What are the best associate product manager (APM) programs that someone in their early 20s can join to learn product management and have a rewarding career in the company?
For someone in their early 20s looking to join an Associate Product Manager (APM) program to learn product management and build a rewarding career, here are some of the most notable and beneficial programs:
Google Associate Product Manager (APM) Program
- This two-year program involves two one-year rotations on different Google products, providing hands-on experience and global exposure. Participants benefit from mentorship by APM alumni and experienced Google Product Managers, management coaching, and international travel opportunities. The program is available in various locations including the San Francisco Bay Area, New York, London, Munich, Zurich, and Tokyo4.
Atlassian Associate Product Manager Program
- This two-year rotational program focuses on technology and problem-solving, allowing participants to work on two different teams of their choice. The program includes research trips, meetings with industry leaders, and specialized training. It offers flexibility in working arrangements and is available in North America, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand14.
Meta RPM Program
- This 18-month program is designed for recent graduates and includes a month of training followed by three rotations across different teams. Participants gain global exposure through a research trip and can apply even without a computer science degree or technical experience. The program prepares individuals for a product manager role in the technology sector1.
Uber Associate Product Manager (APM) Program
- This two-year rotational program involves three rotations across various teams such as Driver, Rider, Uber Eats, and New Verticals. The program starts with a two-week immersive bootcamp and includes a global research trip to gain insights into local market needs. Participants work closely with cross-functional teams and receive continuous mentorship from senior product leaders4.
LinkedIn Associate Product Manager (APM) Program
- This two-year program consists of two 12-month rotations on different product teams at LinkedIn's San Francisco or Sunnyvale offices. It begins with a Product Bootcamp covering essential skills like product strategy and data-driven decision-making. Participants collaborate with cross-functional teams and benefit from mentorship, weekly learning sessions, and community-building events4.
Microsoft APM Program
- Based at the Microsoft Israel Research and Development Center, this two-year rotational program allows recent graduates to work with three different teams on various projects. The program covers departments such as business analytics, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity, providing a broad range of experiences1.
Salesforce Associate Product Manager (APM) Program
- This two-year rotational experience provides new graduates with foundational Product Management skills. Participants have direct ownership of products, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and receive regular exposure to senior leadership along with mentorship and community-building opportunities4.
These programs offer a combination of hands-on experience, mentorship, and global exposure that can be highly beneficial for early-career professionals looking to build a rewarding career in product management. They provide opportunities to work on high-impact projects, develop technical and soft skills, and build a strong professional network.