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My Summer @ Google: AdCamp
October 16, 2012
Introduction: We continue the
My Summer @ Google
series with a post from Nels, a junior at the University of Minnesota studying operations management, and information systems. Nels recently attended the first ever
AdCamp
, a four day program for rising juniors interested in advertising and sales.
During the school year I know I am going to have a good morning when I am able to get up and eat a bowl of Cheerios before class. Back in May, there was a Wednesday where I completely forgot my cereal, because I was too excited to even think. That morning I had gotten my acceptance email to be a part of Google’s AdCamp program. I may not have gotten my daily dose of oats, but that was the last thing on my mind.
A month prior to that Wednesday, a mentor of mine told me that I should apply for the AdCamp program. I had done a handful of work with Google products in the past, learned to love them, and wanted to get a chance to work with the company behind the magic. I was very quiet about applying, and didn’t mention it to anyone. I remember finally breaking the news to my parents the day I was accepted. I told them two things: “Mom, Dad, I am going to New York for a Google summer program, and I need to go fancy shirt shopping.”
AdCamp is a four-day program for rising juniors at Google’s New York office. Campers are able to learn from seasoned Googlers about the company’s products, and also about the company’s strategies for servicing their clients.
The camp was a healthy balance between work and play. The work happened during the day. Daily sessions were set up as fast paced discussions. We worked closely in teams, and had the opportunity to test our speaking skills in front of the large group. Between our sessions, we were able to explore the office and learn about the hidden perks of being at Google; it only took five minutes of wandering to realize how special Google is.
On the last day of AdCamp we had a case competition. The Googlers presented us with a live case that Google employees were working through. We used all of the tools that we learned at camp, and in under three hours, we created a presentation for a panel of judges. The competition was fierce but in the end our team put together a great presentation and had a lot of fun.
When we weren’t being students, we were tourists. Each night our program leaders would take us out to explore the city. We went on a double-decker bus tour through Times Square & Brooklyn, walked along The Highline park in the Meatpacking District, and went out for an authentic New York style Italian meal (which took a few weeks to fully digest!).
But my favorite part of the trip had to be the people that I met. All of the campers were from different places, and had different stories to tell. By the end of the trip we became a very tight-knit group. If I ever make my way out to either coast, I have a long list of new friends to visit.
The Googlers were also special. The little things were what stood out to me. Every employee was willing to help when I needed it, and they all walked around with a big smile. Our program leaders were amazing. I never felt like I had to impress them. They treated me like a friend instead of a prospect. I am not very emotional, but I gave out quite a few hugs at the end of the trip.
I left AdCamp with confidence that I could do anything. In four days I built up a wealth of knowledge that I am still tapping into today. AdCamp taught me the skills that I need to thrive in any fast paced environment. Lastly, I learned with a bit of teamwork and a bit of fun - anything can happen.
Interested in AdCamp? Applications will be available
here
in Spring 2013.
Posted by Nels Pederson, AdCamp Participant
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