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Caitlin talks to an Associate Product Manager
May 7, 2010
Hey everyone! If there’s one thing I’ve learned from talking to so many engineers, it’s that Google is a pretty cool place for the technically-inclined. But, what if you’re also super interested in marketing and project management? Turns out, there’s a Google job that fits this description perfectly - and Associate Product Manager Fiona told me all about it.
Want to learn more? Check out our
job site
...and read on!
Caitlin
: Hi Fiona! How long have you been at Google?
Fiona
: I started in June 2008 and have been working out of the European engineering headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland for almost two years now.
C
: How’s life as an
Associate Product Manager (APM)
?
F
: It’s pretty exciting! I was actually in the final stages of my PhD in the management of information systems projects when I joined Google and didn’t have any professional experience, but the APM role gave me the opportunity to jump right in there and do it. The APM program lasts for 2 years - you do 2 rotations (two projects for one year each). I spent my first year working with a team of engineers to define our European strategy for
iGoogle
and assist with some exciting global launches. Being an APM means a lot of variety - I think that’s the best thing about the job. Basically, you’re there to do whatever your project needs you to do. Some days, you’ll have meetings from start to finish. Other days, you’re flying off to do a recruitment campaign somewhere, or spending all day at your desk writing up a product plan. It’s always different.
C
: What was it like working on iGoogle?
F
: Very cool. 2009 was a really great year for iGoogle. We created a new version that allows developers and users to expand gadgets to fill the screen, giving you a lot more room to view information, play games or organize your life - this was launched across EMEA with local gadgets. I also worked with the marketing team on many campaigns in Europe - everything from a Ramadan campaign in the Middle East and North Africa, to a Women’s Day campaign in France, to a VIP campaign in Russia. There were always new, exciting opportunities to get the word out about iGoogle - and I was there to support the engineering and marketing teams and ensure that our gadgets were relevant for each country and region. We wound up making a big impact. Some of the gadgets developed by our team in Zurich were included in the large, international launch of
OpenSocial
on iGoogle - thanks to them, we can play games with friends’ photos, share the books we’re reading and places we’re visiting and recommend YouTube videos without ever leaving our iGoogle pages!
C
: Sounds like iGoogle was a great first project! What are you working on at the moment?
F
: After a year with iGoogle, I moved on to the
Maps
team. I’m currently working on a really interesting set of features which are designed to make Maps more relevant and useful for everyone. I like being part of the Maps engineering team because our efforts cross over into so many other functional areas at Google. You get to connect with loads of different teams - both technical and non-technical - and think about all sorts of themes and topics. I love keeping abreast of everything that’s happening at Google and in the world, boiling down the info and bringing it to my team in a useful way.
C
: On that topic, what new, technological developments do you find most interesting and exciting?
F
: Augmented reality is absolutely fascinating. Personally, I find it difficult to watch TV without my laptop next to me. I’m constantly looking up actors on
imdb.com
or looking up that weird medical illness on
House
. I have a natural belief that technology can enhance and improve everyone’s lives—and I happily rely on it to do so. I think augmented reality has the potential to really change the way we interact with the world around us.
C
: Yeah, I actually need my laptop, smart phone, iPod, mini-fridge and microwave oven within arm’s reach if I want to watch TV. Sometimes I worry that I’m overdoing it a bit.
F
: I think the real key is the personalization element - this can help preempt the overload. Too much technology (or too much information) isn’t going to help you - it needs to be targeted. For instance, you don’t need to know about every restaurant you walk past, but you do want to know about the ones you’re going to love. That’s what effective augmented reality should be all about. As an APM, I get to think about this stuff all the time!
C
: Well, I’m really glad someone is watching out for my technological welfare! So, tell me...what do you do when you’re not being an APM?
F
: I’m very into photography - both artistically and for capturing the moment. I use photos as a way of documenting my life - I like keeping a record of things in that way. I’m also a closet documentary fan. I love documentaries that let you see humanity and the world from someone else’s perspective for an hour. Of course, I also love to travel and am taking full advantage of living in Zurich - right in the middle of Europe! I enjoy both the traveling and the planning aspects…in fact, I’m becoming kind of obsessed with airline loyalty programs. I just can’t let myself miss an opportunity to experience one of the world's must-sees!
C
: And finally, as per the recent
Wired Magazine
cover: if you could be a cyborg, what kind would you be?
F
: I see myself as more
Inspector Gadget
than Cybermen
...but I guess we’ll need to wait to find out!
C
: Okay, that’s good. Inspector Gadget is a pretty friendly guy, but Cybermen absolutely terrify me. Thanks for talking with me today, Fiona!
F
: Anytime, Caitlin!
Following their interview, Fiona and Caitlin got down to some serious business.
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