8 months passed, I didn't noticed. So easy to forget what has passed as things continue to move very quickly. And so, I take this time to pause and reminisce. Why? Our struggles before a success help us to appreciate where we are right now. Our beginnings despite over inspire us to wake up everyday with energy and optimism as if things are new again and an adventure awaits.
I applied via Google careers site. I have 5 interviews which I can say I prepared so well: deck of index cards kept in my folder and two good friends who helped me in mock interviews (including the help of Google/Youtube/Quora). Even if I prepared so well, my first technical interview is unexpected: all questions asked of me are not in my index cards! I think the test there is how to answer if you do not know the answer (wink). Also, I think the lesson I learned is that, no preparation is ever wasted as this will some way or another help you in the way you organize the thoughts, make your answer brief and clear and speak in a confident way. Best tip I learned that helped me is preparing short stories to specifically support what you say: carry at least 5 short stories. Also, Google interview questions usually revolve in four attributes: general cognitive ability, leadership, Googleyness and role-related knowledge.
Google's announcement of hiring me is few days before my birthday (must be God's birthday gift).
I was able to stay in Singapore for two weeks and so had a chance to have a quick personal side tour in Malaysia on a Saturday. I left Singapore and travelled for 6 hours via bus. We need to go down the bus from time to time for immigration checks. When I arrived in KL, my phone died and I look for open stalls to charge (thanks, there is 7/11). The plug in MY is different so I need to buy a charger. My hotel booking is wrong (for the next day) and so I need to look for a hotel nearby, it's around 4am. At last, I'm able to rest around 6am. That day is full tour to few places in KL. Then at late afternoon, I went back to Singapore via bus.
Next day, I went to church and visited Universal Studios Singapore. It's my first time. I bought the ticket online.
Few weeks after, I flew to Sydney to meet other colleagues. Before reporting to office, I was able to tour in Sydney as I arrived early morning of Sunday. First, I went to church for service. Hillsong campus is near my hotel so I walked using my best travel buddy, Google Maps!
After Sydney, I report to Philippine office and meet the coooool Pinoy Googlers! Indeed, we are encouraged to have fun as we can cap the day with little fun: we have a slide and wall climbing inside the office. :)
The news in internet about free and good food in Google is true. I really appreciate Google for taking care employees through food - including healthy food. I learned to select my food when I joined Google. I prepare fresh juice every morning and make my own salad.
Of course, life in Google is not about travelling, eating and enjoying all the time. No matter where we work, we are expected to create an impact (I think this is given). We may not be perfect, but we strive everyday to do better. Important things I learned (some are obvious and basic):
1) If you are new, explore, engage a lot, ask questions and keep doing it. We don't know what we don't know so for me it's better to overkill (sorry for the term).
2) Meeting people is very important. Spend the first few months introducing yourself and knowing others.
3) Read your emails. You may say it's obvious just let me say it again. You cannot be inactive to people. It's very important to be helpful.
4) Speak up if needed. If you think something is affecting the team, someone needs to speak up in an appropriate way. We don't wait for a fire to burn the whole village.
5) Be on time on meetings. Inform others if you cannot attend a meeting and let them know the reason why. Do not always change meeting schedule, it has the effect of reducing our credibility. Be (actually) present during meetings.
6) Talking with business leaders helps in building our business brain. Initiate conversations with them.
7) Escalation does not mean raising a blame on someone. For me, it's more of helping the team. Letting the boss know so he knows how to step up in the situation and manage it. No team is perfect. I like blameless post-mortems.
8) Observe how good leaders speak and work. You can learn from them.
9) There is always a better and appropriate way to say something. Communication skill is very important.
10) Be patient to yourself. Expect you cannot get it all at once but don't stop there. Be better everyday. Strive everyday.
Sometimes we thought we have learned so much but new places, new experiences, remind us that learning is a lifelong journey.
Beginnings are essential, all the more inspiring. Let us not be afraid to begin, even again.
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