My Path to Google: Reza Khan, Associate Account Strategist

Welcome to the latest installment of our blog series “My Path to Google.” These are real stories from Googlers, interns, and alumni highlighting how they got to Google, what their roles are like, and even some tips on how to prepare for interviews.

Today’s post is all about Associate Account Strategist, Reza Khan. Read on!

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago. I went to DePaul University and earned a Bachelor of Science in marketing with a concentration in sales leadership. I developed a love for selling and digital marketing through my internships (SWC Technology Partners and Adobe). When I am not working, I love spending time with my family, playing tennis, and watching Bollywood movies!

What’s your role at Google?
I am an Associate Account Strategist on the Google Customer Solutions (GCS) team. As a trusted advisor to small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), I help them grow using Google's marketing solutions. I own a book of business of 120 SMBs and my ultimate goal is to help them find success with Google and ultimately grow their business. Working with SMBs brings a very unique opportunity because our clients wear many hats. The person doing the marketing, could be the same person doing the finances and running the operation.

My days often fall into two buckets: cold calling to schedule consultations with my clients, and having those consultations with my clients. I usually come in around 8 a.m. and start to plan out the consultations I will have with my clients that day. From around 9 - 11 a.m. I cold call and email my book of 120 clients to get more client consultations on the calendar. After outreach, I’ll spend the other gaps in my day taking those scheduled consultations with advertisers. It seems trivial to break the job up into two buckets, but those two buckets have helped me grow multiple skill sets. Being able to work at such scale and drive growth across so many businesses has been so rewarding.

Complete the following: "I [choose one: code/create/design/build] for …"

I create robust digital marketing strategies for SMBs.

What inspires you to come in every day?
I am extremely humbled by Google and the people who work at this extraordinary company. It is empowering to work for a company that puts its people first. I feel like I can bring my whole self to work due to the focus and effort that Google puts on diversity and inclusion, and there is truly no better feeling.

Can you tell us about your decision to enter the process?
I was a senior at DePaul University looking for opportunities in sales. I was always in awe of Google and never thought it was something I could reach for. I saw on the Google student careers site that they were hiring for the Account Strategist role in Ann Arbor, and the qualifications matched my experience. I felt that if I could show that I was made for this role, then maybe that would be enough for me to land a job at Google. My confidence in myself and abilities overcame my fear and I applied for my first job at Google.

How did the recruitment process go for you?

I was referred by a friend from college who worked in the role I was applying for. As I eagerly waited to hear back from my first screening interview, I couldn't help but think, "Wow. I just interviewed with Google." I felt that was an accomplishment in itself.

Once I heard back and knew I had a second interview, I couldn’t stop thinking about the Google interview myths like getting asked questions about how many golf balls could fit in an airplane!
Once the interviews were underway, I saw my interviewers just wanted to understand was how well I could think about and solve problems related to the role. Overall, I had a very seamless interview process and was well informed all throughout of what next steps looked like.

What do you wish you’d known when you started the process?
During the interviews, one thing I wish I had known better, was myself. At the end of the day, interviews are just you talking about yourself. If you are self-aware and know what you excel in, what you can improve on, what you’re passionate about, and what you don't enjoy doing — then it becomes pretty easy to talk about yourself and what you bring to the table.

One thing that surprised me about the role was how much responsibility Google gives you from day one. You are given a book of business (managing a lot of clients) and it’s up to you to help them remain successful and grow profitably. Not only this, but my clients are seeking my advisement on how they should run their business. Coming into this role straight out of college, I never thought I would have so much influence and responsibility so early on, and I'm so grateful for that opportunity.

Can you tell us about the resources you used to prepare for your interview or role?
The main resource I used to prepare for the role was the job posting itself. What the hiring manager is looking for is RIGHT THERE in the posting. For example, if they’re looking for someone who can "communicate effectively across various levels, including senior marketing leaders,” then I would make sure I had a story for how I have done exactly that. At the end of the day, take what they are looking for and talk about how you can manifest those specific skills.

Do you have any tips you’d like to share with aspiring Googlers?
Never feel like Google is out of reach — Googlers are regular people. Find a role that you are passionate about, understand what qualifications they’re looking for, and work directly on building those skill sets.