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Better Know an Intern - Liam Morris
October 17, 2013
Google interns are located at offices all across the globe, and represent a broad diversity of backgrounds, concentrations and interests. So inspired by Steven Colbert’s
Better Know a District
, we’re bringing to you “Better Know an Intern!” The series introduces you to our interns across the globe, and will get you the scoop on the impactful projects they work on, their interests and passions, and what it’s really like to intern at Google straight from the source.
For today's post, meet Liam Morris, an intern on the Ads Backend team. Liam is a 4th year computer science student at the Rochester Institute of Technology.
1. Of all the companies to apply for, why did you want to work at Google?
The culture and the projects are definitely what attracted me. I’m a huge fan of the “work hard/play hard” mentality, and that’s definitely represented here. The kinds of problems that are solved by Google aren’t really solved anywhere else, so it’s great to have the opportunity to be exposed to those things. The thing that made me want to come back a second time, though, was definitely the people. Google has a disproportionately large number of brilliant people, but at the same time everyone is modest and super friendly.
2. In what way(s) has Google impacted you, and how have you left an impact at Google?
Google has made me significantly more confident both inside and outside of class. I can approach projects at school with no hesitation and everything is just so much easier to manage with the skills I acquired at Google. Preparing for Google interviews made me think outside the box -- this carried over into my schoolwork and I thought up solutions to problems that I never would have previously (and still do!).
The team that I’m working on actually has quite an impact on Google, which is great. As part of the Ads backend team, almost all of Google’s traffic will somehow touch my code in some way. Given that I’m working on improving the reliability of the Ads infrastructure, if I do things right, people won’t be sure I’ve done anything at all. However, what really happens is that if something goes wrong but my code saves the day, I just saved Google a ton of money (and to me that’s pretty cool).
3. What is the most interesting/exciting thing that you have been able to do as a Google intern? Your “Magic Moment”?
The most exciting thing for me so far was being one of the first residential advisors for
Google’s Computer Science Summer Institute (CSSI)
program! It was really great to see such young students getting so excited about computer science. The amount that they learned in the three weeks they were here was amazing, and I was really proud to be a part of it!
4. Aside from working for Google, what kinds of organizations/clubs/activities are you involved with in your community / around your school’s campus?
I’m a member of my school’s Computer Science Community as well as SPARSA (Security Practices and Research Student Association). Additionally, even though I have an on-campus job as a TA, I frequently tutor students in my free time.
5. What types of lessons/skills have you learned at Google that you will take back to school after this summer ends?
Both summers that I’ve been here, my ability to handle large projects has significantly improved. Going back to school projects after working on projects at Google is almost underwhelming. :)
My code is also significantly cleaner the more I write at Google. It kind of has to be, or it would never make it into production. You learn that after the first few times your code gets reviewed, though.
6. Any advice for students interested in being a Google intern?
I always tell people to not be afraid to apply. A lot of people think to themselves “There’s no way I’d get hired at Google!” The fact of the matter is, if you don’t apply then that’s certainly true! If you don’t apply, the best that will happen is you don’t get hired. If you do apply and (worst case scenario) you don’t get hired, just consider it a learning experience! Even just going through the hiring process for Google is immensely educational.
7. Favorite micro-kitchen snack?
Metromint water. I think I drink the equivalent of my salary in these waters every day. One of the saddest parts about leaving Google last summer was the lack of delicious waters in my fridge.
Interested in learning more about our internship opportunities? Please visit our
student jobs site
and apply today!
Posted by Sarah Henderson, Student Development team
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