Associate product manager role and responsibilities

In 2016, the author transitioned from a failed startup co-founder to a career in product management, starting as an Associate Product Manager (APM) at Paytm. This entry-level role serves as a crucial foundation for individuals who lack direct product management experience, offering training and mentorship opportunities. APMs focus on execution tasks and collaborate closely with stakeholders to ensure product success, while gaining experience in engineering, design, and user interaction. The role is essential for supporting product management teams, especially in large companies, by handling lower-priority tasks and allowing senior managers to focus on strategic goals. Although educational background in technology or commerce is common, skills in stakeholder management, collaboration, and tools like JIRA and Figma are more significant in securing an APM position. APMs also offer growth potential by allowing senior product managers to practice leadership and develop talent. The text emphasizes the importance of clearly defined responsibilities and expectations when hiring and onboarding APMs, as well as the need for continuous support and career development opportunities.