I was lucky enough to land a Google IT Internship for the summer of 2019–2020 at Google Australia. It was a wonderful experience being a mature masters student and I am sharing my journey with anyone who wants to learn more about the Google IT Internship.
What is the Google IT Internship?
The Google IT Internship which used to be called the Corporate Operations Engineering Internship is designed to provide exposure to the technology industry for students who are historically under-represented in this field.
How to apply?
This internship is available to current students majoring in information systems, information technology, applied networking, system administration, and other majors with applicable experience.
What will you do at Google?
The main core duty is Technical support and you are apart of Google’s Tech Stop team. As a member of the Information Technology team, you’ll be the go-to person for Googlers’ computer hardware and software needs, providing front-line user support for all of Google’s internal tools and technologies. You’ll troubleshoot, respond to enquiries, and find solutions to technical challenges. Beyond the day-to-day, you’ll improve user experience for Googlers by contributing to longer term projects and documentation efforts.
You’ll problem solve with multiple operating systems (e.g., OS X, Linux, Windows, etc.) and a range of devices (e.g., desktops/laptops, phone systems, video conferencing and various wireless devices, etc.). Additionally, you’ll occasionally partner with various teams including Security, Networking and Infrastructure. You’re a fast learner and a great communicator who can effectively support the IT needs of global offices of all sizes and Googlers of varying technical backgrounds.
Responsibilities:
- Complete a technical project with a team of Googlers and other interns.
- Attend training sessions to build your professional skills and to help set you up for success.
- Provide support for desktops/laptops, and user access to corporate network and applications, both on the network as well as through remote VPN access.
- Provide support for services such as office phones, mobile devices, video conferencing and remote access.
- Provide basic corporate network infrastructure and server support.
Minimum qualifications:
- Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology or related technical field of study.
Preferred qualifications:
- Returning to a full-time degree for 6–12 months upon completing the internship.
- Experience in troubleshooting applications in one or more of the following networked environments: Linux, Mac, Windows.
- Ability to configure, upgrade and relocate PC hardware, software and print devices.
- Demonstrated understanding of LAN/WAN environments.
- Opportunity to convert into an ITR which is Google’s IT Residency Program.
Application Process:
- The Google application process is quite straight forward. Apply on https://careers.google.com.
- Recruiter screening
- Two 45 minute technical interviews based on networking and a mix of either Chrome OS, Linux OS, MacOs, iOS, Android troubleshooting questions.
- Hiring Committee
- Offer
Tips to enhance your time at Google:
- Have fun during your internship!
- Grow friendships!
- Try to attend Intern social events.
- Try to attend Google team social events.
- Reach out for help because people will not offer help unless you ask.
- Show interest in the team as much as possible.
Overall Experience
The Tech Stop ITRs were great and I was lucky enough to connect with other Googlers as mentors.
So my advice is take the last two-three weeks to study for conversion interviews. I really wanted to prove that I was able to do the job, so I would spend the time focusing on my role rather than studying for the conversion interviews.
Another tip I advise is to practice conversion interviews with other Googlers on site. Sound out troubleshooting scenarios as well as networking and operating systems fundamentals.
Google is an awesome place and as someone who loves technology and working with really smart people, Google is the place to be. I encourage anyone to apply and if you do not get through with an internship, there are other awesome companies out there that would appreciate your skillset.
Please check out my blog for more tech intern tips and do not feel affraid to contact me. I am glad to help!
