Product Prodigy FAQs - Inclusive Entrepreneurship and Innovation

What is Product Management?
- Product Management is the practice of managing products, services, and experiences on behalf of a startup or corporation that interfaces between customers and the development team, marketers, and designers.
How is this different from traditional entrepreneurship training?
- We teach entrepreneurship through the lens of product management. Upon finishing the program, you have the opportunity to form your own company or serve as an associate product manager at a corporation.

Is Product Prodigy Institute for credit?
- Yes, the first two courses in the 2-year curriculum count towards the entrepreneurship minor in the McCombs School of Business. Each semester counts for 3 hours toward a degree plan. The second year of this program is optional and it goes much deeper into Product Management training as a practicum as you take your venture further.
Do I have to take the class for credit?
- No, but highly encouraged still required to participate in a team. You can audit the course if necessary.

Can I apply to this program if I’m not a UT student?
- Students within UT and outside of UT are eligible to apply. We reserve a limited amount of slots available to non-UT students and stop-outs between the ages of 18-25.
Can I defer my acceptance to the following year?
- If needed, we can keep your name on file and defer your acceptance the following year.

What time is the class?
- The first-year class is on Mondays and Wednesdays 6-7:30 pm with occasional field trips during the weekends.
Do I have to attend in person or can I attend online?
- Online options are available for special circumstances, but it is highly encouraged to be in person.
How many hours do I have to commit to this class a week?
- Because you are building a real company, it is recommended you dedicate between 10 to 15 hours per week to PPI.
What if I have learning challenges?
- Accommodations can be made to ensure students grasp the material even if they are working offline.
What do you teach?
- We teach entrepreneurship in a holistic way. We are not just focused on the bottom line, we’re focused on team dynamics and the formation of the individual self.
What are some of the topics you cover?
- You will learn design, lean startup, agile, waterfall, and other product management principles that will equip you to lead teams and drive products to market.

How do I find a mentor?
- A mentor will be provided for each team each semester.
How often should I meet with my mentor?
- You should meet every other week for 1/hr or every week for 30 mins.
Who is responsible for setting up those meetings and keeping track of the progress?
- You have to lead the conversation and drive the progress forward. They are only there to help you.
What if I don’t like my mentor?
- If your team does not get along with your mentor then an alternative will be found to support you.
How do you pair up a team with a mentor?
- We look to find mentors who are experts in the subject area that you are building your company on and those with a strong reputable background in entrepreneurship who have at least 5 years of experience.
Do I need to meet with my mentor in person or is zoom okay?
- These meetings are recommended to be over zoom and recorded.

Do I have to fill out the strengths finder test?
- Yes, because it helps us place you on a team and understand your personality. If cost is an issue please reach out so we can help.
Do I have to meet with my team every week?
- Yes, you should meet a minimum of 1/week and every other day check-ins.
Does this mean my team may have a hybrid of UT and non-UT students?
- Yes, we find that our model works best when we give you real-life situations where you have to work with all diverse backgrounds.
How big are the teams?
- The teams range between 3-5 people.

Do I get support and seed funding for my company?
- The first 2nd and 3rd place winners get some monetary support in the form of scholarships which they can use in any manner they choose.
Does UT own my IP or can I do whatever I want with it?
- No, UT does not take IP or ownership of your projects.
Do I have to present on demo day?
- Yes, every student is required to be on stage and contribute to their team’s presentation.
Do I have to stick with the same idea for both semesters?
- Each semester you have a chance to revise your previous concept and continue to build a new one but you are responsible to redo the previous semester’s work in order to build that company and redoing the lessons taught regarding project management.

Are there any additional costs for the program?
- All additional costs are optional if you want to join us with interstate trips or international trips.
Do I have to attend the opening retreat?
- Yes, attending the opening retreat is a requirement of the program. It creates a space for the class to get to know each other and start building a team mentality.