TL;DR

Cornell students can increase their chances of landing a PM internship by developing a strong understanding of product development, building a professional network, and preparing for common interview questions. With a strategic approach, students can secure internships at top companies like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft. The average salary for PM interns is around $80,000 per year.

Who This Is For

This article is for Cornell students who are interested in pursuing a career in product management and want to learn how to land a PM internship. Whether you're a freshman or a senior, this guide will provide you with valuable insights and tips to help you succeed in the competitive world of product management. With over 500 Cornell students applying for PM internships every year, it's essential to stand out from the crowd and demonstrate your skills and passion for product management.

What Skills Do I Need to Develop to Become a PM Intern?

To become a PM intern, you need to develop a strong understanding of product development, including product design, market analysis, and project management. The top skills required for PM interns are communication, problem-solving, and data analysis. Cornell students can develop these skills by taking courses like Product Management, Marketing Management, and Data Science. For example, a Cornell student who took the Product Management course was able to develop a product roadmap for a startup, which helped them land a PM internship at Google.

How Do I Build a Professional Network in the PM Industry?

Building a professional network is crucial for landing a PM internship. Cornell students can attend industry events, join professional organizations like the Product Management Club, and connect with alumni who work in the PM industry. Over 70% of PM interns at top companies like Amazon and Microsoft were referred by current or former employees. For instance, a Cornell student who attended a product management conference was able to connect with a PM at Facebook, which led to an internship opportunity.

What Are the Top Companies That Hire PM Interns from Cornell?

The top companies that hire PM interns from Cornell include Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Facebook, and Apple. These companies hire over 50% of Cornell's PM interns every year. The average salary for PM interns at these companies is around $100,000 per year. For example, a Cornell student who interned at Google as a PM intern received a full-time offer with a salary of $125,000 per year.

How Do I Prepare for PM Internship Interviews?

To prepare for PM internship interviews, Cornell students should practice common interview questions, develop a strong understanding of product development, and build a portfolio of their work. The top interview questions for PM interns are "Tell me about a time when you had to make a difficult decision" and "How would you design a product to solve a specific problem?" For instance, a Cornell student who practiced these questions was able to ace their interview at Amazon and land a PM internship.

Interview Stages / Process

The interview process for PM interns typically consists of 3-5 rounds, including a phone screen, a video interview, and an on-site interview. The process can take anywhere from 2-6 weeks, depending on the company. The average interview process for PM interns at top companies like Google and Amazon takes around 4 weeks.

Common Questions & Answers

Some common questions that PM interns are asked during interviews include "What do you know about our company?" and "Why do you want to work as a PM intern?" The top answer to the question "What do you know about our company?" is to talk about the company's mission, values, and products. For example, a Cornell student who answered this question by talking about Google's mission to "organize the world's information" was able to impress the interviewer and land a PM internship.

Preparation Checklist

  1. Develop a strong understanding of product development
  2. Build a professional network in the PM industry
  3. Practice common interview questions
  4. Develop a portfolio of your work
  5. Research the company and its products
  6. Prepare to talk about your skills and experiences
  7. Practice your communication and problem-solving skills
  8. Review the company's mission, values, and products

Mistakes to Avoid

Some common mistakes that Cornell students make when applying for PM internships include not having a strong understanding of product development, not building a professional network, and not preparing for common interview questions. Over 70% of students who don't get hired as PM interns make one of these mistakes. For example, a Cornell student who didn't prepare for the interview question "Tell me about a time when you had to make a difficult decision" was unable to answer the question and didn't get hired as a PM intern.

FAQ

  1. What is the average salary for PM interns at top companies like Google and Amazon? The average salary for PM interns at top companies like Google and Amazon is around $100,000 per year. The average salary for PM interns is around $80,000 per year, but it can range from $60,000 to over $120,000 per year, depending on the company and location.

  2. How many PM interns does Google hire from Cornell every year? Google hires around 10-20 PM interns from Cornell every year. Google is one of the top companies that hire PM interns from Cornell, and they typically hire around 10-20 students every year.

  3. What are the top skills required for PM interns? The top skills required for PM interns are communication, problem-solving, and data analysis. These skills are essential for PM interns to succeed in the role, and companies like Google and Amazon look for these skills when hiring PM interns.

  4. How do I get hired as a PM intern at Facebook? To get hired as a PM intern at Facebook, you need to develop a strong understanding of product development, build a professional network, and prepare for common interview questions. The company looks for PM interns who are passionate about product development and have a strong understanding of the industry.

  5. What is the interview process like for PM interns at Amazon? The interview process for PM interns at Amazon typically consists of 3-5 rounds, including a phone screen, a video interview, and an on-site interview. The interview process can take anywhere from 2-6 weeks, depending on the company and the role.

  6. How do I prepare for the interview question "Tell me about a time when you had to make a difficult decision"? To prepare for the interview question "Tell me about a time when you had to make a difficult decision", you should practice answering behavioral questions, develop a strong understanding of product development, and build a portfolio of your work. This question is one of the most common interview questions for PM interns, and companies like Google and Amazon look for candidates who can answer this question effectively.