👀 Indeed APM: Application to Offer – iykyk

Computer Science, Internships, and PM

Hi there 👋 — Who are you and what’s your background?

Hi, I’m Kevin! I’m currently a product manager at Indeed, specifically working with enterprise clients on their hiring needs.

My journey into product management began when I landed an APM internship at Indeed during my junior year of college while studying computer science. I was actually applying for SWE internships at the time, and I wasn't really sure what a product manager actually did. However throughout the internship that summer, I realized working closely with designers, engineers, and our users was something I genuinely enjoyed and could see myself doing as a career.

Rotations, Teams, & Network

For those who are unfamiliar, how is the program structured and run?

The APM program at Indeed consists of two one-year rotations with different teams within the company. These teams can span across jobseeker-facing, employer-facing, internal orgs, or any in between.

In your first year, you're assigned to a team, while in your second year, you have the opportunity to review proposals from different teams, meet with managers, and choose your next rotation. A supportive network of current and former APMs is also available to help you throughout the program.

Genuine Interests, Curiosity, Learning

What do you think made you stand out as an applicant during the application process?

I think what may have stood out about me as a candidate was my genuine interest in and understanding of the tech landscape. I don’t know if this is a recruiting strategy that no one is doing per se (especially now), but I browse a lot of forums & podcasts around tech and venture capital due to my own interest, and I would often mention relevant topics & examples as I saw fit throughout the interview process.

All that to say, I think having genuine interests, intrigue, and your own opinions on the different products, features, and decisions different tech companies & startups are making can go a long way to make you stand out as an APM applicant/candidate.

Salary Expectations & Progression

What is the average starting salary for program participants and what does the salary progression look like once you’ve graduated from the program?

In 2020, the average starting salary for new grad APMs was $90k before bonuses & RSUs. Throughout the two-year program (and beyond), there are multiple opportunities to increase your pay.

Post-APM, Building Products, Growth

What’s your next play after graduating from this program? Has this program impacted your 5-10 year career plan?

I’m technically graduated from the program since it normally runs for about 2 years, but the program has definitely provided me with new perspectives as I evaluate my career for the next 5-10 years.

It has helped me learn what kind of teams I really enjoy working with, and the differences in building products B2C vs B2B. Being on different types of teams, and being in a tight community of other talented APMs/PMs has also helped me better identify what I think are my strong suits vs. areas of growth.

This program has also definitely changed the trajectory of my career. End of the day, having a program like this on your resume is really helpful just to get your foot in the door, even though it might not always be fair and based partly on luck. It’s given me a bunch opportunities to network and grow, and I’m excited to see where exactly I head next!