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Googlers Beta - 2011
December 19, 2011
Introduction: We are relaunching the
Googlers Beta Series
, which brings you the unique stories and experiences of Google interns. Though most interns spend their time working at Google offices over the summer, these interns are putting in their time during the fall and winter seasons. Today’s post comes from Steve Suppe, an MBA product manager intern in Google’s Zurich office.
Tell us about yourself (where you’re from, where you went to school, what you studied, etc.)
Steve and his wife on Mt. Rigi, near Lucerne
Steve Suppe:
I’m originally from Orange County, California, USA (the OC!). I studied computer science at the U.S. Air Force Academy, where in addition to my getting my bachelor’s degree, I also served in the U.S. Air Force as a 2nd Lieutenant.
I’m currently studying for an MBA at London Business School. It’s a very international place, which makes for some great discussions—just like Google.
You have a bachelor’s in computer science. What drew you to get your MBA? How did you end up in London?
SS:
After five years working in software engineering, I spent a year as a U.S. Fulbright Scholar in Israel. The Fulbright is a fantastic exchange program that allows you to go out and attempt big things while experiencing life in another country. In my case, it really altered my intended path of a PhD.
I worked with IBM Research Labs in Haifa, Israel as a software engineer on distributed search, while also independently starting a social network for volunteers and organizations in Israel. The experience in developing that product, building a team and working with non-profit organizations made me realize how much I loved actually building products, and piqued my interest in an MBA.
I chose London for a variety of reasons but most importantly, I feel every year I spend outside the U.S. is so educational. My assumptions are challenged every day, and I’ve learned a lot about the world (mostly that there is so much more to learn!).
Tell us about your path to Google.
SS:
With an MBA you can do many things—banking, consulting, general management, the list goes on. For a long time during my studies I thought I might leave technology behind, but I eventually realized that my heart is in technology and that, one way or another, I would have to incoporate tech into whatever I did.
The Google Zurich office posted an advertisement at my school looking for product manager interns, essentially MBA candidates with technical degrees. I really get a thrill when I talk about Google products and the cool, useful features they should have. I think basically everyone has been “wow’ed” by a Google feature at some point in their lives. The allure of helping to build a product that could affect millions of people was too strong to turn down!
What’s the Zurich office like?
SS:
Two things came to my mind the first day. Firstly, “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.” Every corner (or curve) of the building is designed to stimulate, whether through fun collaborative spaces or comfortable places to work alone. And, despite the seeming chaos, everything seems to flow naturally.
Secondly, every person here is sharp and they want to work with you. People are ready to talk about the cool new thing they’re working on, or how they’re going to change the world with their ideas to make the best products.
How have you liked interning at Google? What projects have you been working on?
SS:
I definitely feel I made the right decision coming here. I’m currently working on
Calendar
. We’re creating roadmaps for a lot of cool new features that are coming down the pipe. We’re also taking a look at how Calendar can better support more of the Google product line.
Beyond that, I’ve had the opportunity to lead the charge on developing a lot of internal capabilities that allow us to really understand how Calendar is being used every day. This is a lot of fun, as I use more of my MBA training to think about what drivers of business we really need to measure.
What’s the most challenging part of working at Google?
SS:
The challenging part is also the most fun. Google lets the best ideas compete their way to the top. That means you have to really make yourself heard, and the best way to do that is to talk to every single person you meet. The neat part is that everyone loves good ideas, even if they’re not their own! So while you’re in a never-ending attempt to sell your project, everyone else is too, which means it’s never-ending collaboration as well.
What do you like to do in your free time?
SS:
Besides technology, my passion lies in music. I’m a writer/performer of original and covered works. I have been playing guitar for 15 years and took singing lessons to help round out my abilities. Playing on stage is great preparation for Google—it gets you over stage fright, and makes you realize that the interesting things you do will get others excited as well.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years?
SS:
That’s a good question! Wherever I may be, I hope I’m making great products that people really find make a difference in their lives.
Posted by Jessica Safir, University Programs Coordinator
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