• Name: Alvar
• Title: Search Quality Strategist
• Office: Dublin, Ireland
• Hometown: Barcelona, Spain
• Education: BS and MS in Telecommunications Engineering, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain

Why did you decide to come to Google?

When I finished my degree, I was looking for jobs abroad and preferably in an English-speaking country. I would say I already was a power user of Google products, and having the chance to work for such a company, I gave everything to try and succeed with the hiring interviews.

What cool projects have you worked on at Google?

I have worked in a highly confidential project which I cannot talk about, so to make it more interesting, I will mention a couple of non-confidential projects. I've been an Android beta tester since before launch, and I helped in the 10^100 project where I had to help judge ideas.

What is unique about your role?

Working in Search Quality in the very basics of the main Google product, I'm happy to have an influence (positive I hope!) in the search experience of millions of users. Knowing that you are helping others find what they need is very rewarding.

What is your favorite perk/benefit about working at Google?

Being a basic need for all of us, it is difficult to think of something else but the free food. Here all snacks and drinks are free, and not only that but there's high quality breakfast and lunch. In Dublin we have a salad bar, a pizza oven, or a sushi bar to choose from every day!

What has been the most amazing experience or day you've had at Google thus far?

More than a day, I would say the best experience I've had was the chance to work in the Mountain View office for a couple of months, tied with a conference I got to attend in Mexico and Brazil which took me throughout North and South America in a short period of time. It's unbelievable how much you can learn by visiting other Google offices!

What are your goals at Google – what are you working to achieve?

Like everyone else, my main goal is to change a tiny bit of the world we live in by making all the information around us more useful and accessible. Making lives of others a bit more comfortable, and also helping developing countries catch up with the Internet revolution that can put us all at the same level.

What's been the biggest surprise about working at Google?

Flexibility. It's definitely a surprise the range of possibilities that open up as soon as you join the company. From taking part in organizing (and deciding!) what the next team offsite will be, to working with colleagues of other departments on a 20% project that you think will have an impact, or even taking a day off (not discounted from your holidays) for the GoogleServe day to help the local communities or the environment.

• Name: Joao
• Title: Enterprise Sales Engineer
• Office: Dublin, Ireland
• Hometown: Lisbon, Portugal
• Education: Masters in Computer Engineering

Why did you decide to come to Google?

Are you serious? This company is awesome! With Google you can make a difference and I wanted to work in a prestigious multinational company that shares the value of "Don't be evil"... a company that is focused on its users and its employees.

Why do you like working at Google?

Multinational environment, creativity, make a difference, fast paced: these are examples of words that are part of being a Googler and the main reasons why I love my job.

What is unique about your role?

I interact with people from all over the world, technical and non-technical, and I get to suggest and give input on how a company can improve it's processes and workflows.

What has been the most amazing experience or day you've had at Google thus far?

Bad Taste day back in 2006. I was still fairly new in the company and I could see everyone dressed with the most dubious clothes ever. In that day I had on me: trainers, sports shorts, shirt, tie, and a blazer! I met so many people from different countries that day. Some of them became friends for life.

What's been the biggest surprise about working at Google?

The number of languages spoken in this office... I'm still amazed by its culture and diversity.

• Name: Omid
• Title: Enterprise Sales Specialist
• Office: Dublin, Ireland
• Hometown: Nuremberg, Germany
• Education: B.Sc. in Business Administration from the European Business School (EBS) in Oestrich-Winkel, Germany

Why did you decide to come to Google?

Actually, I always wanted to go into consulting. I pursued a career in that industry basically throughout my entire studies in Germany and Argentina. When I then finished my studies in the midst of very tough times (crisis!) I noticed that Google was a company that came out of the crises even stronger than before! This was something that really caught my attention and interest. After some research I became aware of all the impact Google has on a variety of industries, companies, and, of course, us people. That was when I then decided that I would like to work for a company that really has an impact on our lives.

Why do you like working at Google?

I can't name a single reason why I like working at Google. I rather think it's the entire "package" that makes it attractive for me to work here, ranging from the open-mindedness, internationality, and knowledge of my colleagues to the impact we have as a company on people's lives to all the perks and benefits that are offered to me from the company.

What cool projects have you worked on at Google?

My first project, which I am still working on by the way, is to help with building up an entirely new sales team that will sell Google enterprise products (Google Apps, Mini, GSA, etc.) to small- and medium-sized business in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Cloud computing, on which most of our enterprise products are based, has a very promising and competitive future ahead. This is what makes this project highly dynamic, challenging, and cool.

What is your favorite perk/benefit about working at Google?

My favorite benefit is that as an avid Mac-user I was not forced to switch to use PC's. I have my wonderful Macbook Pro accompanying me through every assignment and meeting. Having this freedom is indispensable for me!

What has been the most amazing experience or day you've had at Google thus far?

The fourth day into my job while I was still in Noogler Training I received an invitation to an offsite team-building event from my team. I skimmed through the mail and read something about going to a pub, playing paintball, and driving go-karts. I thought it was a poll and that we had to decide which option we would prefer. Little did I know that this was the full agenda for our team-building event. We ended up doing all three events. The same day, when I was in the pub drinking a Guiness with my manager, I learned that I would be sent to San Francisco for two weeks to attend a sales conference and to get to know the headquarters. That was definitely the most amazing day I've had so far.

What are your goals at Google – what are you working to achieve?

The product I mainly sell is Google Apps. I have worked with other Office Productivity Solutions before, so I really appreciate the value and superiority of Google Apps. Based on this experience, my goal is to make as many companies as possible "go Google", which means making them switch from their current Office Productivity Solution to Google Apps. It's always nice to work for/with a product you are convinced of! This makes you more dedicated and passionate about your job!

What's been the biggest surprise about working at Google?

The biggest surprise has been that, from the inside, everything is just 100% like it was perceived from the outside. All the perks, cool offices, open-minded people, international atmosphere, steep learning curves, delicious food... just everything was the way people know it from the outside.

• Name: Can
• Title: Account Associate
• Office: Dublin, Ireland
• Hometown: Istanbul, Turkey
• Education: BA in Management from Bebek, Istanbul, Turkey

Why did you decide to come to Google?

As our founders Larry and Sergey stated in the IPO letter in 2004, Google is not a conventional company. The way Google positions itself within the online ecosystem making everyone's life easier while being at the equal distance to every single elements of this ecosystem (users, advertisers, and publishers) appealed to me to decide to come to Google. In addition, I wanted to to be the voice of Turkish users, advertisers, and publishers.

Why do you like working at Google?

The dynamic and challenging work environment at Google encourages me to not only do my work in the best way, but also to suggest changes and improvements to any of our processes or products. In addition, all of the smart, inspiring, and funny colleagues make Google my favourite place to work for.

What cool projects have you worked on at Google?

I have been working to promote the Google Content Network and our Display solutions to our AdWords advertisers. Last year, I worked on the promotion of the Display Ad Builder tool. It's cool because this tool enables advertisers to create high quality image ads within minutes without help from a designer.

What is your favorite perk/benefit about working at Google?

It could be a cliche but I really like the food. When you are away from your home country, you definitely miss meals from your local cuisine. Thanks to our talented kitchen chiefs, I can eat Turkish food several times a year.

What has been the most amazing experience or day you've had at Google thus far?

I think it is the strong collaboration among different Google offices around the world. From time to time I needed to work with London and Mountain View offices at the same time via video conference and/or email and I was amazed that I never felt the lack of being in the same room to get things done.

I also must mention the Leaders@Google and Authors@Google events, which invite leaders and authors across different fields to give speeches and share their experiences. With these invaluable events, as employees we have an opportunity to enrich our vision and personal development.

What are your goals at Google – what are you working to achieve?

I am aiming to work towards strengthening the perception of the Google Content Network even further and to maximize the value that our advertisers, publishers, and users get from our innovative product developments in the Google Content Network advertising area.

• Name: Liselotte
• Title: Account Associate
• Office: Dublin, Ireland
• Hometown: Doetinchem, The Netherlands
• Education: MSc Communications and MA International Relations

Why did you decide to come to Google?

I wanted to work in an international, inspiring, and fast-paced environment. Google offers all of that. There is a great cultural mix of smart people working on world-defining initiatives, without the arrogance that you will find in some other industries. And of course, when I heard about the benefits... I was sold.

Why do you like working at Google?

The people: I have the chance to work with fun and intelligent people with different backgrounds and cultures, all working towards the same goal.

The products: I believe in Google's products and philosophy. It is fun to be in the loop about new developments and to be able to help improving Google products.

The job: I work in the BeNeLux AdWords team and I enjoy educating our customers about AdWords features and how to advertise efficiently.

The office: Some visitors don't understand how we are able to actually work on this playground. Sometimes, I don't either.

The lifestyle: Being Googley is a lifestyle. Work hard, play hard. At Google you are encouraged to engage in social events, sports activities, and charities.

The food: I can't leave the food out here. It makes me happy, too.

What cool projects have you worked on at Google?

I am currently working on my first projects: the AdWords online classroom (formerly known as our webinars), educational YouTube videos, and I have also taken on a specialist role (billing associate).

In our AdWords online classroom we offer live and recorded courses to teach our customers about different AdWords-related topics, e.g. how you can improve the performance of your account. In our YouTube videos, we teach customers about specific AdWords features.

What is unique about your role?

Google AdWords is a self-managed online advertising program that offers customers the opportunity to reach the audience they want to target and keep control over their spendings. Because there are so many possibilities, the program can seem a bit overwhelming to new customers. I find it quite unique to help enable new customers to control their own online advertising and to help more experienced customers to take their advertising to the next level.

What is your favorite perk/benefit about working at Google?

The food. I guess this is not the most original answer, but it is true. Both quality and variety are great and I love the fact that I don't have to cook every night. It makes it even more fun to cook during weekends.

What's been the biggest surprise about working at Google?

The hours. I expected a lot of pressure and long, long hours, but we actually (believe it or not) work normal hours. At Google you are expected to work efficiently and, if you do, there is usually no need to work late.

• Name: Mireya
• Title: AdWords Account Associate
• Office: Dublin, Ireland
• Hometown: Madrid, Spain
• Education: BBA European Management

Why did you decide to come to Google?

In a small amount of time Google has gone from being a company sometimes mentioned in newspapers to becoming part of the life of many people all around the world. Being able to participate in people's life by working for a company known for its versatility was a dream. Behind all those machines and technology there is actually a growing number of unique people making Google what it is. I didn't know anyone who was employed by Google but read a lot about it and knew before starting here that it is one of the best companies to work for.

Why do you like working at Google?

Being surrounded by people from different places around the globe with different backgrounds, different work and life experiences, speaking different languages, and having different cultures is the most enriching experience there can be. You feel how your mind opens every time you meet someone new (and this happens all the time!). It is very interesting to see that the same goal has to be approached variously across markets because what works in one place might not do so in others. The same way that the sharing of best practices inevitably makes you come up with ideas for making informed decisions. The best thing about this is that it is not only applied to every day's work, but also in your life outside the office. Since I started working in Google more than a year and a half ago now, I have progressed as a person.

What cool projects have you worked on at Google?

Working at Google you have loads of opportunities to participate in projects that arise frequently. I have been working for more that a year with Google Grants, which is the Google programme that awards free AdWords advertising to select charitable organizations. Online advertising is the easiest and cheapest way of reaching the right audience and now most businesses are doing it. NGO's, due to their nature, can benefit hugely from this kind of advertising. However, it is not feasible for most of them due to limited resources. For them Google Grants is the answer and for the people involved in the programme it's the most rewarding experience that shows how your work can have a tremendous effect on those who really need it.

What is unique about your role?

The uniqueness about my role is that it changes constantly. I get involved in different projects and what I was doing last week might have nothing to do to what I do now. Due to the fast-moving environment we work in, we need to adapt to constant change and that involves not only having the opportunity to develop your career in different areas but also to constantly learn and being able to transmit that expertise to customers. Forget about work being a synonym of monotony, the versatility in Google is endless!

What is your favorite perk/benefit about working at Google?

Google invests in its employees and that makes you feel valued. It is likely that you all know about the free food, free snacks, the cool office decorations, the pool tables and video game consoles, gym, etc. However, there are so many things that are not made public but that make Google a unique place to work. One of my favorite benefit is the opportunity we employees have to develop our education outside work. Google supports educational and language courses. Ah, and the massages, of course, there's nothing better than a massage to transport you to a world of calmness!

What has been the most amazing experience or day you've had at Google thus far?

I was given the opportunity to help the Marketing team in Madrid in a entrepreneur event in Barcelona to assist advertisers in their first contact with AdWords. Google had never done this and we did not know whether it was going to be successful or not. The aim was to help them to open their AdWords account and give them an overview of the product. The queue was so long that we had to ask advertisers to give us their contact details to avoid them waiting for more than an hour! It is hard to explain how enriching this experience was. I am so used to working with the AdWords product that seeing it from the other side, from the person that comes into contact with it for the fist time, has changed my way of working in the support of customers.

What are your goals at Google – what are you working to achieve?

Work is part of our lives and what I am aiming to do at Google is to develop both professionally and personally. As per the former, I want to deliver the best support to those customers who are working with Google so as to maximize their experience. And of course, learn, learn, learn. Google adapts to the changes in society and sometimes even anticipates them. Therefore, by working at Google, you are directly involved in the development and trends in society.

What's been the biggest surprise about working at Google?

The biggest surprise has been the amount of talented people that work around you (and how young they are too!). The ideas that arise in meetings or even by having a conversation with someone over a coffee are incredible. There is a common thirst for improving and it's contagious! Creativity is a key feature of Google employees, and the best thing is that the company gives you the opportunity to put these ideas into place immediately!

• Name: Rebecca
• Title: Account Associate
• Office: Dublin, Ireland
• Hometown: Leverkusen, Germany
• Education: Master of Arts, Dresden University of Technology, Dresden, Germany

Why did you decide to come to Google?

I decided to join Google because I wanted to be part of a truly multicultural company. In Google, diversity in backgrounds is guaranteed and you never stop learning. As I studied Applied Linguistics, which even in Google is quite exotic, I was sure that Google would be the perfect place to work for me because I knew that my knowledge would be valuable to my customers and colleagues and that I could make an impact.

Why do you like working at Google?

What I like most is that I'm learning something new everyday because it's a fast-paced business. Also, I can support fellow Googlers by helping them with day-to-day issues or giving trainings. Here you experience true collaboration amongst colleagues.

What is unique about your role?

Working in my role means interacting with customers and working on actual SEM campaigns. Thus, I gain first-hand knowledge in setting up successful campaigns, Google tools, and search trends and I can discuss my ideas directly with my customers.

What is your favorite perk/benefit about working at Google?

I guess you have heard it before but yes, it is really the food! There is an amazingly high level of both quality and variety. My family and friends visit me quite often and they love to eat in our cafes.

What has been the most amazing experience or day you've had at Google thus far?

My most amazing experience at Google so far was one special customer meeting. It was very exciting to see my customers shop first-hand and learn about his business. He faced a particular challenge in search engine marketing and together we worked out a solution to overcome this challenge.

• Name: Dave
• Title: Site Reliability Manager
• Office: Dublin, Ireland
• Hometown: Dublin, Ireland
• Education: B.Sc. in Computer Science, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland

Why did you decide to come to Google?

Google at the time was new to Dublin, and seemed like the place to be for people who wanted to work on the most interesting projects and technologies. We build infrastructure that is not seen anywhere else in the world, and to be on a team with gifted people who really do feel like they are (and sometimes actually are) making history is amazingly compelling.

Why do you like working at Google?

A lot of the usual distractions of working in this industry are abstracted away – being able to rely on people to surprise me with their capacity to excel and be scarily smarter than I am is something I'm grateful for every day.

What cool projects have you worked on at Google?

I was the first Site Reliability Engineer outside the USA, and worked on Gmail since soon after its launch. I was around for some of its earliest and most exciting times, and helped build a lot of the technology behind keeping it running reliably and quickly.

Right now, my team and I are responsible for keeping Google Analytics running smoothly. It's a massive undertaking, and the challenges are unique and exciting so to speak...

What is unique about your role?

SRE as a role is something I'd never experienced before. We're responsible for keeping the services Google has built stable, fast, and reliable. This means anything from measuring network latency and ripping out pieces of software and replacing them, to consulting on new hardware and datacenters Google is building. It's fast-paced, and some of the challenges we face are truly unique within our industry.

What is your favorite perk/benefit about working at Google?

Dublin's a small city geographically, and the tax-free bicycle scheme fits the demographic like a glove – seeing hundreds of bikes parked under the office every day is great to see. Of course, I also have to mention the food. Not having to worry about if there'll be anything good for lunch today puts your monkey-brain at ease.

What has been the most amazing experience or day you've had at Google thus far?

Too many to mention – my most nerve-wracking was making a presentation on Engineering achievements to the rest of Google EMEA (at the time, it was about 4,000 people) in a freezing ice rink in northern Italy. Donning a chef's hat and serving lunch one day in Dublin was also pretty special.

What are your goals at Google – what are you working to achieve?

The Site Must Never Go Down – we pride ourselves on being able to look back with satisfaction on our uptime and reliability numbers, and in the fact that people all over the world are able to use our products quickly and in their daily lives without worrying about the dreaded error message. Looking forward, things are only going to get faster, better, and easier. We're here 24/7 to achieve that.

What's been the biggest surprise about working at Google?

There's no demarcation as to whose job it is to fix something. I've done everything from tweaking things about Gmail's RSS feeds, to serving lunch at Google Dublin, to "fixing" the magnetic lock on a door in the office. If it's something that'll improve the lives of others and you have the capacity and know-how, then it is your job. This to me embodies a big part of the Google spirit.