My first day at Google as a Full Time Employee

Sharing my experience at Google with you first hand

The entrance to Google Kings Cross Office

I can hardly believe I’m now a full-time member of the Google team! Last Tuesday was filled with incredible moments, and I’m eager to share the excitement with you.

A typical “day in the life” of a Google employee often involves walks around the office, showcasing the amazing facilities and perks. However, as a software company, Google has policies regarding what we can and can’t share. So, while I’ll give you a high-level overview of my experiences, I’ll make sure to adhere to those guidelines and avoid revealing any sensitive information. Let’s dive in!

The day kicked off with a delicious breakfast— traditional English breakfast featuring free-range eggs, grilled tomatoes, and baked beans, all artfully arranged alongside artisan toast. This was my first experience with Google’s complimentary meals, and it definitely set a positive vibe for the day.

Next, I had a one-on-one with my manager to discuss my role as a defensive Kubernetes hacker on the blue team. It was eye-opening to see how my work fits into Google’s security architecture. Diving into the architectural documentation was a bit like exploring a vast ecosystem, with components from the data centre right the way up to how Kubernetes fits into the grand scheme of things, each playing a crucial role in maintaining a secure and resilient infrastructure. I realised just how interconnected everything is, and how each piece contributes to the overall security posture.

To deepen my understanding, I proactively scheduled calls with team members from the infrastructure team and the US team. These discussions were incredibly helpful, allowing me to ask questions and gain insights directly from those who have hands-on experience. Hearing their perspectives on challenges and best practices opened my eyes to the complexities of the systems I’d be working with. One colleague generously shared tips for troubleshooting common issues, which I found particularly valuable as I familiarised myself with the architecture. He also provided a technical open-source document he had been working on, which I made three Pull Requests to in an effort to contribute my knowledge to the community.

My manager’s advice resonated with me: “You only have one onboarding.” It served as a powerful reminder to seize this opportunity to learn as much as possible. I took it to heart and made it a point to engage with my coworkers, not just to gather information but also to build relationships. By reaching out and asking questions, I felt more integrated into the team and the larger Google community. Embracing this mindset of curiosity and openness has set a positive tone for my journey ahead.

Later, I tried green creamy pesto pasta for the first time, and to my surprise, I absolutely loved it! Its vibrant colour and unique taste were a delightful adventure for my taste buds.

But the true highlight of the day was connecting with my amazing new coworkers. As we shared stories over coffee, I realised how welcoming and supportive the culture here is. Everyone embraces the essence of being "googley," a fun term that captures the spirit of innovation and collaboration at Google.

Later in the day, I ventured into one of those high-tech resting spaces. With a heated seat and a bunch of buttons that looked like they belonged on a spaceship, I approached cautiously. To my relief, it was just a massage chair, adding a touch of ease before the end of the day. It was the perfect way to unwind and reflect on everything I’d learned.

Looking back, I’m really grateful for this new chapter. My journey to this point has taught me a lot about the importance of seeking help and building connections, especially in a complex environment.

I can’t wait to share more of my experiences in this role. If you’d like to follow along, consider subscribing below.