What advice do you have for new grads looking to go into product marketing?

(1) Learn as much as you can about the product and do your research - it's really easy these days to learn the competitive differentiators of your products, read analyst reports, what customers say, how they market, etc. 

(2) Be useful and humble - if you're looking for an entry level position - be open to learning and be useful - be willing to go the extra mile to add value - whether it's editing a slide deck or reviewing copy. Anything you can do to add value for your manager. 

(3) Talk to your sales teams - they are the brand ambassadors and many times, the first users of the products (especially SEs) so use them to learn what you can about and how they demo/talk about the differentiators, handle customer objections, etc. 

As the founder of YourCareerWings, a career coaching business, and a former marketing leader in edtech at Intuit and Pragmatic Institute, I'm deeply invested in this question. I've always believed in the power of continuous learning, especially in today's ever-changing professional landscape. Did you know that the average graduate today will likely explore up to 15 different career paths in their lifetime? It's a staggering statistic that underscores the importance of adaptability and exploration.

This advice isn't just pertinent to product marketing; it applies across all fields of interest. Let's look into some specifics to help you get started:

1. Conduct informational interviews

   One of the best ways to understand a profession is to talk to those who are living it. From recent grads to seasoned professionals, everyone's insights can be invaluable. Leverage your network—whether it's through community groups, social platforms like LinkedIn, or your university's career center—to connect with professionals in the field. You may discover that you prefer to work at a startup versus an established company, act as a generalist or be more aligned to product versus sales. You will learn so much, and I'm excited for you! This exercise not only broadens your understanding but also strengthens your market research skills.
   

2. Build real-world experience
   There's no substitute for hands-on experience.
   
   Here are a few considerations:

   -Solve real-world problems that a company is facing today in class and apply product marketing principles.

   -Seek internships, both during and after your studies, in related fields, at for profit or non for profit institutions.

   -Engage in competitions at your school or across institutions.

   -Take leadership roles in school chapters and apply product marketing strategies.
   

3. Explore relevant certifications

   
   Certifications can complement your academic background and work experience. During informational interviews, inquire about certifications that align with your interests. For instance, Pragmatic Institute offers certifications for product managers and product marketers, while numerous online platforms offer additional marketing courses to bridge skill gaps.