How did the speaker transition into software after losing their job?

The speaker took a course, started a startup, and worked on projects to apply their learning.

How did networking help the speaker in their career path?

Networking, including connecting with a senior product manager at Google, helped the speaker in their career path.

How did the speaker improve their presentation skills for job interviews?

The speaker used a recording software to improve their presentation skills for job interviews.

How did the speaker overcome imposter syndrome?

The speaker embraced imposter syndrome and sought advice from fellow alumni to build confidence in their career.

Networking Your Way to Product Manager Success

Name: Networking Your Way to Product Manager Success
Uploaded: 2023-08-20 18:24:46
Description: Networking, community building, and actively participating in conversations are crucial for success in the product management field, and embracing imposter syndrome can lead to confidence and career growth.

This article is a summary of a YouTube video "How to Network Your Way Down the Product Manager Career Path" by Product Gym's PM Program

TLDR Networking, community building, and actively participating in conversations are crucial for success in the product management field, and embracing imposter syndrome can lead to confidence and career growth.

Key insights

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Building a strong network is crucial for advancing in the product manager career path.
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Other courses are more focused on training, while PG prioritizes practical career guidance and support.
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Following a structured method, such as the "pg method," can be beneficial in preparing for product management interviews.
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Networking can be a valuable strategy for finding job opportunities, even if there are no open positions at the moment.
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The speaker suggests treating the project as a product, iterating and improving based on feedback, to ensure its success.
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The speaker used their "pg pitch" and treated the interview like a product management interview, showcasing the value of tailoring your approach to different companies and roles.
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Building a strong community is crucial for success in networking, as it allows individuals to help each other and share valuable insights and knowledge.
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The value of a strong network goes beyond just job applications, as it can provide a supportive community and a team to fall back on for guidance and assistance.
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The imposter syndrome never really goes away, but gaining confidence through networking can help overcome it.

Q&A

What is the key idea of the video?

— The key idea is that networking, community building, and actively participating in conversations are crucial for success in the product management field.
How did the speaker transition into software after losing their job?

— The speaker took a course, started a startup, and worked on projects to apply their learning.
How did networking help the speaker in their career path?

— Networking, including connecting with a senior product manager at Google, helped the speaker in their career path.
How did the speaker improve their presentation skills for job interviews?

— The speaker used a recording software to improve their presentation skills for job interviews.
How did the speaker overcome imposter syndrome?

— The speaker embraced imposter syndrome and sought advice from fellow alumni to build confidence in their career.

Timestamped Summary

👩‍💼

00:00
Coming from a background in manufacturing and automotive, the speaker transitioned into product management, where they managed the build of physical robots and identified improvements, after their wife suggested they explore the role.
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01:27
After losing their job due to the pandemic, the speaker transitioned into software by taking a course, starting a startup, and working on projects, while engaging in community work, making connections, and improving their pitch, with the help of their network and a course they eventually found value in.
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04:30
The speaker joined a LinkedIn interview group, messaged people for reviews, and had one-on-one chats to learn about a course that focuses on helping individuals get a job and provides support, not just training, in order to transition into a product manager role.
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06:49
The speaker shares their experience networking and applying for product manager positions, expanding their search and considering some opportunities as practice rounds, while also discussing their preparation for case studies and successful job interviews, and ultimately landing a position as an enablement program manager through informal conversations.
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10:31
Approach finding internal candidates like a product, build a subject matter expert program as an MVP, and always ask to speak again during case studies.
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12:52
Speaking up and actively participating in conversations can help you understand others' needs, pitching ideas like a product can communicate your vision and progress in your career; networking is important for successful product management careers, as seen through experiences of professionals at top tech companies; program manager roles offer higher visibility and potential for advancement, but transitioning and pay bumps can still be challenging; chose Shopify for generous parental leave, remote work options, and opportunity for spouse to join.
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16:35
Negotiated salary increase for junior product manager position, applied to 80-85 positions, had 25-27 interviews, and received offer from amdocs, emphasized importance of helping cohort members on LinkedIn to build a strong community.
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19:53
Building a community and seeking endorsements is important for career growth, overcoming imposter syndrome and embracing it can lead to confidence and success in the product management field.