One of the best ways to learn basic skills in Product Management is through industry-specific education. For some students, that might look like a Product Management bootcamp. For other individuals looking to prioritize real-world experience, an internship might be a better option.

Both internships and bootcamps offer their own unique set of benefits and drawbacks, similarities and differences. The best choice for you will depend on different factors, such as your current job status and existing skills.

In this article, we’re going to take a closer look at both Product Management bootcamps and internship models to help you determine the best path forward.

What is a Product Management internship?

Product Management internships, at their core, are a stepping stone that helps you transition from newbie to employed professional. The standard internship length ranges from one month to one year, though the most common internships are 3-6 months. At the right company, a Product Management internship can be invaluable for giving you direct insight into the inner workings of the industry and teaching real-world experience.

Unfortunately, Product Management internships are generally unpaid. Though you will certainly gain large amounts of real-world experience, you might also have to find other ways to support yourself during that time.

What is a Product Management bootcamp?

Product Management bootcamps can last weeks to four months, ranging from in-person coaching to self-led online courses and everything in between. They are generally geared towards adult learners or those seeking a career change, but they’re also well-suited to anyone wanting to enhance their skills to advance an existing Product Management career.

The best bootcamps are flexible and tailored to support your unique needs and goals, while also equipping you with tried-and-true skills and hands-on experience that will make you job-ready by the time you graduate from the bootcamp.

Product Management bootcamp vs internship: which is right for me?

Your needs and career goals will determine whether a Product Management bootcamp or internship is a better educational fit for you.

Here are a few questions to keep in mind when making the decision.

What’s your availability?

Before getting attached to either model, you’ll need to take a serious look at your schedule and honestly ask yourself how much time you’re willing to set aside for your education. Both a Product Management bootcamp and a Product Management internship require a time commitment.

Most online bootcamps are part-time and allow a fair amount of flexibility; depending on the curriculum, you can expect to commit anywhere from 3-15 hours a week to learning. Internships, on the other hand, are almost always in person, and can sometimes require 20 hours or more per week.

What is your current skill level?

If you’re familiar with Product Management basics, an internship is a viable option to connect your “book smarts” with your “street smarts.”

If you’re brand new to the Product Management industry, a bootcamp may be the way to go. Bootcamps tend to be much more technical, and are designed to teach you how to establish your career “from scratch” to ensure you are fully equipped to succeed.

Have you networked with Product Managers?

Even if you’ve done extensive online research and read information on the industry, it’s still a good idea to speak with current Product Managers. Current Product Managers can answer any questions you might have about the industry, their job responsibilities, their compensation or even their individual career goals.

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Our Product Management Bootcamp provides everything you'll need to begin, or deepen, your career in product management. Unlike an internship, provide accelerated education that can help immediately qualify you for a meaningful Product Manager position.

Contact our Admissions department today to get started.