Interview with Libby Birenboim, Product Manager at Microsoft
Who are you?
I’m a 23-year-old Product Manager at Microsoft based in New York City. I’m passionate about building thoughtful, user-centred solutions that genuinely improve people’s experiences and deliver meaningful value.
Outside of work, I love dancing, public speaking, long walks around the city, and spending time with friends and family. I’m also deeply committed to empowering women in tech and believe there should be no barriers to any woman pursuing the career she wants. I mentor aspiring product managers through Topmate, helping them break into the tech industry, and I host community events in NYC that bring together Gen Z and Millennials to learn from one another and build meaningful connections. Living in New York constantly inspires me—the diversity of people, paths, and perspectives is something I find incredibly energising.
What first drew you to working at Microsoft?
What first drew me to Microsoft was a combination of early exposure and a very specific moment that stuck with me. Growing up, my dad worked in tech, so I was always aware of the possibilities within the industry especially the impact of software on everyday life. That naturally sparked my interest from a young age.
When I began studying Computer Science at Rutgers University, I took an “Exploring Computer Science” seminar where we had a panel of professionals come speak about their careers. One of the speakers was a woman working at Microsoft, and I vividly remember how passionately she spoke about her work and the life she was building there. That moment really stayed with me. It wasn’t just what she was doing—it was how she talked about it. The sense of purpose, excitement, and pride she had made me think, “I want that too.” From then on, working at Microsoft became a clear goal for me.
Was there a specific moment when you realised this was the path you wanted to pursue?
I went into Computer Science knowing I wanted to work in tech, but I wasn’t sure what path within the industry was right for me. While I enjoyed problem-solving, I quickly realised that coding itself wasn’t what energised me most. I was equally drawn to collaboration, communication, and working closely with people. During my Freshman year at Rutgers University, I joined Blueprint, a student organisation focused on teaching about the different areas of Product and providing hands-on experience for each product area (product management, product design, product engineering, etc.). I decided to explore their Product Management cohort to better understand what the role actually involved—and that experience was a turning point for me.
Through working on a product with a team, I saw firsthand how product managers get to sit at the intersection of technology, business, and people. It clicked. I realised this role would allow me to solve complex problems creatively while collaborating closely with others every day. That was the moment I knew this was the path I wanted to pursue.
What does a typical day in your life look like?
A typical day for me is a good balance between work and the things I enjoy out of it. I usually wake up around 7.30am and start my day with a workout at home. After that, I’ll get ready, make breakfast, and pack lunch before heading to the Microsoft office in Times Square. I enjoy going in because it gives me the chance to connect with colleagues—both from my team and others based in New York. During the workday, I spend a lot of time meeting with stakeholders across my projects—working closely with customers, partners, engineers, designers, and other product managers. Outside of meetings, I focus on product strategy, documentation, and thinking through the long-term vision. I also handle day-to-day priorities like addressing issues or bugs to make sure everything runs smoothly for our users. After work, I like to stay active. A few times a week, I head to Broadway Dance Center for dance classes, usually hip hop or jazz funk. It’s one of my favourite ways to unwind. On evenings when I’m not dancing, I’ll spend time reading or attend community public speaking events like “Learning Nights,” where I can meet new people and keep learning outside of work. Weekends are a bit slower-paced—I use that time to recharge, explore the city, and spend quality time with family and friends.
What first sparked your interest in your field or industry?
I’ve been drawn to tech for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I saw the kind of work my dad was doing, and it always fascinated me how technology could turn things that felt impossible into reality. That idea—that there are almost no limits to what you can build—really stuck with me. Even now, with advancements like AI, you can see just how quickly those boundaries continue to expand. What deepened that interest was realising the scale of impact. Working at Microsoft, I get to contribute to products that reach millions of users, which is incredibly fulfilling. It’s motivating to know that the work I’m doing is not just theoretical—it’s actually being used in people’s everyday lives. I also found that Product Management is where everything clicked for me. It allows me to stay close to the technology and work alongside engineering teams, while also collaborating with people across different functions every day. That balance between building, problem-solving, and connecting with others is what makes this field feel like the right fit for me.
What is your favourite thing about your job?
My favourite thing about being a Product Manager at Microsoft is seeing the real-world impact of the work I do every day. Whether it’s speaking with a satisfied customer or reading about our role in the broader AI transformation, it’s incredibly fulfilling to know that I’m contributing—even in a small way—to something that’s shaping how people live and work. That sense of impact is what motivates me every day. I also really value the people I get to work with. Microsoft is such a diverse environment, and I’m constantly surrounded by individuals with different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. I feel like I’m learning something new from the people around me all the time, which makes the work even more meaningful.
What challenges have you faced as a woman in this field?
I’ve been fortunate that my experience at Microsoft has been very positive—there’s a strong culture of support and mutual respect, and my team in particular is made up of many women, which creates an encouraging environment. That said, being a woman in tech still comes with its challenges. There are moments—whether in meetings or at conferences—where I’m the only woman in the room, and early in my career, that can feel intimidating. Speaking up in those settings isn’t always easy, even when you have something valuable to contribute. Over time, I’ve learned to reframe those situations. I remind myself that I’ve earned my seat at the table, and that my perspective matters. Building that confidence is an ongoing process, but it’s something I actively work on. I’ve also found a lot of value in community. Being part of women-focused groups, both within Microsoft and in New York, has allowed me to learn from others’ experiences, gain perspective, and feel supported. It’s a reminder that while these challenges exist, you’re not navigating them alone.
What advice would you give younger women entering the industry?
The biggest piece of advice I would give is to truly believe in yourself. It sounds cheesy, but in my experience, the biggest obstacle has often been my own self-doubt. I’ve definitely dealt with imposter syndrome—moments where I questioned whether I belonged in the room or hesitated to speak up on more technical topics.
What mindset has helped you succeed the most?
What’s helped me is realising that if I don’t believe in my own perspective, it’s hard to expect others to. The more I’ve leaned into my voice and trusted that I earned my seat at the table, the more confident—and effective—I’ve become. I’d also say: don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are so many supportive communities of women in tech, and chances are, someone has been through exactly what you’re going through. Reaching out, asking questions, and learning from others can make a huge difference. If you work hard, stay curious, believe in yourself, and lean on others when you need to, there’s really nothing standing in your way.
What do you love to do outside of working at Microsoft?
Outside of work at Microsoft, dancing is definitely my favourite thing to do. I’ve been dancing since I was three years old, and it’s always been a big part of my life. It’s not just something I enjoy—it’s also something that’s helped me build confidence, which carries over into my career as well. I try to take at least one class every week, and it’s my favourite way to reset after a long day. I also really enjoy being part of networking and learning communities. I attend and help host events like “Learning Nights,” where people give short talks, share ideas, and connect with each other. It’s such a fun way to meet new people and keep learning outside of a traditional work setting. And outside of that, I love the simple things—relaxing at home, reading or watching TV, cooking with my boyfriend, and staying connected with friends and family, whether that’s in person or over FaceTime.
What is the biggest lesson your career has taught you so far?
The biggest lesson my career has taught me so far is the importance of building meaningful relationships. You’d be surprised how much of your growth and opportunity comes from the people around you—those who support you, advocate for you, and challenge you to grow. That said, networking doesn’t have to feel transactional or intimidating. It’s not just about formal connections or work conversations—it’s also your friends, your family, and the people you meet in everyday life. The most valuable relationships often come from a place of genuine curiosity and interest in others. I’ve found that when you focus on building real connections—offering help, staying open, and being willing to ask for support when you need it—your network naturally grows with you. And that network doesn’t just open doors; it helps you learn, grow, and navigate your career with more confidence. At the end of the day, the people you surround yourself with shape both your career and your life—so invest in those relationships, because they truly make all the difference.
