Growth Incubation Program for aspiring or new product managers—PMAfrica
New to product management? My quick guess if you are, would be that you do not mind getting into the real deal as quickly as possible. You want to get high valued on-the-job experience and also get the opportunity to secure a full-time product-related role. The big question now is ‘how?’.
The first 30–60–90 days as a product manager are technically not a time to practice trial and error. And you would not want to discover that you are underprepared for the job when you already have deadlines looming, and deliverables expected of you.
What is your best bet at this point? Balance. Product Manager Africa has put together an initiative to support aspiring and new product managers in a 2-phased incubator program.
How does this work?
- Selection Interview: The PMA Growth Incubation Program is for aspiring or new Product Managers (PMs) with no related experience. During the interview, mentees need to clearly show that they are a fit for the program.
- Program Duration: This program runs for 3 months per session and entails the following learning-based activities:
- Mentee-Mentor Assignment.
- Confirmation of Place of Internship & Business Case.
- One-on-one with Mentors once every week.
- Monthly Performance Reviews.
- Final Performance/Growth Review Session.
3. Write 3 product-related articles: In the course of the 3 months, you will submit a well-researched article on any relevant product-related topic you choose—One article each month.
This is to prepare you for the paperwork and documentation part of your role as a product manager. It will help build your written communication skill, and also your personal brand.
Why should you apply?
- Build your portfolio: At the end of the program, you will have for yourself a portfolio to show. This will give you leverage at your next job interview. Remember portfolios are a great way to demonstrate your competencies.
- Get a new job: If you really perform well during the program, your performance can be pari passu to getting a new job.
- Successful compensation negotiation: Added to all you will learn, this will be a ‘thank you’ for being a great mentee.
- Get practical: You are sure to get real-time PM experience. “Only by doing will you know if you are making progress or not”. This will give you the opportunity to develop your strengths and build-up your weaknesses to become strengths.
- High-referrals: You will receive quality referrals that have got your back. Guess you know that a job candidate with a referral is much more likely to not only get through the door but also land an offer.
A cohort will comprise of 6–12 PMs from Africa. The group would meet virtually once a week for 120 minutes to go over one practical skill of Product Management– each session would have pre-reads and homework following the session. Outside the sessions, the group would be communicating every week and supporting each other’s growth. Each member will also get a mentor from the PMAfrica mentoring network.
Wrap up
Passion for product management will help you scale the interview process and be selected into the program. Also, your ability to be fully available to complete all the program requirements stands you a chance. To apply, click here.
The mentors at the PMA Growth Incubation Program are immersed in this program because of the personal sense of satisfaction it gives them. Also, they see this as a way to give back to society, “paying it forward” is a perfect way to put it. Recognition as a subject matter leader comes in as a bonus.
There are few people who have the boldness to go after what they really want in life. Congratulations on being one of the few.
You might also like to read my previous article on Product Management titled, Entry Level Resources for Becoming a Product Manager. Also, feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn.
