Phong Trang🇸🇪

About Phong Trang

AI Product Manager at Eliq AB, ex Volvo Cars

I spent four years at Volvo Cars as a product manager on AI, data and web platform products, then a year doing AI product work in energy at Eliq. I'm now a doctoral researcher at the University of Gothenburg, studying how people actually use AI in their day-to-day work.

Most portfolio and CV advice here on ADPList comes from designers and hiring managers. I offer you the other seat at the table. When you interview for a design or engineering role, the product manager is usually the stakeholder who decides whether you can be worked with, and we ask different questions. What problem was this. What did you trade away. What happened after you shipped it. I'll tell you honestly what I hear in your answers, and how to answer better.

I also arrived in Sweden in 2020 as a master's student on a scholarship, and went through a work permit, a layoff and a new role since. Newcomer questions are welcome.

Expertise

Sessions with Phong Trang

• Open Career Chat (30 min): Bring a decision you're stuck on. Product, design, engineering, AI, or whether a master's or a doctoral program is worth it.
• Portfolio walkthrough, from the PM's chair (30 min): Join me for an engaging session where we will explore your portfolio through the lens of a product manager. You will present one or two of your projects as if you were in a real interview, allowing us to dive deep into your thought process and creative journey. As the product manager on the panel, I will provide constructive feedback on key aspects of your presentation, focusing on the clarity of your problem statement and the completeness of your trade-offs. We will discuss how effectively you address potential concerns and whether your narrative instills confidence in your audience. This session is open to portfolios from design, engineering, and product disciplines, creating an inclusive environment for diverse perspectives. Together we will refine your approach, highlighting strengths and areas for growth. Our goal is to elevate your
• Mock interview & the stakeholder round (30 min): A real mock, then feedback. For PM candidates: product sense, prioritisation, metrics. For designers and engineers: the cross-functional round with the PM, which is the one most people never rehearse.
• Moving to Sweden & finding work here (30 min): Permits, the graduate-programme route, what employers here actually respond to, and what to do if you lose a job while on a work permit. Six years of lived experience, offered as experience rather than legal advice.
• Master's & PhD applications, including scholarship (30 min): Personal statements, research proposals and scholarship applications for Sweden and the EU. I came here on a full scholarship for a master's and I'm now inside a Swedish doctoral programme, so I can read your draft the way the committee will.

What mentees say

“I had a great session with Phong. He showed a strong willingness to share all of his knowledge and expertise. I really appreciate this opportunity, as it gave me a clearer path toward pursuing my PhD”

“I had an outstanding experience with my mentor, who demonstrated amazing communication and motivation throughout our session. Their deep subject knowledge and exceptional problem-solving skills truly helped me gain clarity and direction. I highly recommend booking a session with them, as they exceed expectations and will undoubtedly enrich your learning journey!”

“He was very helpful and genuinely willing to share his experience and provide guidance. He did his best to address my questions during the session and also gave me useful suggestions for my next steps. I really appreciate his willingness to help and share his insights!”