Approach homework assignment

Despite the above advantages and disadvantages of tackling the easy or the hard homework first, there really is a proper way to approach your homework assignments that will set you up for getting more done. And here it is: Do what works for you!

A typical homework assignment presents a product problem (e.g., “Explain how you’d solve for…”), a suggested time commitment (e.g., “Spend no more than 6 hours…”) and sometimes comes with an associated data pack (especially for analytically oriented roles). Why do companies use PM homework assignments?

If you plan to assign educational materials, ask in your first session whether your client prefers audio or written media. When you give the assignment, take a few minutes to go over it with your client. Give an example of how to complete it and make sure they understand the process. You’ll also want to explain the purpose of the assignment.

The PM homework assignment typically drills deep into the latter part, striving to see how you work when you have some breathing time to explore the problem space — which is often a realistic approximation of the on the job experience. There are a ton of ways to do this and your particular approach will be part of your personal style.