Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Product Marketing Managers at Adobe
Entry-level product marketing management roles are uncommon straight out of college; a more typical path involves internships at major companies like Microsoft (through programs such as their "Ace Program") or gaining experience in related fields like consumer packaged goods before transitioning, as Ryan describes their own unconventional entry as "getting in through the back door".
Entry-Level Jobs, Internships, Marketing, Business, Product Management
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Ryan Khademi
Senior Product Marketing Manager
Adobe
University of Washington, Michael G. Foster School of Business, 2013
UCLA Anderson School of Management
Marketing
Technology
Product / Service / Software Development and Management
None Applicable, Worked 20+ Hours in School
Video Highlights
1. Unconventional paths exist: Ryan's journey highlights that while traditional routes exist (MBA, internships), non-traditional entry points are possible. He started as a contractor, showcasing that alternative experiences can lead to a career in product marketing management.
2. Internships are key: Many large tech companies (Microsoft, Amazon) offer internships and rotational programs specifically in marketing. Securing an internship is a highly effective way to break into the field, even if entry-level positions are less common.
3. Consider related fields: If a direct entry into product marketing is difficult, gaining experience in related areas like general marketing (e.g., at companies like P&G) or product development can build valuable skills and provide a stepping stone to a product marketing role. Understanding product development can make you a stronger product marketing manager.
Transcript
What entry-level positions are there in this field that an undergraduate college student might consider?
When I talked about my story, I took an unconventional path. I got into my company through the back door, starting as a contractor. This is typical for many who come in through an MBA program.
Product Marketing Management roles don't really become visible until you get into an MBA program. There are many internship programs. Microsoft, specifically, has a program called the Ace Program, which is a college hire rotational program. It rotates you through two different teams in the marketing organization.
I know Amazon has a leadership rotational program, and many large companies have these big programs. Getting an internship is a very solid way to get in, both through business school and undergrad, when looking across different companies.
From what I've seen personally, it's much rarer to find a job straight out of college with a very junior starting role. Typically, you might start in a lower-level marketing position. If you want to get into tech, you might come from CPG, or Consumer Packaged Goods, working at Procter & Gamble or one of those bigger companies. Then, you might move into a more senior role before jumping over to Product Marketing Management.
It's much harder to go the conventional route. As I said, I lucked out at Microsoft. That specific path doesn't exist anymore; they eliminated it. You literally can't, and you have to go through a lot more red tape. I was very lucky, and I've proven myself through hard work.
I would say it's either finding that path or, sometimes, going directly into Product Marketing Management might not be the best thing. Consider starting in product roles to understand what makes a good product, and then, if you're more passionate about the business side, you can transition.
I'd recommend looking at internships that are really interesting and in the product marketing sphere, with the intention of getting there and learning about the different aspects to become a better product marketing manager. You have to think a little more creatively; it's a harder job role to transition into.
However, the more experience you have that isn't directly in product marketing will make you a better product marketing manager.