Google Account Strategists: Insights on Career Growth and Diversity

The Role of an Account Strategist at Google

Account strategists at Google play a crucial role in connecting advertisers with the right Google products to achieve their marketing objectives. Their primary goal is to understand client needs, identify pain points, and match them with appropriate Google solutions.

Katherine, an experienced account strategist, explains:

"Our goal as strategists is to figure out what our clients are trying to do, how they're trying to connect with their customers, and how we make them successful using Google products."

The process involves:

1. Asking discovery questions
2. Understanding client businesses
3. Identifying pain points
4. Matching challenges with Google solutions

While proficiency in Gmail is essential, account strategists also need to be familiar with various Google advertising platforms, including:

• Search advertising
• YouTube advertising
• Display advertising (banners and visuals)
• Gmail sponsorships

Katherine emphasizes that prior experience with ad platforms isn't necessary, as Google provides comprehensive training on connecting their solutions to client needs.

A Day in the Life of a Google Account Strategist

Juan, another account strategist at Google, breaks down his typical workday into three main buckets:

1. Outreach
2. Client work
3. Project work

He explains that the focus shifts throughout the quarter:

• Month 1 (Fast Start): Heavy client interaction, meeting with 20-25 accounts
• Month 2: More outreach, handling new accounts
• Month 3: Project work and developing new ideas

This structure allows strategists to balance client needs with personal growth and innovation within the company.

Advantages and Challenges of Working at Google

Working for a global tech giant like Google comes with both advantages and challenges:

Advantages:

1. Global reach and exposure to diverse cultures
2. Opportunity to work with emerging enterprises
3. Access to extensive resources and teams
4. Job security and work-life balance

Challenges:

1. Potential roadblocks due to company size
2. Multiple approval layers for new initiatives
3. Navigating policy issues for emerging businesses

Katherine notes that while working for a large company can sometimes make it difficult to see immediate impact, helping smaller businesses grow through Google's products provides a sense of tangible results and satisfaction.

Keys to Success at Google

For those considering a career at Google, Katherine and Juan highlight several traits and skills that contribute to success:

1. Curiosity and willingness to learn
2. Bias towards action
3. Customer-centric approach
4. Analytical mindset
5. Strong communication skills
6. Ability to build rapport and relationships
7. Structured problem-solving skills
8. Comfort with data analysis and insights

Juan emphasizes the importance of being inquisitive and focused on self-improvement:

"The strategists that I see become the most successful are those that are inquisitive, right? They're always curious to learn, and they also are really, really all about self-improvement."

Pivoting into a Career at Google

For those considering a career change, Google values transferable skills over specific industry experience. Key areas to focus on include:

1. Structured problem-solving
2. Customer-centric thinking
3. Data analysis and insight generation
4. Strong communication skills
5. Stakeholder management
6. Ability to influence and build rapport

Juan shares his diverse background, which included internships in movie marketing, biotech, and a coffee roasting software company before joining Google. He emphasizes the importance of storytelling and structuring responses during interviews.

Staying Up-to-Date with Technology at Google

Google provides several resources to help employees stay current with technological developments:

1. Learning reimbursement policy: Employees receive partial reimbursement for role-related and non-role-related learning opportunities.
2. Mentorship programs: Various mentorship initiatives, especially for underrepresented groups.
3. 20% projects: Opportunity to work on projects outside of core responsibilities.
4. Internal networking: Ability to connect with colleagues across different teams and departments.

Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) at Google

ERGs play a significant role in fostering diversity, inclusion, and employee development at Google:

1. Provide audience-specific programming
2. Offer networking opportunities
3. Organize social events
4. Support career development beyond current roles
5. Address specific needs of different communities within Google

Katherine is involved with Women at Google New York, while Juan is a global lead for the Hispanic Organization for Leadership and Advancement (HOLA).

Juan describes his involvement in ERGs as an opportunity to impact diversity and inclusion at multiple levels:

1. One-on-one interactions
2. Team-level initiatives
3. Global programs and events

His work with HOLA includes organizing fireside chats with authors and celebrities, providing unique opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Conclusion

Working as an account strategist at Google offers a dynamic and rewarding career path for those interested in technology, marketing, and client relations. The company provides numerous opportunities for growth, learning, and impact, both within specific roles and through involvement in ERGs and other initiatives.

For those considering applying to Google, it's essential to focus on developing transferable skills, embracing a customer-centric mindset, and demonstrating a passion for learning and problem-solving. With its global reach and commitment to diversity and inclusion, Google continues to be an attractive destination for professionals seeking to make a meaningful impact in the tech industry.

Article created from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHjSkxfT-uU