The AI PM Launchpad: Your Guide to a $300K+ Career
You can become an AI PM with no experience. Here’s how:
Competition for those roles paying $300–900K is sky high.
So Dr. Nancy Li and I have gone in-depth on the path, with our lessons after having guided students to AI PM roles at:
- OpenAI (TC: $850K)
- Amazon (TC: $485K)
- Microsoft (TC: $373K)
And many more..
Step One: Shape Your Content Diet
You need to develop a broad understanding of the field without getting lost in the technical weeds.
You should:
- Start with YouTube
- Dive into newsletters
- Get onto Twitter (AKA X)
- And Update LinkedIn Follows
You want to build up your brain’s AI neural networks.
Step Two: Take Relevant Courses
Courses are like hiring a trainer at the gym.
They give you structure + accountability.
The goal is to be able to get all the terms and technical stuff down with training wheels.
Step Three: Gain Hands-on Experience
All AI product management job descriptions ask for prior hands-on AI PM experience.
The most effective way to impress hiring managers is to launch an AI product that users pay for.
Use Cursor to build an app along with your marketing site and Stripe integration for payments.
Step Four: Structure Your Portfolio
Create a structured portfolio that showcases your PM experience along with your AI product(s).
This will demonstrate and illustrate the impact of that real world experience.
And since it’s not a full-time experience, you need more than a resume.
Step Five: Network
Build relationships using:
- Social media
- Virtual communities
- Meet-ups & conferences
You’d be surprised how these can actually land you a coveted spot at the AI table.
Every AI company is on social media these days.
Step Six: Snag Interviews
You need to:
- Target the right companies & role
- Craft your AI PM Brand
- Leverage your network
- Be persistent & creative
Don’t just drop a million versions of your generic resume.
It’s a small market — and the pay is sky high — so approach each application with more rigor than your competition.
Step Seven: Ace the Homework and Interview
It’s time to win the final level:
- Nail the homework (focus on user, balance technical & business aspects, be concise)
- Master key interview skills (eg: product sense, analytical skills)
- Demonstrate unique value
- Show enthusiasm & learning agility
To learn in detail, check out the complete deep dive.
Sealing the deal in this market will require many reps.
The path is not easy. It’s hard.
Understand what’s missing from your profile and double down on those steps to get the right opportunity.
Now — go get that AI PM role!
