Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Product Managers
Entry-level candidates interested in product management should consider "another position at a software company," such as in QA or project management; even extracurricular activities like "running events or managing schedules" constitute valuable project management experience that translates to workplace success.
Project Management, Entry-Level Positions, Career Development, Software Industry, Job Search Strategies
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Vinnie Shahzad
Senior Product Manager
Mid-Size Technology Support Company
UCLA, 2006
N/A
Engineering - Aerospace
Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG)
Product / Service / Software Development and Management
Video Highlights
1. Consider product management bootcamps.
2. Gain experience in QA or project management roles at software companies.
3. Develop project management skills through extracurricular activities and volunteer work (e.g., event planning, managing schedules).
Transcript
What entry-level positions are there in this field that an undergraduate college student might consider pursuing?
If you want to go into product management, there are a number of boot camps you can take that teach product management techniques.
Alternatively, if you want to dive in, I would suggest starting with another position at a software company, whether that's in QA or project management. Project management, especially, is a great place to start.
It's easy to get project management experience in college. Join a club, join an organization, or volunteer at a charity. If you find yourself running events or managing schedules for something, that's project management. You have job experience through that, whether you realize it or not.
It doesn't even have to be at a serious organization or professional organization. You could join the Pizza Lover Society or the Dog Petting Association. If you plan events for them, or plan anything like their monthly email, that's project management experience. That really translates well to starting a career in the workplace.