Keep one important factor in mind. In many cases, holding a product manager internship is one of the best ways to get into the product manager career full time. Many companies will keep on interns within the company, usually starting them as an assistant prior to hiring them to a position full time. Nevertheless, other companies may also be interested. Internships with larger and growing companies especially those with well-known names in the industry will help you to attract employment from a variety of avenues, including from competing firms. The fact is, to make a job in this field possible, you will need and want an internship. An internship is likely to be the catalyst to launching your career.
How to Get Internships
Many times the best internships are not those that are advertised, nor are they available through a school. If you know of a company you would like to work with, perhaps a company that is local to you, it is never too early to start talking with them about potential internships. Perhaps you have never stepped foot into the location. You may not know anyone there. To get an internship there may seem very difficult to do, but in fact, it does not have to be.
Call and speak with a human resource manager at the location. Ask them if they would be able to set up a meeting with you to discuss any potential intern opportunities within the company. Let them know you will not be out of school for some time but that you are looking for good experience. Be prepared for the interview. Provide these individuals with the information they need including what you are studying, your resume, and a cover letter explaining what it is that you are looking forward to gaining from the company. Explain to them during the interview that you are hoping for an internship, paid or not, with the company. Even if the company has never had this opportunity in the past, your ability to come to them and talk with them about it may help you to get the chance. The key is to get your foot in the door for an interview.
There are other ways to get internships as a product manager. For example, as you start applying to colleges and technical schools, find out which of these schools has put in place a line of internships for their students. Many businesses network with these schools so that graduates can move right into positions or can work during their final years of schooling. Ultimately, it takes a great deal of time and dedication to prove yourself capable of being an intern. Only the best students will be eligible for such programs. Nevertheless, these are still springboards into full-time careers with the company.
Finding jobs as product manager is more difficult if you do not have a good level of experience working in the industry. The good news is that these internships are readily available and often are just what you need to get the position you are looking for full time. Ultimately, you may not qualify for the product manager position. Instead, you may qualify as a jobs assistant. Still, this is a great way to get your foot in the door.
Internships are an outstanding way for you to get your started in a product manager career. These positions can be hard to obtain without experience, so your experience working as an intern can be invaluable. Talk to local schools about the opportunities they provide for such internships. Find out which companies they work with. Are these companies you would like to work with? Then consider companies that may be interesting to you. Talk with their human resource personnel to determine if you qualify for those positions. Chances are good you have just what it takes to get into these programs.
Be warned. Most internships do not pay excessively. In fact, you may not be paid at all. Rather, you are getting the information and experience you need from these jobs to qualify for long-term professional employment. Manager positions do not come to just anyone. Companies need to know that their business is in good hands and this is why you need these full-time positions as interns. The good news is there are plenty of fantastic options out there for internships. Many companies offer them, even if they do not advertise them. To get your product manager career off to a good start, find out where internship opportunities are available to you.
