What does APM stand for?

APM stands for Associate Product Manager, a role that designates a Product Manager in the early stages of their career in product. The term was coined at Google to describe their internal PM training program, originally run by Marissa Mayer. The program is still ongoing at Google today, with many other tech companies running similar programs.    

How is this different from other product training courses?

APM Montreal is a community-led training program. This means that the Mentors are product leaders working in the Montreal community and are volunteering their time. The result is a hands-on and practical approach that focuses on how product management problems get solved in real situations and with specific tactics with passionate and dedicated teachers. The APM Montreal approach also creates an amazing community experience.    

What is included in the program?

APMs selected for the program get access to:

• 18 weeks of live sessions with rotating mentors across the participating companies. Each session includes mini lectures, discussions and interactive activities to put what you’ve learned into practice. Once a month, sessions will be in person. 

• 1-on-1 pairing with a mentor throughout the program to support you on a more personal level.

• Networking events to meet with with APMs and Mentors (e.g. , Sugar Shack trip, BBQ in the Park, and Closing Cocktail).

• Slack community to stay connected with APM Montreal and greater APM Canada communities. 

How do I know if this program is for me?

We have found that these profiles get the most out of the program. If you are not sure, fill in the form to join anyways, and someone will reach out to assess fit.

• New hire, new to PM - This is the ideal profile, as the mission of APM is to provide more access to the PM career path.

• Internal, lateral transfer to PM - Someone moving into product management from an adjacent role.

• Recent PM hire - a PM hired in the last few quarters could also be a good fit for the program. 

If a PM has been in their role for more than a year, it’s probably not a good fit as the APM Montreal training is aimed at building an Associate Product Manager's fundamental skills in the practice.

What is expected from the APMs?

• Weekly pre-readings

• Attend 100% of sessions

• Participate actively in the sessions, events and community generally

I'm interested in joining as an APM, but my company doesn't have a Mentor available. Can I still participate?

APM Montreal is a community based training program and product leaders participating as Mentors are a key component of its success. For this reason, we aim to partner with companies that can send both an APM and a Mentor as a pair to participate in the program.

However, this year we are also accepting applicants who don’t have sponsorship yet. Please reach out through our form.