What's your job about?

I am responsible for helping medium sized businesses across AUNZ grow through advertising with Google.

I’m lucky that I work with a medium sized book of clients. Meaning I get the opportunity to meet face to face with a lot of small-medium (sometimes even large) business owners across Australia and New Zealand and identify areas of opportunity for growth.

What's your background?

I grew up in Auckland, New Zealand. I was fortunate enough to be exposed to many different cultures from a very young age. The University of Auckland was where I got my Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Marketing and Economics, while attaining my pilot’s licence at North Shore Aeroclub on the side. Applying for an internship at Google in Sydney seemed like such a far fetched idea, and I didn’t think I really had a chance! Initially I didn’t get it, but persevered and thought there was no harm in trying again. Meanwhile, my back up plan was to move to America on the J1 Visa, which was all sorted. Seeing as I didn’t get the first one, I had my bags packed and plane ticket in hand. Literally as I was boarding the plane at Auckland airport to LAX, an Australian number called me. With baited breath I answered the phone to news that I was in! So I flew to America and then straight to Sydney a few days later to start. During my time interning as a Sales Engineer on the Google for Work team, I met the head of the New Business team who interviewed me for a full time position at the end of my internship. That was the biggest turning point, as I then became a full time Googler! I stayed in the New Business sales team for a year and a half before moving into my current role, which is more around building long term relationships. And here I am today!

Could someone with a different background do your job?

Absolutely! We have people from all different backgrounds at Google. For example, I know some people in Sales at Google that studied Psychology, or even played sports professionally. Google loves to hire people that have a new, creative perspective on things.

What's the coolest thing about your job?

The people! We are so lucky that we get to work with such humble, friendly, generous people at Google. I also love the fact that we are helping small businesses grow into bigger ones, and having that direct impact.

3 pieces of advice for yourself when you were a student...

• While grades are important, they are not everything. Real life, and people skills are invaluable!
• Don’t stress so much, because everything will work out.
• Reciprocity is rare, and goes a long way.