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Google Intern Insights 2014 - Meet Cassie Kozyrkov
June 30, 2014
From Google Glass to Project Loon, Adwords to Docs, our interns have the opportunity to work on some of Google’s most cutting edge and innovative projects. Interns also work across sales and other business functions, bringing a fresh perspective to the work done at Google. To show you just how much of an impact interns make and to highlight their unique experiences, we’re bringing you a special blog series: Google Intern Insights.
For today's post, meet Cassie Kozyrkov, a Decision Support Intern located in the Google Mountain View office. Cassie is a PHD in Statistics at North Carolina State University. When she’s not crunching numbers and working on machine learning, you can find her at the theater, making art, or playing MOBA games.
Tell us one fun, outlandish fact about you!
I rode an ostrich once!
What inspired you to apply for this internship, and what made Google appealing to you as a potential intern?
Google defines so much of today's technological landscape and all of its employees (even the interns!) have a real chance at creating delight, convenience, and opportunity for the world at large. That’s a huge part of why I chose Google. If that’s not reason enough, who wouldn’t be curious about what it’s like to work in Google's quirky environment?
What team are you working on at Google? Can you provide us with a high-level description of your summer project?
I'm part of the Ads Metrics team. My project focuses on using statistical methods to improve the experience of users who are actively shopping online using their smartphones, helping them find what they're looking for faster.
What’s the best part about working with your manager? What about your team?
My manager, Dan Liu, is wonderfully energetic and friendly (and super-smart, of course). It's a delight to work with her! As for the best part about my team - it's a tough call between their patience in getting me up to speed and their hilarious banter during morning coffee meetings.
We all know Googlers and interns love the food and the other benefits. Outside of some of the well-known perks, what’s your favorite part about working at Google?
The heated toilet seats. Just kidding!
I love the speed at which ideas can become reality here. After working for 4 years in psychology labs (grants, tight budgets, and all kinds of red tape), it felt almost unreal when my boss said in week one, "Okay, I like that idea! Just do it.”
What’s something you’ve accomplished during your internship (thus far) that you’re most proud of? Or something you’re looking forward to working on?
I've got an interdisciplinary background, so I'm really proud that the project I've started here at Google has allowed me to act as a bridge between teams with very different skill sets and approaches. We've had a lot of great, fresh ideas from the collaboration. (And yes, I did get a prototype working within my first few weeks here.)
What does “being Googley” mean to you?
Being Googley means having incredible mental flexibility and a way of brightening the day of everyone you come into contact with. The Googliest people I know have colorful personalities and genuinely care about others.
If you could give one piece of advice to potential student applicants, what would it be?
Don't try to fit a career stereotype. Highlight the experiences, skills, quirks, and interests that make you unique - part of what makes Google an amazing place to work is that Googlers dare to be unusual.
Best meal at Google so far?
Before the summer is over, I'm pretty sure I'll send a thank you card to whoever is responsible for the heavenly gluten-free cherry cakes at breakfast.
Outside of being a Google intern, what are some fun things you do outside the classroom/office throughout the year?
Did you just mention the theatre? Let's go!
I also spend a lot of time playing MOBA games and making art by abrading mirrors with sandpaper. (Remember to wear a respirator if you try it at home, kids.)
Dream Google office to visit?
Google Ghana in Accra - I haven't traveled nearly enough in Africa and I'd love the excuse.
While at Google, Cassie is interning with her host, Dan Liu, on the Ads Quality Team. Dan attended Tsinghua University in Beijing before getting her PHD from UCSD and coming to Google in 2008. Originally from China, Dan chose Google because she wanted “to work with smart people and have a big impact”. Dan is a former Google intern herself, so she knew the benefits of interning when she signed on to host Cassie.
What are you working on at Google?
I am an analysis in Ads Quality working on developing ads metrics to measure user’s experience.
Why did you want to host an Intern?
I benefited a lot from my Google internship before I joined google as a full time, and would like to offer someone the same opportunity to learn and grow. Also, I know interns can contribute a lot to the right project.
What’s the best part of working with Cassie as your intern this year?
Cassie is very passionate and has a good intuition of our users’ behaviors and needs. Discussions with her always allow me to put myself into the user's shoes, which is critical to better measure and improve the user’s experience.
What’s the best part about your team?
Everyone is super smart and super fun to work with.
What’s your favorite thing to do when you’re not working?
Traveling; I love seeing new places and experiencing different cultures.
What’s your favorite Google moment so far?
My tennis partner and I won the Google tennis championship (group B) in mixed double in 2010
Want to learn more about internships at Google? Check out our
Student Careers Site
. Additionally, follow
Google Students
on Google+ and use the hashtag
#googleinterns
to keep up with Intern Insights this summer.
Posted by Sidnie Davis, Intern Programs Team
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