Google APMM Intern Q&A with Sarah, Brie, and Brandon
An Ex-Google PMM's take on product marketing.
Hi, I’m Henry! Today, I’m thrilled to share insights from my chat with three Associate Product Marketing Manager (APMM) interns, Sarah, Brie, and Brandon. We discussed how they got into the APMM internship program, their summer projects, and tips for landing the coveted spot.
Introducing the APMM Interns
Sarah Diallo: A Plan II Honors and Public Relations major at UT Austin.
Brie: A Marketing and Finance major at Rosemont College.
Brandon Silva: Majoring in MIS and Neuroscience at the University of Texas at Austin.
The Path to the APMM Internship
Each intern had a unique journey to the APMM program. Sarah heard about it from a fellow student, Brie learned through a LinkedIn coffee chat in freshman year, and Brandon, after switching from neuroscience to business, applied after hearing about the program from a Google Bold intern.
Their application timelines varied, with Sarah and Brandon submitting in September and hearing back in November, while Brie applied through the Bold Immersion program, which feeds into APMM opportunities.
Team Placement and Summer Projects
Once accepted, the interns were placed on different teams:
Sarah: Worked on the Ads Publisher Marketing team, helping publishers and creators navigate online advertising.
Brie: Joined Team Adrenaline, part of Google’s Media Lab, working on improving creative advertisements.
Brandon: Focused on Google Cloud's Developer Marketing, tasked with onboarding processes and improving communication with developers.
The projects are designed as Capstone projects rather than continuous deliverables. For example, Sarah led a multi-phase web page redesign project, Brie researched paid social media strategies, and Brandon revamped Google Cloud's developer onboarding.
Navigating Challenges
The interns faced various challenges, from managing hybrid work to tackling ambiguous project briefs. Sarah shared the difficulty of managing different time zones, as her team was based in New York, while Brie found it essential to clarify project goals and constraints early on. Brandon emphasized the learning curve of understanding Google Cloud’s complex products, but credited the company’s wealth of resources and mentorship for helping him overcome it.
Day-to-Day Life
The interns' day-to-day schedules varied based on their projects, teams, and locations. Sarah highlighted the flexibility of being able to visit different Google offices, such as Mountain View, San Francisco, and New York. Brie typically started her day with meetings and research, while Brandon balanced time for coffee chats and focused work sessions. All three agreed that building relationships with their fellow interns and mentors was a key aspect of their summer experience.
Receiving Feedback and Securing a Return Offer
One common question was how interns knew if they were performing well. Google’s internship program involves midpoint and final evaluations. Regular feedback sessions with managers helped the interns stay on track. Brie emphasized that frequent feedback was crucial to ensure alignment on project goals and performance. Brandon noted that while receiving feedback can feel nerve-wracking, it’s ultimately a reflection of how much you care about the project and your growth.
Memorable Moments and Unexpected Learnings
For Sarah, visiting her team in New York and presenting her project in person was a highlight. Brie loved participating in a team offsite early in the internship, which helped her understand how her team operated. Brandon cherished a boat trip with fellow interns in San Francisco Bay to celebrate the end of the summer.
Unexpectedly, Sarah also learned about web design, a skill she didn’t anticipate gaining in her internship. Brandon discovered how much he could learn from his peers, gaining insights not just from mentors but from his fellow interns.
Advice for Future APMM Interns
For those interested in applying, the interns offered valuable tips:
Sarah emphasized showcasing your passion for marketing and aligning with Google’s values.
Brie suggested gaining relevant marketing experience, even through unpaid work or student organizations, to build your resume.
Brandon reminded prospective interns that their background doesn’t have to be marketing-focused; it’s about demonstrating your interest in tech and marketing.
Final Advice for Future Interns
When asked for advice for incoming interns, Sarah encouraged others to “have fun and build strong relationships.” Brie recommended organizing coffee chats early in the internship to make the most of the networking opportunities, and Brandon emphasized using the internship privilege to meet and learn from as many people as possible.
It was an inspiring conversation with Sarah, Brie, and Brandon. Their insights highlight the diversity of paths into the APMM internship program and the importance of passion, networking, and growth during the summer. If you’re considering applying to the program, take their advice to heart—focus on gaining marketing experience, building relationships, and demonstrating your passion for tech!
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