How to land a job at Google after college

Millennials know that landing a job at Google is just as much about who you know as what you know. But how do you make connections with people in high-profile roles when you’re a recent college grad without any work experience? It’s easier than you think, and there are plenty of ways to meet Googlers outside the common networking events. Read on for advice from current Google employees on how to get a job at Google after graduation:

Networking is key

One of the most important strategies for getting a job at Google is through professional relationships. Networking is a huge part of how people find jobs, especially at Google. The best way to build these relationships is by being present in your community: Join clubs, attend meetups, and participate in community events so you can meet the people who can help you get hired.

Before you apply: Build your portfolio

A portfolio is the best way to showcase your strongest skills and prove you’re qualified for a job at Google. Google recommends creating a digital portfolio to showcase your creative skills, and you can do that with tools like: But if you’re applying to a product-focused job, you’ll want to showcase your product skills as well. That’s where building a project comes in.

Networking events at Google offices

If you’re lucky enough to live near one of Google’s offices, take advantage of the networking events hosted there. But don’t just show up expecting to meet senior-level employees; Google employees rotate through events and are available to meet and mingle with people at all levels. Here’s what you can expect at Google events: - Explore for Newbies: This event is designed for people who are just getting started in the tech industry. Explore for Newbies is a great way to meet other people who are just starting out. This event is also a good opportunity to learn about the types of positions you could pursue at Google. - Taste of Engineering: This is a great event for people who want to work in technical roles. At Taste of Engineering, you’ll get a better idea of what a career in engineering is like and meet people who work in technical roles at Google. - Tech Talks: At Tech Talks, you’ll get a chance to hear from Googlers and learn more about the technologies they work on.

Go to coding meetups in your city

If you’re a developer, you should definitely be going to code meetups in your city. Meetups are a great opportunity to network with people in your field and build your network. Many meetup groups have members who work at Google, so you can use these events to build a relationship with someone who could be a valuable connection later on. There are plenty of meetups to choose from and you can find a list online. Just be aware that many meetups charge a small fee to attend, especially if they’re hosted at a bar. Google is one of the leading sponsors of major meetups, so you can definitely find a meetup near you. Here are a couple of popular ones you can check out: - GDG DevFest: DevFest is the largest developer conference in the Southeast. At DevFest, you can learn about the latest trends in software and make valuable connections with people in your field. This event is hosted in multiple U.S. cities and the lineup changes each year. - Google Cloud Summit: Cloud Summit is a conference for all things cloud. This event is perfect for developers who want to learn more about cloud computing, data engineering, and artificial intelligence. Cloud Summit occurs every year and is hosted in multiple U.S. cities.

Google University Fellowship Program

The Google University Fellowship Program awards scholarships to top students to pursue a graduate degree in computer science or machine learning. If you’re accepted into the program, Google will pay your tuition and offer you a hiring bonus of $50,000 after you graduate. If you’re accepted, you’ll have to work at Google for two years after graduation, but you’ll have the option to take a full-time or part-time position. The Google University Fellowship Program is a great way to get your foot in the door at Google. You’ll have the opportunity to meet people who can help you advance in your career and make valuable connections with others in your field.

Conclusion

Getting a job at Google after college can be challenging, but it’s possible! One of the best ways to get hired at Google is to network with people in your community. You can do that at meetups, events, and conferences where Google often sponsors scholarships for top students. Finally, keep in mind that the best way to get a job at Google is by being persistent. If you don’t get hired after your first try, don’t give up. Keep networking and applying for positions until you get hired. You’ll eventually find a place at Google and make it to the top of that hiring list.

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