From Building Internal Tools to Product Manager at Capital One: Jack Zhang’s Journey

What if someone could break into product management in just three months—with a 40% salary boost?

In this episode, Jack shares how he transitioned from sales operations to a product manager role at Capital One. His journey proves that breaking into product management isn’t about having the “perfect background” — it’s about clarity, strategy, and persistence.

• 1:30 → Jack’s background: from sales operations to Capital One PM.
• 4:00 → Salary jump: 40% increase explained.
• 7:00 → Finding a niche: internal tools & fintech focus.
• 11:00 → Resume strategy: keywords & targeted applications.
• 15:00 → Interview prep: frameworks, combining methods, case studies.
• 19:00 → Mock interviews & coaching: gaining new perspectives.
• 22:00 → Job market challenges
• 25:00 → Growth mindset

▶️Subscribe to weekly newsletters to get referral job openings and career advice.
https://www.pmaccelerator.io/subscribe

 

 🌟 🌟 🌟 Interested in Product Manager Accelerator to increase your income while doing the work you love? 🌟 🌟 🌟

Step 1️⃣: Attend the Product Masterclass to learn more about the program details, price, different packages, and stay until the end to get FREE AI Course. 
https://www.pmaccelerator.io/masterclass

Step 2️⃣: Reserve your early bird ticket and submit an application to talk to our Head of Admission

Step 3️⃣: Successful applicants join our PMA Pro community to receive customized coaching!

 

====================

Rate, Review, and Follow

"I love Dr. Nancy Li and the Product Insider Podcast"! If this sounds like you, please give us a five-star review. This helps me impact many product managers -- just like you -- we together create products to impact millions of people's lives! Click the home page of Product Insider and scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write A Review". Make sure to tell us what you like the most about the podcast or episode. Remember to subscribe to the podcast, so that you won't miss our weekly product insider secrets!