USC Student-Led App Projects Launch
Several student-led app ventures at USC, including Project 92 and Project 78, are being highlighted as proving grounds for PM talent. The projects showcase the process of defining user personas, managing a public beta, and iterating on feedback—demonstrating real-world PM skills developed on campus.
These student-led projects are tapping into a robust product management ecosystem at USC. The university offers a formal Graduate Certificate in Product Management, which combines coursework from both the Marshall School of Business and the Viterbi School of Engineering to cover new product development and strategic leadership. For undergraduates, the Mobile App Development Minor provides a structured path for students to learn how to conceive, design, and build mobile applications from the ground up. This hands-on experience is complemented by a Master of Science in Product Innovation program for advanced students. Beyond the curriculum, a network of incubators and student organizations provides real-world learning environments. Resources like the USC Incubator and the Viterbi Student Innovation Institute offer guidance and resources for tech-focused startups. Student-run organizations also play a crucial role. Groups like SparkSC aim to foster a culture of innovation on campus, while the USC Entrepreneur Club and Girls in Tech USC provide community and support for students looking to enter the tech industry. This on-campus support structure is situated within the burgeoning Los Angeles tech scene, which offers a growing number of product management internships at companies ranging from startups to major corporations like Snap and Motorola. Initiatives are also in place to help students connect with these local opportunities. LA-Tech.org's 1,000 Interns Initiative, for instance, is actively working to create pathways for students into the tech sector. This combination of academic programs, university-backed incubators, and a thriving local tech ecosystem creates a fertile environment for aspiring product managers to develop and test their skills.
