Question about the path to product mgmt roles: after two years of Big 4 tech consulting (one marquee client in several roles with primarily Product Owner-like responsibilities), should I be applying to Assoc. Prod Manager positions or Prod Manager? Looking at job descriptions, PM roles seem to look for 5+ YOE, but I am worried that APM positions are more of a lateral move. Appreciate any insight / would love to DM further :) Google Microsoft Amazon Apple Facebook (Meta)
Pro
The biggest piece of advice I can give you if you apply for any PM type role is that your CV needs to live and breath PM related work.
There are a lot of consultants who want to break in to PM and I have reviewed some of their CVs and there is often a lot of irrelevant experience on there, and a lot of jargon.
Best of luck! Also, definitely go for APM roles, if you manage to get in they are a golden path.
Chief
Agreed. The pivot to PM doesn’t require the PM title, but does require experience with its duties, and many consultants try to come in under the pretense that they’ve worked strategy, so they have the capability to be a good PM, instead of they already are a PM in essence
Chief
You should still consider APM at big companies, or PM at small companies. 2YOE will rarely cut it for any true PM work. APM programs are a step up, because they are so incredibly competitive, you have a better shot at PM at a FAANG. I know this is all oxymoron, but A/PM at FAANG is pretty tough with 2YOE in consulting
Only way to overcome it is with direct PM-related skills (like shipping actual products). The type of client doesn’t really matter
Another note from my job hunt so far: it seems as though APM roles tend to hire college grads and are less prevalent. Is this the reality? TIA!
Try applying to a PM role and talk to the recruiter. They may provide some input. Good Luck!