Microsoft APM Program

The Program

The Associate Product Manager (APM) program at the Microsoft Israel R&D Center is a renowned, 2-year rotational program for recent university graduates interested in building careers in product management.

APMs rotate through three different teams at the Microsoft R&D Center to work on a variety of products - leading and owning entire product features - in high-impact, meaningful projects.

TWO YEARS, THREE TEAMS

Moving between teams allows APMs to grow networks quickly, while also learning different product methodologies and approaches.

REAL PRODUCTS, REAL IMPACT

APMs work in multiple product groups at the Microsoft Israel R&D Center, helping to shape the future of technology.

ACCELERATED GROWTH

Between our bootcamp, mentorship program and an international trip, the APM program is built to accelerate your growth as a PM.

Why APM

Bootcamp

– Meet with R&D Center leadership and learn about different product teams and methodologies during a week-long bootcamp.

Rotations

– Work on three different teams in two years and lead feature development in all - to gain a varied perspective on product development and a unique advantage in the product world.

Mentorship

– Meet experienced product leaders and have one assigned to you as your mentor for each team you work on.

Community

– Share your challenges and gain from others’ perspectives, while also growing a close network of PM peers.

Impact

– Work on products that reach billions around the world and make your day-to-day count.

Why APM @ Microsoft R&D Center

The Microsoft R&D Center in Israel develops and leads strategic products and services that tap into the country’s unique technological and entrepreneurial assets. The center is made up of 23 product development teams in numerous high impact domains, including Cyber Security, Business Analytics and Artificial Intelligence. This allows APMs to work on a variety of projects and make a real impact on Microsoft’s most strategic products.

Itamar Falcon

University: Technion | Israel Institute of Technology

Thanks to APM I made an unbelievable professional breakthrough during the past year. Apart from acquiring important tools and skills for success, I had so much space and liberty to create and solve things on my own. The chance to work independently is important since this role comes with many challenges and I’m the one responsible to get the job done right.

Nitzan Yonai

University: The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Bezalel Academy

After majoring in both CS and Industrial Design I was certain that I’ll eventually be doing product characterization and development. Why, you ask? Because developing a great product is based on two things I enjoy doing: Understanding how people act and communicate, and solving engineering problems. Whether you’re developing an app or designing a plastic chair, at the end of the day you these two challenges always come together. During the past year I dealt with this kind of challenges on a daily basis as a Microsoft APM Product Manager. I already got to work with two different groups – one works on a virtual assistant and the other on Education Technology. It’s intense, but I’m doing exactly what I love.

Adam Zamri

University: Ben Gurion University

My aha! moment about becoming a Product Manager came when I attended a student Hackathon. The Hackathon was about finding solutions to common student-life issues and we built a search model for specific topics in a recorded lecture. This project made me realize I’m interested in delving into users’ pain points and coming up with solutions.

This is exactly what I do now at the Microsoft APM program – I study problems and issues, scribble on the board and soon enough it becomes a part of a real technology that helps users. Unbelievably, I later get to speak with seniors executives at the largest companies in the world about the features I helped designing. Sometimes when I talk with them I think ‘This is so surreal, just a minute ago I was still a student’.

Matika Lidgi

University: Technion | Israel Institute of Technology

I have to admit that when I first heard that Microsoft is launching a junior PM program, I had no idea what this role even means. I just graduated from the Technion and thought I’ll work as a programmer like my university friends. Once I heard about the program I headed straight to the gym, got on the treadmill and read everything I could find online about Product Management while power-walking. The more I read the more I realized this is exactly what I want to do.

And I was right. I got into the program and the past year has been everything I dreamed it to be – I designed features, dealt with marketing, worked vis-à-vis developers, initiated collaborations, attended workshops, received mentoring, learned about user experience, positive communication and new ways to look at the world. But most importantly – this year made me hungry for more. I feel I have so much more to learn, pursue and fulfill.

Guy Reginiano

University: Tel Aviv University, The Academic College of Tel Aviv-Yaffo

When I sent my resume to Microsoft’s APM I had no idea what I was getting into and what being a Product Manager at Microsoft actually means. I knew I find this role interesting but my background was straight-up programming. During the interview process I realized this position is exactly what I’ve been looking for. I came across real situations and issues and saw I can handle them and also enjoy the process. I found out that even though I had no product management experience I have the skills to look at things from both the developer and the user’s perspective.

Since I joined the program I learned how to think strategically and solve customers’ problems. I also dabbled in developing new technology from the specification process and now I’m actually working on another technology for a more mature market – and this is only the beginning.

FAQ

What kind of background do you need to be an APM?

APMs come from various backgrounds, but all need strong technical knowledge in computer science, development or an equivalent. APMs also tend to have a knack for leadership, design, business, marketing and innovative thinking. But no previous product management experience is necessary!

How many APMs are there?

Last year’s class had 5 APMs, and we will be aiming for a similar number this year.

Is this a full-time position?

Yes, APMs are full-time Microsoft PMs. They work from the Microsoft R&D Center in Herzliya.

How is the APM program structured?

Over the course of two years, each APM transitions between three different product teams. The first year is divided so you spend 6 months on each team, while the entirety of the second year is spent on one team.

When does registration open?

The APM class of 2021 is set to start their program in November, 2019. Applications are now open.

What happens after the program?

APMS use their experience to find a permanent home in a Microsoft product group - in either one of the teams they worked on, or another team of their interest.

How should you prepare for the APM interview?

The APM interview focuses on analytic and product design questions. If you have never interviewed for product positions before, we encourage you to review some of the following resources: Cracking the PM interview by Gayle McDowell, The Design of Everyday Things by Donald A. Norman. Read about ‘product management estimation questions’ and ‘product design questions.