Why APM?

I’ve accepted an Associate Product Manager (APM) internship with Google this Summer. The Google APM program is a unique opportunity to be mentored by Google’s top executives and managers while directing one of Google’s products. Many tech industry leaders have come out of the program, including a personal hero of mine, Bret Taylor.  An APM internship is likely not as intense, but I’ll do everything in my power to get the most out of the experience.

My eagerness for the role comes as a surprise to many of my friends and colleagues. I’ve been a die-hard programmer for the last five years. Product management is foreign to me. So why the change?

Programming has become too comfortable. I’m confident that I can rise to the challenge of most programming projects. I no longer have the excitement and fear that comes with a new internship. Don’t get me wrong, I could still be a far better programmer and there are still many areas of computer science of which I’m painfully ignorant. It was very difficult to turn down some of the other offers I received.

But, the APM position fills me with a fresh sense of excitement and fear. I must bring a completely different skill set to the table to be a successful APM. Instead of writing code, I’ll be writing email and designing product specs. Instead of giving technical presentations, I’ll be pitching my product. Instead of a mentor or manager telling me what to focus on, I’ll be managing older and wiser SE’s with years of experience.

My time management, organization, and leadership skills will be pushed past their limit. I’ll probably fail. And that’s why I have to do it.