Top Companies with Associate Product Manager Programs
What's an Associate Product Management Program (APM)?
Being a product manager requires several years of experience. A Product Management Program helps fast-track this. You do not need experience to apply to a product management program.
Most product management programs are rotational, meaning the aspiring product manager will work with several different areas of the company to get experience with as many areas as quickly as possible. Usually the programs last anywhere from 12 to 18 months.
To help you in your search, these programs are often referred to as Rotational Product Manager (RPM) Programs or Associate Product Manager (APM) Programs.
The Best Associate Product Management Programs for Beginners
Meta Rotational Product Manager Program
The Meta Rotational Product Manager Program consists of 18 months and 3 rotations, so you'd spend 6 months with each team. Some potential teams include Marketplace, Dating, Gaming and WhatsApp. After program completion, Meta matches completers to a product team as a full-time PM.
While they specifically encourage new graduates to apply, the program is open to all ages and any work experience. Meta encourages "cognitive diversity," and actively seeks out applicants with no technical experience. This is a great program (and our favorite!) if you're trying to break into the tech world!
Learn More about the Meta RPM Here
Google Associate Product Manager Program
The Google Associate Product Manager program is one of the first and leading APMs. It's a two year program for new and recent grads, where you will work with cross-functional teams spanning engineering, design, and marketing to launch real products. Some potential products include Maps, Search and YouTube.
There are two sub-programs in Google's APM-- full time and interns. APM interns work 12 weeks over the summer, while full timers work in two one-year rotations and have the option to stay on after the program.
Learn More about the Google APM Here
Twitter Associate Product Manager Program
The Twitter Associate Product Manager Program is one of the smallest programs with less than 10 selected each year. It's a two year program with one rotation at the year mark, and completers will be offered a full-time PM role with Twitter.
This program gives preference to recently graduated students who can demonstrate strong communication and presentation skills.
Learn More about the Twitter APM Here
Linkedin Associate Product Manager Program
Linkedin's APM is a great way to get immediate hands-on experience roadmap building on real products. The program lasts for 18 months in two-nine month rotations. After completion, you have the option to join a rotated team full time, or a brand new one!
Linkedin does not require recent graduation, which makes this a great program to break into tech. They put heavy emphasis on entrepreneurial spirit, so hit heavy on that in your application!
Learn More about the Linkedin APM Here
Salesforce Associate Product Manager Program
Salesforce Associate Product Manager program is a 2-year rotation that allows direct ownership of products and regular exposure to executives. The cohorts are small and tight-knit. Fun fact: this program was started by an ex-Google APM who wanted to bring the love to Salesforce. Nice!
This program is targeted towards recent grads, but they also offer a 12-week PM internship that condenses a lot of the learnings.
Best Product Management Programs for Advanced Graduates
Dropbox New Graduate Product Manager (NGPM)
Dropbox NGPM is another smaller program, both in size and length. NGPM hires less than 10 candidates a year, and the program length is only 12 months. They don't have a specific site with information, but search their jobs page starting in August for "New Grad Product Manager" and apply directly.
This program also gives preference to recent graduates in technical fields.
Learn More about the Dropbox NGPM Here
Uber Associate Product Manager Program
The Uber Associate Program is very similar to Meta with an 18 month program and 6 month rotations. Some potential projects include Eats, Driver, Bikes, and even Self Driving Vehicles! After program completion, candidates are transitioned into full-time product managers at Uber.
This program is more selective and more technical. It's only available to computer science graduates (or similar) within one year of graduation. If that's you, go get em! Otherwise, check out some of our other options.
Learn More about the Uber RPM Here
Companies that have APM Roles
Lots of companies offer entry-level PM roles-- remember, entry-level in PM means 2-3 YOE. It never hurts to apply! Emphasize your entrepreneurial spirit.
- Yelp
- Yahoo
- Square
- Walmart
- eBay
- Redfin
- Asana
- Etsy
- Visa
- Atlassian
Associate Product Manager programs are a valuable resource for individuals looking to launch a career in product management. By offering hands-on experience, mentorship, and industry exposure, these programs can provide the foundation for a successful and rewarding career in the tech industry.
When exploring Associate Product Manager programs, it's important to consider factors such as the the company's timeframe, remote work policy, and mentorship and resources provided to participants. By finding the right program, you can gain the skills, experience, and network necessary to succeed as a highly-paid product manager. With the demand for product management talent quickly on the rise, now is a great time to consider an Associate Product Manager program and take the first step towards a fulfilling career in the tech industry.