“Join a startup for your internship,” they advised. “It’ll give you a unique experience!” As a first-year graduate student in Management Science & Engineering, I heard this advice a lot. I wasn’t sure if it was the right fit for me. I started my program with an interest in technology like AI and AGI but wasn’t sure which direction to take. Product management sounded interesting, but I wasn’t sure it was the best choice. When I had the chance to intern at Glober AI, I decided to give it a try. If you’re unsure about getting into product management, let me tell you—it’s worth it. In this blog post, I’ll share my journey before the internship, the projects I worked on at Glober AI, and the valuable lessons I learned.

Finding My Step Before the Internship

As a first-year graduate student in Management Science & Engineering, I was still figuring out my direction. Many of my classmates seemed to have clear career goals—like becoming product managers, data scientists or engineers—but I was uncertain. I viewed my studies as a step towards understanding my passion and deciding my career path or potentially creating my own path.

Over time, I became increasingly curious about product management. The idea of combining technology with strategic planning appealed to me, and I started to see it as a field with exciting possibilities. Encouraged by mentors and peers, I decided it was time to explore internship opportunities. When I found the chance to intern at Glober AI, it felt like the perfect opportunity to see if product management was truly the right fit for me.

Once I secured the internship, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. I had heard various stories about internships—from monotonous jobs to the ones with lasting impacts. I wanted to dive into real projects, learn about the different aspects of product management, and make valuable connections. I was eager to see if this field aligned with my interests and career goals.

Entering the internship, I anticipated making mistakes and having to ask plenty of questions. I was also anxious about keeping up with discussions in meetings. This worry sometimes made it hard to speak up during conversations, and I found myself needing to follow up later for clarification. As an introvert, I knew that engaging in extended social interactions could be draining, and I was prepared to manage the sensory overload and maintain focus in every situation. Despite these challenges, I was committed to making the most of the experience and learning as much as I could.

An exciting internship journey begins at Glober AI

Starting my internship as a Product Manager at Glober AI, a dynamic startup in the USA, was both exciting and challenging. Being my first experience in this role, I dedicated the initial two weeks to understanding the company’s vision, mission, and what the team had accomplished so far. I also familiarized myself with the upcoming plans and the cutting-edge technology being developed.

Breaking the ice and getting into the flow took some time, but with the support of my mentor and the welcoming nature of the team, I quickly found my footing. To keep myself organized, I started maintaining a weekly status report, noting what went well, areas for improvement, and tasks to focus on. This practice helped me track my progress and measure the impact of my contributions.

After gaining a solid understanding of the technology, particularly content localization, and connecting with the engineering team, I began working on my deliverables, including due diligence and competitor analysis. This phase was pivotal as it allowed me to dive deeper into the product and its market landscape.

During this time, I also learned how client feedback can shape the direction and prioritization of features in a startup environment. I completed my analysis and gained insights into how advertising systems like Google and Meta ads function, which was essential for a project on Market Finder.

One key lesson I learned was the difference between thinking like a Project Manager and a Product Manager. Initially, I focused too much on execution (the “how”), but I soon realized that as a Product Manager, the emphasis should be on understanding and solving customer problems (the “what” and “why”).

Reflecting on an unforgettable journey, I took on additional responsibilities as my understanding of our work and clients deepened. These included drafting a monthly newsletter, reviewing engineering team blogs to highlight new features, and providing pricing model recommendations based on competitor analysis. This internship has been transformative, confirming my passion for product management and equipping me with valuable knowledge from my mentor and colleagues. The insights gained are invaluable, and I'm excited about the future, confident that this is the path I want to pursue.

Lessons learned and future aspirations after the internship

This internship has been a transformative experience, showing me that you don’t need to be perfect to succeed. It has greatly deepened my understanding of product management and its crucial role in business growth and product success. I began this internship to see if a career in product management was right for me, and now I’m certain it is. Working on product strategies and creating effective content to engage customers has solidified my desire to be part of a dynamic product management team. Additionally, learning about content localization and market finder products, a new area for me, was truly fascinating.

Looking back, my internship was filled with many positives. It gave me a unique chance to apply my knowledge in a real-world setting, learn from industry experts, and contribute to the development of cutting-edge AI products. This experience improved my strategic thinking, deepened my understanding of the AI content generation market, and emphasized the importance of adaptability in a startup environment. I also learned the value of collaboration and communication. Working closely with team members and stakeholders, I saw how crucial it is to convey ideas effectively and align everyone toward common goals. The feedback I received was invaluable, helping me improve my work and becoming more resilient and open to continuous learning.

My time at Glober AI was truly transformative. The fast-paced and dynamic nature of the startup taught me the importance of adaptability and quick thinking. Collaboration and communication were key. Aligning with team members and stakeholders was essential for achieving shared goals. I learned how vital it is to clearly convey ideas and work together effectively. The feedback I received was crucial, helping me refine my work and enhancing my resilience and willingness to learn. However, the startup environment also brought its challenges. The rapid pace and shifting priorities sometimes made it hard to keep up. Balancing multiple tasks and adapting to frequent changes required flexibility and perseverance. Despite these challenges, the experience was incredibly rewarding and has provided me with a strong foundation for my future career.

Next Step Looking Ahead

Now that my internship is finished, I’m excited to use what I learned at Glober AI in my upcoming studies. I feel lucky to have gained real-world experience. I’m looking forward to learning more about product management and combining what I’ve learned in the field with my studies. I plan to keep making connections and finding new opportunities to continue building my skills and experience before I graduate.

As I look back on my journey at Glober AI, I'm filled with a mix of gratitude, pride, and excitement for the future. My summer internship as a Product Management Intern has been a transformative experience—one that has not only shaped my understanding of product management but also deepened my passion for the field. This blog is a reflection of my journey, from the moment I stepped into the world of Glober AI to the strides I've made in my career aspirations. I hope that by sharing my story, I can inspire others who are just beginning their path in product management.