a PM in your own words?
• Why do you want to be a PM at this company?

Be ready to share stories that demonstrate your teamwork, enthusiasm, and reasons for pursuing a career in product management.

Product Case Interviews

These interviews test your creative problem-solving and analytical abilities. You’ll encounter two types of questions:

• Product Sense: These questions gauge your ability to design user-focused solutions. For example, “Design YouTube for kids.”
• Product Execution: These questions assess your analytical skills, such as measuring a product’s success or diagnosing a problem.

Technical Interviews

While not as intensive as software engineering interviews, PM technical rounds might include tasks like writing pseudocode for basic algorithms. It’s crucial to understand what to expect:

Ask Your Recruiter: Clarify the nature of the technical questions you might face. Are they coding exercises, system design discussions, or something else?

If you’re concerned about this round, remember that trends indicate a shift towards focusing more on behavioral and product case questions rather than technical prowess.

Final Tips

Stay Informed: Each company has different expectations for their PM interns. Always double-check with your recruiter to understand the specific requirements.

Leverage Resources: Use platforms like Exponent for comprehensive interview prep, and don’t hesitate to reach out to professionals for advice.

With these steps, you’re now ready to craft a compelling application and ace your PM interviews. For more in-depth prep tips, subscribe to our channel and visit tryexponent.com. Good luck!