Landing at Google During a Pandemic

It was four months ago when Neha Golani (MEM '19) found herself in what she considered to be a fortunate position. Amid a global COVID-19 pandemic, Golani was able to find and start a new job.

Golani began working at Google as a global programs training specialist in July. Since then, she's become ingrained in Google's legendary culture, something she says continues to thrive despite work-from-home orders due to the coronavirus.  

Golani recently took a few minutes to talk about her new job and how she's been able to implement the lessons she learned during her time in Northwestern's Master of Engineering Management (MEM) program.

"MEM addresses the technical as well as the behavioral challenges of running organizations, emphasizing quantitative analytic skills and an entrepreneurial spirit to solve real-world problems." — Neha Golani (MEM '19)

How do you like to describe your role and responsibilities at Google?

As a global programs specialist on the partner learning services team at Google Cloud, I currently work in the execution and rollout of training programs for Google Cloud partnerships.

My role involves collaborating with training and certification teams and other cross-functional organizations to create and run global training programs in the partner ecosystem. I currently own the implementation of the platform responsible for the execution and rollout of training programs for Google Cloud partners and support the process to develop a strategy to educate and empower partners to implement Google Cloud Solutions. 

It's only been a few months, but so far, what do you enjoy most about the job?

For starters, the way the organization embraces inclusivity and welcomes fresh thoughts on tackling problems. Moreover, I really enjoy collaborating with the global teams and understanding the cross-functional nature, both by regions and product lines. The incredible diversity of the team, not just culturally but in terms of the professional backgrounds, helps me shape my perspective for a particular market. And most importantly, I get to be involved with every step of the building process, from vision to execution. 

What are your long-term professional goals?

In the long run, I would love to explore partnerships between Google and the United Nations to solve world issues with technology. That does sound ambitious at this stage! Furthermore, Google’s “20% time” – the long-standing perk that invites employees to carve off a fifth of their working hours to devote to personal projects that might have value to the company – is among its most iconic traditions. Through Google’s in-house incubator Area 120, I would love to explore how some of my passion projects pan out from conception to scaleup.

How do you think your time in MEM helped you get where you are today?

I really appreciate the support I've gotten from MEM. The program emphasizes developing analytic abilities, making more informed decisions, and developing and executing strategies while also leading people who innovate. Unlike a conventional MBA, MEM addresses the technical as well as the behavioral challenges of running organizations, emphasizing quantitative analytic skills and an entrepreneurial spirit to solve real-world problems. I believe these skills acquired through the program, along with numerous opportunities posed by my professors and fellow classmates, really helped me establish credibility in the industry.  

How do you hope to continue your connection with MEM?

Being early in this career path, I have invested a fair share of time learning career trajectories of people in my professional network and what motivates them to work toward a particular cause. I would love to provide the same insights and get involved in the mentorship programs by MEM aimed for professional development for students early in their careers.

Is there anything else you'd like to add?

I would highly encourage those looking to advance their careers to join or create a community of like-minded product managers to share experience, knowledge, and findings. Speaking with colleagues and understanding their problems and challenges they come across in their roles and the day-to-day helps build a relationship that goes a long way. Plus, the Northwestern alumni network is an additional blessing and incredible resource!