Zainab Al.Dabbagh
Contributing Writer
A Google presentation was held at AUB on Tuesday, October 25, where Matt Mitro, the University Programs Specialist, represented Google.
Mitro started the presentation with stating the Google mission: “Organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful.” He also explained how Googlers integrate it in all their products, especially with new creations like “Ahlan Online” and “Ibdaa’ with Google”. Ahlan Online’s goal is to educate people on how to use the web, starting with explaining what browsers are and moving on to how to use data basis. The product targets Arab audience for the rising need of Digital Media Literacy ever since the beginning of the Arab Spring.
Mitro goes on to explain other products that target an entrepreneur audience like, “Ibdaa’ with Google,” where the applicants submit an idea and if one wins, he or she will receive funding for the project.
The reason for recruiting Arab students is because Google has a growing interest in the MENA region, explains Mazen Sabbagh, the Senior Account Manager. He then went on to mention the appeals and perks of working with Google, like never having to wear a suit, the availability of free food and drink at all time, massage rooms, game rooms, and TGIF (Thank Google it’s Friday) weekly parties.
During the presentation, Mitro kept on giving away goods like Google water bottles and Google bags to keep the meeting interactive, as working with Google is similarly “never boring.”
Between the jokes and the gifts, Mitro and Sabbagh seemed to be reaching out to many students who eventually started to believe that working with Google was good fit for them, as the two mentioned, “We want Google to fit you, not the other way around.”
Mitro and Sabbagh also explained that a student does not have to be an engineering or business major to work at Google. Mitro himself is a History and Economics graduate with a Law degree. They stressed that what Google is looking for is innovation, creativity, a solution oriented mindset, and leadership.
“Amazing” and “challenging” were the words used by Mitro and Sabbagh, encouraging AUB students to apply to Google for the serious and fun positions they offer.
Google’s offices are spread around the world but there are only three in the Middle East; one in Dubai, one in Cairo, and finally one in Istanbul. Some students inquired about a branch in Lebanon, but Sabbagh answered that he doesn’t see that happening in the near future.
Mitro mentioned exclusively to Outlook that a good CV should be non-traditional and should be personalized. He said Google is looking for diversity in mindsets, “We’re not a conventional company”. He mentioned that Google has employees from Palestine, Turkey, Jordan, and Pakistan among other places.
Students were inspired by the end of the presentation and lingered around to ask the recruiters questions concerning the applications and the work itself. One would guess that all the attendees would be applying to Google for a future career.