Yahoo’s Simon Hume discusses what he has learned so far as part of the internship programme.
For product manager intern at Yahoo, Simon Hume, the chance to work at the organisation and explore both the business and software development aspects has given him the opportunity to integrate a wide array of skills. Moreover, it has brought up some nostalgic memories.
“Yahoo has always held a special place in my memory and played a key role in my first steps into the online world,” Hume told SiliconRepublic.com.
“It was one of my first email addresses that I created with my older brother to sign up for an online game. So this internship really feels like everything’s come full circle for me.”
What expectations did you have before you began your internship?
I knew it was going to be a challenge, as stepping into something new always is – that’s what excited me. I expected to be pushed out of my comfort zone, especially when it came to speaking up in meetings, sharing my thoughts in front of more experienced people and helping to lead parts of a project. Sure, I’ve done things like that before in smaller settings, but not at this kind of scale or pace.
I knew it would take a bit more confidence, quick learning and a willingness to stumble along the way. But more than anything, I saw it as a chance to grow not just in terms of skills, but also in mindset and professional presence.
Can you describe a typical day in your role?
It sounds like a cliché, but no two days are the same. Even as an intern, I’m constantly facing new challenges, pushing me to continuously learn and deepen my understanding. Some ideas don’t go as planned, unexpected roadblocks come up and priorities shift quickly. I did expect that going in, and the role has definitely delivered on it.
Most days, I’m focused on making sure teams have everything they need to keep things moving, whether that’s unblocking issues, clarifying requirements or simply supporting progress. It’s been eye-opening to see how everything fits together, and I’ve learned so much by being part of that process.
The one constant is that I’m always learning and adapting, and that’s exactly what I was hoping for in a role that continually challenges me to learn, adapt and remain engaged.
Did the scope of your work change as the internship progressed?
Absolutely. In the beginning, it was all about learning and understanding the space, the products, the teams and getting familiar with how everything worked. I’m fortunate to have had eight months here, whereas most internships last only around three. That gave me the time to truly absorb and learn at a steady pace.
As time went on, I started getting involved in smaller tasks, enough to get hands-on experience while observing how more experienced product managers approached problems and made decisions. It was a gradual build-up.
‘I’ve learned the importance of patience, especially with myself’
Now, things feel very different. I have more ownership over my work, help lead meetings, follow up with teams directly and keep projects moving with much more independence. There’s a lot less hand-holding, though of course, it’s always there if I need it.
What key things have you learned during this internship?
The biggest thing I’ve learned is that communication is everything. As a product manager, being able to clearly explain problems, align people and keep conversations open is crucial. It’s not about having all the answers all the time (another thing I’ve learned), it’s about getting everyone on the same page, whether through a message, a meeting or even a quick check-in. I’ve seen how much smoother things go when communication is strong, and how quickly things stall without it.
I’ve also learned the importance of patience, especially with myself. Initially, I felt pressure to keep up with senior PMs and operate at their level from day one. I had to remind myself that every expert started as a beginner. This is an internship, and it’s meant to be a space to learn, not to be perfect. Once I accepted that, it helped me focus on growing rather than performing right away.
Has the internship made you feel more prepared for working life?
This internship has definitely helped me feel more prepared for working life, especially when it comes to routine. At university, my days can be all over the place, with late nights working on assignments and no strict timetable. My part-time employment also frequently required weekend or irregular hours.
But with a 9-5 schedule, once the workday is done, it’s done. That evening time is mine to relax, hang out with family and friends, or just recharge without worrying about assignments. I’ve come to really appreciate that clear boundary between work and personal life, and it’s helped me build better habits and balance.
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