Fresh Graduate chance as a Product Manager

Got a bachelor’s degree is once a lifetime achievement for most Indonesian. Through the journey is not always smooth, many ups and downs happened. Three and a half years during college we might unable to breathe but once done, somehow it flew by like an unbounded balloon.

Graduate as a B.Sc in Information Technology

Yup, the most popular question for all recent graduates. As you can see, that is my “I might smile but deep inside I’m screaming” smile.

Now what? I’m an IT graduate and I don’t like to code.

I’ll share a bit of my background. My faculty in Computer Science majoring in Information Technology but there is no concentration. I learned all, calculus, programming, database, network security, operating system, robotics, and IT project management. I passed all subjects with my effort and intention even most of them I’m not interested in. I only enjoy ITPM, that’s it, then generated thought on my mind.

Okay, I won’t find a job related to code or programming. Is it possible for an IT graduate? Would I stand out?

Let’s find a job! Prepared a resume, portfolio, certificates, and cover letter. In the first week, I’m so excited! I applied for all vacancies with no job description to code (e.g Engineer, Developer) so it was a Business Analyst or System Analyst, or Quality Assurance. Many tests & interviews I have done from many job portals. No one accepted me for that role, why? They required 2 years experience minimum. A bit hopeless back then, till I found “Tokopedia Product Academy”.

That was the first time I hand-shaked with Product Management.

Product Academy is an event held by Tokopedia to provide 5 days intensive development program for selected final year students with IT, Design, and Business backgrounds. Offers the opportunity to learn about the exposure about how Tokopedia’s businesses operate as well as hands-on how to solve a real problem through developing the product. Sadly, I was not passed on the last step, the case study, it was a good opportunity actually. But I gained something from that event that motivates me until now.

Not so many job opportunities open for product management back then in early 2019 and if it’s any, it’s required more than 2 years of experience. Again, I’m a bit hopeless… I just randomly applied for any IT role with a minimum job role in technical until I applied for System Administrator at Pinduit.

System Administrator role in Pinduit that I applied

And a month later, HR contact me and schedule me for an interview. I was researching everything about Pinduit at that time not much that I can get but I saw a job post on LinkedIn, Pinduit was also looking for a Junior Product Manager. I asked HR that I was also interested in that opportunity and she allowed me to continue on those two applications since the user is the same person.

1st Interview with HR: I found it a bit hard to get the office location because there is no sign or billboard showing Pintek office and it’s located in a shophouse. HR helped me to get there, a big room on the second floor and only a few people working there like 15 people. Until they invite me to a mini-meeting room with HR and my user (Product Manager). The interview was asked me a basic question about my resume and an explanation to me about Pintek a bit more. (Oh ya, Pinduit was re-brand into Pintek)

Pintek Office (not really look like an official office back then)

2nd Interview with Users: A week after I was invited to continue my interview with users, VP Tech & Product Manager. I came again to the office but HR sends me to a restaurant across the office to meet the users, Product Manager, and VP Tech. The interview is a bit different, it’s casual and friendly. They asked me to order coffee/tea and the interview was more like a daily conversation, no one read my resume, they asked me everything outside my resume. Some shocking questions also back then for me, for example: “Do you smoke?” or “Lu panggil pake gua lu aja?” Yes, I’m too innocent and mostly use formal language.

The fancy restaurant across Pintek office — Pardon My French

A week later I received an offering email from HR and I’m so thankful.

First, I got the chance in a Product Management role for entry-level. Second, I got offers above my expectations. Third, I got a cool leader & team :)

Not much to think or negotiate about (well, as a fresh graduate), the day after I submit all the documents needed to HR and I will join a week after.

Product management… would it be fit for me? We’ll see…