Hi all,
I wanted to give you a quick update that Google APM internship applications have opened.
You have until October 2nd to apply, but I strongly suggest you get your application in by October 1st — some readers told me that Google closed the full-time APM application form in the middle of the final day it was supposed to be open, so you should apply to this role by the 1st to ensure you don’t get locked out at the last minute.
Below, I’ll share details about the program, interview tips, who’s eligible, and some important links.
How the internship works
I wrote a lot about the APM program in my last post, so check that out for an overview. The internship is quite like the full-time program, except that your “rotation” is only 3 months. If all goes well, you’ll get to take on two more rotations (one year each) in the full-time program.
Along with the usual mentorship that Google provides, the APM internship will pair you with a current APM as an “intern buddy” to help you navigate Google, tackle your assigned projects, and work toward a return offer. There are also plenty of invited speakers, social events (at least during non-COVID times), and chances to meet big shots at the company.
Interview prep resources
Check these out if you’re interviewing for PM jobs or internships, whether at Google or anywhere else:
Cracking the PM Interview, Decode and Conquer, and Swipe to Unlock — the usual PM interview prep books.
Product Management’s Sacred Seven — my brand-new PM book, which teaches you the ins and outs of the seven disciplines every aspiring PM should master, from data science to marketing to user experience. This week it’s 70% off (that’s $15, from $47.99), and you can read a free sample to boot.
The Product Alliance — their free resources (especially the product strategy videos) are great, as are their interview courses (currently 55% off). You can watch some mock interviews for free, too.
Eligibility
A quick note on who can apply: the APM internship is open to anyone who’s slated to graduate from undergrad, master’s, or PhD programs “between Fall 2021 and Spring 2022,” per Google. If you’re an undergrad, you should be a current junior — I don’t think Google takes first-years or sophomores for this role (but ask a recruiter for the official word).
From my experience, it’s best if you’re studying computer science or a related field, but you should be OK if you have a good amount of coding experience.
As for citizenship, the application page is quite vague. It says you have to be in the US during the internship, so it certainly helps to have US work authorization — but I don’t know if you need to have that authorization to apply. Again, ask a recruiter to be sure.
Key links
I’ll roughly copy-paste from my full-time post:
Types of questions Google asks (from an official Google resource, so read it closely)
A video course with strategy guides for Google PM interviews
Good luck!
Best of luck with your APM internship application. Remember to submit by October 1st!
Feel free to forward this email to friends, and subscribe to make sure you get the latest PM job opportunities and interview tips.
—Neel
P.S. If you’re looking for other PM internship opportunities, check out my list of 50+ roles.
Note: All views expressed here are my own and do not necessarily reflect the views of my employer. I’m speaking for myself, not in any official capacity.