Why my early failures were the best thing for me.

Before I officially became a Product Manager, I tried to build my own products. Most of them failed—spectacularly.

🚀 I created a Shopify store that drop-shipped swimsuits.
🚀 I built NextElective, a website that helped students pick college courses (I even hired someone on Upwork for $500 to build it).
🚀 I launched OpenInvite, a site to match people for activities.

None of these became the next Facebook, but they taught me everything—from product development to user experience to how to ship something from 0 to 1. More importantly, they gave me something real to show recruiters and hiring managers when I applied for PM roles.

If you’re trying to break into Product Management, gaining the right experience is critical. Here’s exactly how to do it.

1. Build Side Projects and Products End-to-End

One of the best ways to gain PM experience—before you even have the title—is to build something from scratch. You don’t need permission. You don’t even need to know how to code.

Why Side Projects Help You Land a PM Job:

✅ You learn how to bring an idea to life—from concept to launch.
✅ You develop critical skills in marketing, sales, UX, and customer research.
✅ You refine your product sense by making real decisions and seeing what works.
✅ You gain experience working across design, engineering, and business—just like a real PM.

When I applied for my first PM role, I didn’t just send a resume. I sent a portfolio of the projects I had built. If my product was in the same industry as the company I was applying to? Even better.

💡 Pro Tip: You don’t need a revolutionary idea—just something simple that solves a real problem.

Side Project Ideas to Try:

• Build a no-code app with Bubble.io

• Create a job board or directory using Webflow and Airtable

• Develop an internal tool for your company using Stacker

• Automate a workflow with Zapier

• Start a Shopify/Etsy store and experiment with e-commerce

• Create a course on Udemy or Teachable based on something you know well

Even if your side project never makes money, the experience is what counts. ✨

2. Join a Start-up Bootcamp or Accelerator

One summer, I joined my university’s Entrepreneurship Bootcamp. They gave us a small grant to build something, and even though my product only had 100 users, I ended up winning a $35,000 grant—which later helped me launch a profitable venture with friends.

If you’re in college, you can find entrepreneurial bootcamps that give you hands-on experience in building products. If you’re a professional, consider Product Management bootcamps that match you with real start-ups to gain experience.

💡 Pro Tip: Search for accelerators or bootcamps that provide real-world projects—not just theory.

3. Build Your Own Start-up (Even If It Fails)

The truth is, many great PMs start as entrepreneurs. Building your own start-up—even if it doesn’t succeed—is one of the best ways to learn product strategy, leadership, and execution.

I went through five failed projects before one of them finally worked. That start-up grew into a 12-person team, an office in Toronto, and over $1M in ARR.

Even if your start-up doesn’t take off, the experience will be invaluable in job interviews—because you’ll be able to speak to:

✅ Ownership & Leadership – How you made product decisions.
✅ Execution & Growth – How you built and scaled the product.
✅ Collaboration – How you worked across teams to bring the product to life.

If you’ve ever wanted to launch something of your own, do it! Even if you later decide to join a company, this experience will set you apart. 🔥

4. Attend Hackathons

If you want to build real products, gain hands-on experience, and work with engineers and designers—go to a hackathon.

Why Hackathons Help You Break into PM:

🚀 You collaborate cross-functionally—just like a real PM.
🚀 You ship a real product under time constraints.
🚀 You practice communication and pitching—critical PM skills.
🚀 You expand your network (some people even land jobs from hackathons!).

💡 Pro Tip: After the hackathon, keep refining the product and turn it into a real case study.

5. Work for Free (or a Small Stipend) to Build Experience

Some people hate this idea. But the reality is, if you have no experience, it’s hard to get hired. One of the fastest ways to gain credibility is to work with a start-up or founder before expecting a salary.

Ways to Offer Value in Exchange for Experience:

✅ Help an entrepreneur 5-15 hours per week with product-related tasks.
✅ Offer your skills (UX, marketing, data analysis) in exchange for product experience.
✅ Volunteer for non-profits—many need product support but can’t afford a full-time PM.
✅ Freelance on Upwork—pick up low-cost projects to gain experience.

💡 Pro Tip: After 3-6 months, you’ll have real experience you can showcase—and possibly even convert your role into a paid position.

Final Thought: Experience is Created, Not Given

The biggest mistake I see aspiring PMs make? Waiting for permission.

Too many people think they need a formal PM job before they can start “doing” product management. But the truth is, the best PMs start acting like PMs before they have the title.

So, instead of waiting for someone to hire you, ask yourself:

❓ What product can I build this month?
❓ What company can I offer to help?
❓ What experience can I create for myself?

What’s one project you’ve been putting off? How can you start it this week? 💣