Summer at Google: "Amazing" says recent High School graduate

Followup interview with Kara Vogelbacker who spent part of the summer at Google’s Computer Science Summer Institute.

What impressed you the most?

I think what impressed me the most was the creativity and unusual business structure at Google. There is no dress code, you can show up pretty much whenever (as long as work is getting done!), free meals and they even have free shuttle service for all their employees. All your necessities are taken care for you if your work there which I thought was really cool.

Were there any major surprises you did not expect?

When we were all handed new NexusOne cellphones to keep. Our class thought our advisor was about to hand us new Python textbooks and then she pulled out a NexusOne box and told us we were all going to be given free phones to keep, it was a pretty great surprise.

Does your experience impact any desire you might have to work with Google once you graduate college?

My experience didn’t impact my desire to work with Google but it did give me and better idea of what type of company I would like to work at. I’m glad I got to work at such a big company and see how much it takes to run it. It has made me think more about if I want to work at a big or small company along with what exactly I want to do in my field.

Did you learn anything new?

Yes, I learned a ton! I had never used the programming language Python before, but after cramming it into my brain for 6 hours a day over 3 weeks I definitely feel confident now when I say I know Python. Our teachers Charles Martin was a great teacher. He had to deal with many different skill levels in our class and did a great job helping out everyone. Other than programing I also learned a lot about the company of Google and how many different pieces there are to it.

Anything else you’d like to add ?

Overall I think it was an amazing experience and I am so glad I did it! I made some great new friends who I hope to keep in touch with as well, and I plan on applying to work at another similar program next summer for Google.

Congrats Kara!  Best of luck at Pitt!

Rick Simmons is a principal at Dinkum Interactive, a firm specializing in online marketing solutions for small and medium sized businesses around the globe. With more than 25 years of experience in advertising and marketing, Simmons has spent the last four years focused on search engine optimization, and other Internet marketing strategies. Reach him at 267-626-9094 or rick@dinkuminteractive.com.