You’re a Stockton City Councilman. Was that always something you wanted to do? Absolutely not. I view it more as a calling, as I was motivated by the murder of my cousin to go back and do my best to use the considerable blessings I had been given to improve my community.
You inspire a lot of your peers but who inspires you? Mostly local people and luminaries from my past. My mom, aunt and grandmother inspire me and continue to inspire me. They are three single women who are not well educated, yet have done a phenomenal job. Historically, Harriet Tubman and Sojourner Truth have inspired me because they drove change despite facing so many more obstacles than we face today. Marian Wright Edelman inspires me, too, as do the original Freedom Riders. Finally, people in Stockton who are doing amazing things despite extraordinary challenges inspire me.
Why do you think it’s important to give back to others? “The greatest of you shall be the servant of all,” said Jesus and I agree. Giving back is not a choice but a necessity because we all exist in this ecosystem together and the principle of Ubuntu is so true - “I only am when we all are.”
Give us a brief overview of your career at Google, so far?
I started at Google as an Associate Account Strategist on the Sales team, working with small and medium sized businesses (SMB). This was a strategic, consultative sales role where I liaised directly with advertisers regarding their online marketing strategy. I advised clients on how to optimize their Adwords accounts and how they can further develop their online marketing activities with Google’s cost-effective, targeted and attractive products and solutions — in order to grow their business and increase their profit. I see sales as a consulting job, with a better work-life balance.
After one year, I moved roles within SMB, to join the Agency Program; where I worked for 1.5 years. In this role, I managed a portfolio of agencies where I helped grow their clients' accounts by discussing online strategies and advising them on new products and features. Generally, each account strategist manages a portfolio of 5-10 agencies, who in turn can have up to 90 clients.
I’ve recently started a new position as an Incubator Account Strategist on the SMB Solutions team, for which I’ve had to relocate to Google’s Global Headquarters, in the United States. I work with clients to test and get feedback on products before they are fully launched.
How did your two and a half years experience on the SMB team help you being successful in your current job?
It was very helpful to start on the SMB Sales team. This experience helped me get to know Google’s products inside and out and become confident to talk about them to all of our different clients. If I had not had the SMB experience, I would have missed out on a lot of key learnings, such as how to react in different situations and how to handle customer inquiries.
Time management, efficiency and organization are also key learnings of the job, as these are vital skills needed in order to achieve the three-months target, which is set for all Account Strategists. Furthermore, I gained incredible online marketing knowledge, as well as knowledge about the competitive landscape.
What skills are helpful when aiming to enter Google?
Languages — At the Dublin office, Google’s European headquarters, we have Googlers from almost 70 different countries. Speaking English is therefore essential and having knowledge of other languages is always helpful. I personally speak French, English and German fluently.
Leadership — The ability to manage projects is very important. Googlers are expected to learn very quickly how to organize their own workload and other projects that they might support on the side.
Communication — People that would like to apply for this position should be communicative and able to express themselves well when talking to clients on a daily basis. This does not mean that everyone at Google is super outgoing and talkative, but it is crucial to be self-confident and sharp.
What did you like about living in Dublin, Ireland?
I really like Dublin. As it’s the capital of Ireland, it has a lot of cultural activities to offer, such as concerts, theatres and shopping. Dublin airport with its low budget airlines is also only a 20 min cab ride from the office.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
One of the big advantages of working for Google is all the facilities we have. In my free time and sometimes during the work day, I go to the gym, which happens 4 - 5 times per week. I do a lot of weight training, I visit classes such as Tai Bo and Pilates or do cardio training like running at the beach.
What do you like most about your job?
I think everyone at Google would give the same answer: the people. Googlers are very smart people with great ideas. Not only do they have different backgrounds and can tell incredible stories, but they are super open and helpful, which is unique in a work environment.
Whether it’s developing new business strategies, providing online marketing consultancy, selling a great advertising solution to our clients or bringing products to market, there are plenty of graduate opportunities at Google that don’t involve algorithms. Take your first step towards a Google career, by checking out our opportunities here: google.com/students/emea
How are you helping others who are interested in Computer Science?
As a Google Student Ambassador (GSA) for Spelman one of the first events I held was a social for the Spelman College Computer Science major’s where our freshman Spelman Sisters each received between 1-2 upperclassmen Spelman Sisters. The point of the event was to connect freshman with upperclassmen and for the upperclassmen to act as their mentor. If the freshman needed help understanding complex computer science concepts or just a new friend who could help guide them through the transition into college, the upperclassmen would assist them. I believe that Computer Science is a very challenging major/field, and as a freshman it can be an overwhelming experience, especially since it’s not a topic learned in great detail before college.
If you were given $1,000,000 to help others, how would you use the money?
I would establish as many computer labs for K-12 graders as possible. I would create these labs in poorer areas that don’t have the resources to fund a fully functioning computer lab. I would also give money to the American public education to change/improve what is taught in the Computer Science classes. I believe that if you know how to code, do graphic design, or effectively use a computer to gain knowledge, you can do anything your heart desires. They could use their creative and critical thinking skills to build android/ios apps or even websites. According to Time Magazine, “Even if students wanted to dive into programming [Java], the course is only offered in 10% of American high schools”. Without being given the education to dream bigger, students are also not given the opportunity to think outside of the box.
Why do you think it’s important to give back to others?
Life is a difficult and beautiful journey with obstacles that may seem insurmountable at the time. I believe that giving back causes a positive chain reaction, inspiring people to overcome the hardships that they are faced with, and enjoy the moments that take their breaths away. By giving back, you’re not only spreading positive energy that can turn an individuals day or life around, but you’re also giving someone the ability to do the same for another.
There are loads of opportunities for internal mobility. How have you progressed in your Google career?
After 2.5 years in SMB Sales, I joined the Large Customer Sales (LCS) team, working with the German Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) clients. I’m currently working in a newly founded global team called Global Clients & Agency Solutions (GCAS). GCAS is the team that helps serve some of the world's largest brands. I personally get to work with one of the largest international Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) brands to help them become more successful in digital advertising to achieve their local and international business goals, such as brand awareness.
What makes Google a great place to work?
I love working for a company in such a fast growing industry. There is something new to learn every day and it never gets boring. Since Google is very innovative, there will be future opportunities that we might not even be aware of yet.
Besides the thrilling industry, I really appreciate the environment at Google. The great food, the gym and sports classes enable me to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Last but not least, it is amazing to work in such an international environment, with smart people, from many different backgrounds. I’ve had the chance to make many friends during my time at Google.
You work at Google’s European headquarters in Dublin, Ireland. What’s do you like about living in Ireland?
Dublin is a great city with a sunny mediterranean climate! Well, not really... The weather could definitely be better, but Dublin has a lot to offer, especially if you’re into films, music and good food. I was amazed by the density of excellent restaurants and I enjoy meeting friends for a beer (aka a pint)! Within the core city, you can reach everything in walking distance. In my free time I do a lot of sports, such as Squash or exercising in the Google gym. I also play for Google’s Football team, which competes against other companies in the Dublin area.
How do you see your future at Google?
I am currently very happy to have the opportunity of making branding more efficient through digital marketing — a major shift in the traditional advertising world. Since my team is truly international, I could imagine transferring internally to another market, such as the US, on a mid-term perspective.
What advice would you give a student interest in starting a Google career?
An SMB position would be a good match for you, if you enjoy working with people and desire a client-facing job. Candidates should be interested in online marketing, enjoy working in a fast-paced environment, and have some sales talent. From a career perspective, people have the opportunity to either go for a sales-oriented path or to become a people manager in the future.
Whether it’s developing new business strategies, providing online marketing consultancy, selling a great advertising solution to our clients or bringing products to market, there are plenty of graduate opportunities at Google that don’t involve algorithms. Take your first step towards a Google career by checking out our opportunities here.
You helped start a non-profit along with a few of your peers. Tell us about it and what motivated you guys to create it?
We’re creating platforms for people to invest in small business throughout Atlanta. We provide financial and consulting services to small business, primarily in distressed communities like the ones surrounding our school. Each of us has a strong conviction about using our interests in business and entrepreneurship to serve the community. Over time we realized the need to help communities (especially underserved black communities) become self-sustainable. Money has to circulate within a community for people who live there to feel its effect. So if every business in a neighborhood is a franchise, most of the money spent there won’t be reinvested in employment, infrastructure, and education for the people spending it. The Village Micro Fund became a way for us to give people the intellectual and financial resources to grow with their community.
Why do you think it’s important to give back to others?
I grew up with plenty of privileges and opportunities. At the same time, I have family members who were never able to enjoy some of the life experiences and opportunities that I have. I’ve learned to cherish what I have and make the most of every opportunity, and in the same vain, create as many opportunities for other people as I can.
Robin (far left) and his peers at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia
