While all associate product management programs provide participants with valuable knowledge and hands-on PM practice, some offer a broader range of experiences than others. Such programs focus on rotational learning, requiring attendees to work on different features, products, or functional teams over a certain period of time. After working in a particular area for the specified timeframe, the individual moves on to the next one, and so on.
These rotational APM programs are growing in interest and popularity for good reason. Attendees get to try out various roles and functions and decide which they’re most suited to and excited about. Also, they build a strong foundation in all aspects of the business.
Interested in applying? Below are twelve companies that offer rotational program management programs.
Cisco
IT conglomerate Cisco offers what they refer to as a “free market” rotational APM program for recent grads interested in a career in product. Participants in the three-year program get to “choose their own adventure” by selecting the product areas they’re most interested in working on. Each rotation lasts one year and allows the attendee to take a deep dive into one of the company’s core functional areas, including security, cloud, and networking.
Dropbox
File hosting and sharing giant Dropbox offers rotational programs for a variety of functions, including product management. Each rotation lasts twelve months and shows participants what it’s like to work in a range of departments. The goal is to guide each attendee to the product area they’re most inspired by and excited to explore.
Facebook’s Rotational Product Manager (RPM) program lasts 18 months and includes three six-month rotations. Some of the past projects RPMs have worked on include new consumer apps for the Oculus VR and improvements for the News Feed. Participants also get the opportunity to embark on research trips and attend quarterly RPM-exclusive offsites.
Google’s APM program is the original (Google debuted it in 2002) and remains one of the best. It’s also one of the largest and is offered in multiple locations around the globe. This two-year program includes two 12-month rotations. Each allows APMs to work on some of the company’s most famous products, like Gmail and Google Calendar. In fact, some of the biggest tech leaders today are Google APM program alumni.
Intuit
RPM program participants at financial software company Intuit go through multiple six-month rotations, each in a critical area of their business. Individuals have the opportunity to manage the ideation, development, and launch of a product. Participants come away with a thorough understanding of the end-to-end product lifecycle.
LinkedIn’s APM program is highly selective. The small cohort is treated like experienced PMs right from the beginning. They’re given ownership and responsibility for some of the biggest projects at the company and take part in four six-month rotations. If you have a record of entrepreneurship or leadership experience, this one might be a great fit.
Lyft
Participants in Lyft’s APM program are matched with a senior product team mentor from day one, giving them an inside look into the company’s corporate culture and business priorities. The program consists of three six-month rotations, each offering the opportunity to work on a different high-profile project.
Twitter’s APM program includes two one-year-long rotations that give participants the chance to experience working on different product lines. The company highlights the community-focused, tight-knit nature of the program that encourages friendship and collaboration. Each attendee has the opportunity to take part in a formal mentorship program as well.
Uber
Ride-sharing company Uber emphasizes strong one-on-one relationships in its APM program. Participants are matched with an experienced PM mentor for the entirety of the 18-month experience. Over three six-month rotations, attendees gain experience across all of Uber, including Driver, Rider, UberEATS, and more. They also go on a “world trip” to some of Uber’s most challenging and unique geographies.
Walmart
Walmart’s associate product manager program has a particularly heavy focus on rotation, with attendees completing three eight-month rotations over the two-year program. Participants spend time working across three key areas: merchant operations, supply chain, and customer experience. If you want the opportunity to work for one of the world’s largest retailers, this program is perfect for you.
Yelp
Want to take part in a more personal, relationship-focused rotational PM program? Yelp’s offering gives participants ample mentorship opportunities and direct feedback from their VP of product. You’ll even get to meet directly with the CEO. During your rotation, you’ll spend time working on a variety of features, including search, mobile, and advertising.
Zynga
Are you interested in working in the B2C tech space? Mobile game developer Zynga offers an 18-month APM program that includes three six-month rotations. Attendees work on merchandising projects, product development, user onboarding, and growth marketing.
Best of luck with your applications!
