Building a PM network from zero tech connections—where do you actually start?

Product management Product management careers and networking
1

I’m making the jump into PM from a corporate finance background, and honestly, my entire professional network is in banking and consulting. I don’t know a single product manager, and when I look at job descriptions for PM roles, it feels like everyone expects some kind of existing network or background in tech.

I’ve heard a lot of conflicting advice. Some people say APM programs are a waste and you should just network your way in. Others swear that APM programs are the only real path if you don’t have connections. A few mentors suggested I focus on alumni networks, but my college didn’t have that strong of a tech presence, so I’m not sure how much weight that carries.

The thing that’s frustrating is I don’t know where the actual starting point is. Do I:

  • Start going to PM meetups and events?
  • Leverage my finance background to target fintech PMs specifically?
  • Apply to APM programs while building a network on the side?
  • Find online communities and just start engaging?
  • Reach out to former colleagues who moved into tech?

I want to be tactical about this and not waste six months spinning my wheels. What did people actually do who went from zero tech connections to landing their first PM conversation or interview?

2

honest answer? it doesn’t matter where u start as long as u actually start. most ppl who complain about zero connections are also not attending events or reaching out to anyone. your finance background is actually useful for fintech but don’t pigeonhole yourself - start going to events, talk to ppl, and stop overthinking which path is ‘right’.

3

APM programs are kind of a lottery ticket. yeah you’ll meet pms but so will talking to actual pms at events. the program just adds credentials but doesn’t guarantee a role after. if you have the gpa and time to apply, might as well, but don’t treat it like the only way in.

4

omg u should totally leverage ur finance background!! fintechs r desperate for pms who understand the business side and not just the tech. start there and build from there imo!

5

honestly go to events! that’s how ppl actually meet and talk to each other. sitting at home applying to apms won’t help u network lol

6

maybe try online pm communities too like reforge or something?? i heard ppl network there and some have gotten intros from it

7

Regarding which specific tactic to prioritize: if you’re in a major tech hub, events and in-person networking yield the fastest relationship-building. If you’re remote or in a smaller city, online communities and alumni networks become more critical. Many finance-to-PM transitions succeed by starting with fintech companies or financial services tech because hiring managers recognize the business context. However, don’t let this limit your scope. Use fintech as your warm-up round while systematically building relationships across broader PM communities. The people who transition successfully typically spend six months building a visible, substantive presence—asking thoughtful questions in communities, attending events, and gradually earning warm introductions.

8

The best time to start was yesterday, the second best is today! Get out there and talk to people. Your network will grow so quickly once you start!

9

I also had a mentor suggest I reach out to people from my finance firm who’d moved to tech companies in operations or strategy roles. Those people understood my background and could vouch for my credibility with their PMs. So maybe scan your LinkedIn for former colleagues—you’d be surprised how many moved.

10

Timeline expectations: building sufficient network visibility for meaningful opportunities typically requires 3-6 months of consistent engagement. Most expedited transitions occur within 4-5 months when combining active event attendance, online community engagement, and direct outreach. Your financial services background provides measurable credibility in conversations—quantify this by studying fintech market dynamics, regulatory considerations relevant to specific companies, and product decisions that intersect with financial operations. This domain knowledge differentiates you in conversations and increases likelihood of productive networking outcomes.