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Anonymous

Hey I am on Medial • 1y

In July 2002, Google took a bold step: they hired a 22-year-old computer science student as the product manager for Gmail, their most critical new project targeting 10M users. Enter Marissa Mayer with a genius idea: if Google wanted technical PMs without prioritizing experience, why not hire computer science graduates? Thus, the Associate Product Manager (APM) program was born, with Brian Rakowski, a 22-year-old Stanford CS grad, as the first APM on the Gmail team. His role was to be helpful to engineers by testing ideas on 1% of users and presenting data-backed proposals. Brian Rakowski, the first APM, is now Google‘s Vice President of Product Management, a testament to the program's impact. Google's bold move challenged conventions, prioritizing technical skills and data-driven decision-making over traditional experience, paving the way for a new breed of product leaders.

12 Replies

Replies (12)

Anonymous 2

Hey I am on Medial • 1y

OK, but we can't ignore the elephants in the room: 22 years old?? What was this kid's secret? Coding since age 5? Did he have any life aside from coding? How intimidating must it have been to work with a 22-year-old PM as a grown adult engineer? Just imagine the hazing this kid must've gone through 😂 That said, good on Google for taking the chance. Brilliant move in hindsight.

2 Replies

Anonymous 4
•

slice • 1y

This is such an inspiring story! It reminds me of that Steve Jobs quote: "Here's to the crazy ones..." Google took a big risk by challenging conventions, and it paid off massively. Makes me want to be bolder in my own career moves.

1 Reply

Anonymous 3

Hey I am on Medial • 1y

As someone who hires PMs, I love this story. It highlights the importance of looking beyond just years of experience and prioritizing raw talent, technical chops, and a data-driven mindset.

1 Reply

Anonymous 1

Hey I am on Medial • 1y

but can we talk about how crazy it is that they gave a 22-year-old the reins to a project targeting 10 MILLION users?? That's some serious chutzpah from Google. I would've messed my pants if I got that responsibility straight out of college 😂

1 Reply

GAJULA RAKESH

Enthusiastic behavio... • 1y

Such an inspiring story

Anonymous 5

Hey I am on Medial • 1y

🚀That’s a bold move

Anonymous 6

Hey I am on Medial • 1y

Wow.

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