Diversity in Product: Cassia Trusty
Cassia is currently an associate product manager at Indeed. She’s also the co-founder of LystenNetwork, a Gen-Z startup community and virtual incubator.
We’re excited to showcase her on our Diversity in Product interview series!
We’d love to hear about your journey into product management. How did you become a PM, and what were some of the challenges you faced in securing your first PM role?
I graduated as a Computer Engineer from Villanova University and I had worked as a Software Developer in several roles before I found that I wasn't passionate about coding. In the third quarter of 2020, I reached out to 6 product managers at 6 different companies. They graciously gave 30 minutes of their time for a Zoom call to talk about their PM experience, why they liked their job (and company), and what being a PM is. After these calls, I was inspired to study for the PM interview and after interviewing at several companies, landed my APM role at Indeed.
One of the greatest challenges was knowing how to start studying and learning to be a PM. There are so many resources available, but it’s overwhelming. I needed to redo my resume so that it was PM focused, understand the PM interview process, and then try to find roles to apply to. And don’t get me started on how some APM program applications are only open for a week!
What are some ways hiring managers can make that first PM role easier to obtain for people who don’t look or think like them?
“Is it okay that I’m not technical?” is a question I get in every introductory call with someone who wants to be a PM. While my background is technical, I know many PMs who do not have a technical background. If a role doesn’t require technical knowledge, then make that obvious in the job description.
Look for people who don’t fit the usual description. When I was looking for roles, one of the things that discouraged me was how often a PM or APM would say that it’s hard to get hired for PM roles because recruiters are looking for Ivy League students or ex-FAANG employees. It’s a truth that I have noticed, but it’s important to note that that isn’t a hard rule.
Reach out to more Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-serving institutions (HSIs), and other non-FAANG colleges. The more limiting recruiters are on what qualifications a candidate could have, the more likely you are to miss out on a great candidate.
Looking back on that first PM experience, what advice would you give yourself?
“It’s okay that you don’t feel like you know everything there is to be a PM.” This is something that my cohort and I have been talking about. The PM role varies based on the company you’re at, the team you’re on, and who you are. Often, PMs will say that being a PM is about finding your own style and that’s true. But in order to find your own style, you have to understand the fundamentals of being a PM. Dig deep into understanding the fundamentals of Product Management. Ask as many questions as you can to your Product peers and don’t feel dumb for asking them. The beginning of your career is the best time to ask “newbie” questions.
As far as I’m aware, you can’t get a bachelor’s degree in Product Management. You can scrape together what being a PM seems like or is like from reading books, talking to PMs, and reading articles, but at the end of the day, when you are actually in the role, it will be different. And that’s alright. Embrace the challenge, lean into that uncomfortable “How am I supposed to know all of this?” feeling, and give it your best by learning from yesterday.
Product management can sometimes be an isolating role. What are some approaches you’ve taken to get support?
I am incredibly fortunate to be in Indeed’s APM program which has a cohort of 6 (including me) that I am able to draw support from. I also have a lovely PM mentor who I met in 2020 through a non-profit mentorship program for underrepresented students (listed below). Finally, I have established several PM mentors at Indeed who I lean on for support and wisdom.
Before I found my role, I participated in several PM and tech groups on different platforms (LinkedIn, Slack, etc) in order to gain support throughout my journey of acquiring a PM role. Don’t feel like you have to embark on the journey of your career alone because you don’t have to.
What do you find frustrating about being underrepresented in product management?
As a black woman, there is a constant pressure to ensure that I am not perceived as “abrasive”, “too loud”, “bossy”, or “angry”. The manner in which I have to navigate my role, as a woman of color, when I speak to colleagues and make product decisions is going to be starkly different in how another PM is able to handle it. It’s important to have other WOC in Product Management who understand my experiences and can provide wisdom and feedback in navigating the workforce in that context.
There is a statistically significant lack of WOC in management positions, including Product Management. This directly impacts the amount of WOC who are able to be a mentor and be a resource to not only other WOC in Product Management, but WOC who want to be a Product Manager.
I’ve taken on the role of coach and mentor to other aspiring PMs so that I can serve as a resource to WOC interested in Product Management and I am fortunate to have mentors who have done the same for me. I am the representation for others that I needed to see when I was in their shoes and I am so excited to be that for them.
From your perspective, what’s one thing people should be more aware of?
There is no one-size-fits-all approach for becoming a PM. Your path won’t look like other people’s path, it won’t be as easy or as hard as some people’s journeys, and it may not even have the same end result. That’s alright. Utilize the strength, skills, and knowledge you’ve gained from your past experiences and apply them to what you want to do.
I’ve noticed that people who are trying to break into PM tend to not know how to apply the skills and knowledge they have to a PM situation. And that lack of knowledge can mean your resume doesn’t show how you have demonstrated PM ability in non-PM roles. It isn’t easy to demonstrate how your skills are transferable to Product Management, but it’s an important skill to have because that can at least get you an interview.
If you’ve been applying to PM/APM roles and haven’t gotten [insert stage here] in a long time, think like a PM and see where in the funnel you’re getting stuck.
No first round interviews? Fix your resume.
No second round interviews? Beef up on your behavioral skills + elevator pitch.
Not making it past the case studies/Product Design/etc.? Start doing mock interviews and preparing yourself for that part.
Keep improving until you get that job!
There’s a gap in access to effective resources for breaking into product management, especially for underrepresented communities. Which organizations would you recommend we work with to increase access to product management?
I’ve listed a couple of resources below that I think would be great for you to check out, one of them is a notion resource I created for my mentees. Some are well known and some aren’t, but I used all of these resources except two in my journey and still use some of them!
What’s the best way for readers to reach out to you and stay on top of what you’re doing?
Feel free to add me on LinkedIn, but include a note along with the invitation. I don’t accept invitations without a note! :)
We’re always looking for new perspectives to highlight, to bring more diversity into product management! If you have someone you’d like to nominate, please send us an email at admin@productteacher.com, we’d love to hear from you!