I’m coming from an IB background and honestly, I’m feeling stuck on where to even start with PM networking. I’ve read a ton about APM programs and resume frameworks, but I keep running into this gap—nobody really talks about the specific moves that actually matter in those first three months.
Here’s what I’m trying to figure out: I’ve got a strong finance network, but that doesn’t automatically translate to PM conversations. I reach out to PMs at top firms and get silence or polite brush-offs. When I do get face time, I don’t think I’m asking the right questions or positioning my banking background in a way that resonates.
I know I need to learn the PM language, but I’m also not trying to fake expertise I don’t have. What I really want to know is—what’s the actual sequence? Is it: build my resume first, then network? Hit up APM programs and leverage their alumni? Or should I be doing targeted outreach to PMs right now despite my resume not being “PM-ready” yet?
I’ve seen posts about people landing interviews after reframing their experience, but I’m not sure if that’s survivor bias or if there’s a real playbook here. What were your first concrete steps when you pivoted, and what would you do differently if you were starting over today?
lol, the 90-day sprint fantasy. Look, most ppl overlook this: bankers think process = success. it doesn’t. PMs care about your curiosity about their product, not ur analytical skills. Start by actually using the products u wanna work on, then reach out to mid-level PMs—not directors. They remember being hungry. Skip the resume polish for now; it’ll feel fake anyway.
Real talk? Your IB network is actually a liability if you lead with it. PMs see “banker” and think short-term, spreadsheet jockey. Reframe to: ‘I’ve been analyzing market dynamics and user behavior around fintech.’ That’s half-true and it opens doors. The resume comes after u prove u can think like a PM in conversations, not before.
omg this is exactly where im at rn!! i think targeting mid level pms first makes so much sense vs going straight to partners. have u tried reaching out to like 5-10 pms per week? maybe some reply rates would help validate ur messaging?
wait so ur saying bank experience isnt the hook? thats wild but makes sense lol. so like reframe ur story 2 product impact instead?
Your instinct about sequencing is partially correct, but let me offer a different lens. Rather than resume-first or network-first, I’d recommend a parallel approach: spend week one refining your product narrative—not your resume—through actual product usage and lightweight analysis. Simultaneously, identify 15-20 PM targets across companies you genuinely care about. Your initial outreach should focus on curiosity, not optimization. Ask specific questions about their product decisions. This demonstrates intellectual engagement before your resume even matters. By week three, you should have patterns from these conversations that inform both your resume refinement and your subsequent networking waves.
I’ve watched many talented bankers struggle with this transition. The core issue is that PM hiring managers don’t discount your banking background—they just don’t find it inherently valuable without translation. The bridge is demonstrating that you’ve thought deeply about one or two specific products, their competitive dynamics, and potential strategic decisions. That analysis matters more than your job title. Target PMs at firms you’d actually want to join, and in those conversations, ask about their biggest product bet this year and why they made it. Your follow-up should reference market data or user sentiment you’ve uncovered.
You’ve got this! Your finance background is actually a superpower—you understand business fundamentals that many PMs miss. Start conversations, stay curious, and your authentic interest will shine through. Progress over perfection!
When I hit my first PM conversations, I actually had zero PM experience on paper. But I’d spent time analyzing how my banking clients’ product decisions impacted market share. That became my hook. I told PMs “I’ve been watching how your competitor’s pricing strategy affects retention” rather than “I wanna be a PM.” Suddenly they wanted to talk. Took about 60 outreach attempts, but maybe 8-10% converted to real conversations.
Research suggests that PM hiring managers weight demonstrated product thinking over traditional credentials. Based on recent trends, bankers who transition successfully typically spend 4-6 weeks before outreach conducting deep-dive analyses of 2-3 target companies’ product strategies. Your outreach messaging should include one specific product insight or question that shows this research. Data on APM program effectiveness varies widely; programs like Google’s, Meta’s, and Reforge show higher conversion rates when candidates have prior product exposure. I’d recommend treating your first 90 days as: weeks 1-3 product immersion, weeks 4-8 targeted outreach waves, weeks 9-12 interview preparation and program applications if needed.
Your banking background actually provides a statistical advantage in one specific area: financial modeling and market analysis. Translation: when discussing unit economics, CAC, LTV, or marketplace dynamics, you’ll have more credibility than many candidates. However, studies on career transitions show this advantage disappears if you only rely on that framing. The candidates who succeed combine financial acumen with user-centric thinking. I’d suggest measuring success by reply rate on outreach (aim for 10-15% on cold emails to mid-level PMs) and conversion to informational interviews (target 30-40% from replies).