Better Know an Intern: Benedict Liang
August 14th, 2013 | Published in Google Student Blog
It’s intern season at Google! Interns are located at offices all across the globe, and represent a broad diversity of backgrounds, concentrations and interests. So inspired by Stephen Colbert’s Better Know a District, we’re bringing to you “Better Know an Intern!” The series will introduce you to our interns and get you the scoop on the impactful projects they work on, their interests and passions, and what it’s really like to intern at Google straight from the source.
In today’s post, meet Benedict Liang, a 2nd Year Computer Science Undergraduate in the National University of SIngapore. He is currently an intern in gTech.
1. Of all the companies to apply for, why did you want to work at Google?
The people and the impact it is making on the world. Enough said.
2. In what way(s) has Google impacted you, and how have you left an impact at Google?
I was able to work with brilliant software engineers. I was given guidance through code reviews, discussions, and weekly sync ups. In my opinion, this is the greatest benefit of being in Google.
Was I able to make an impact in Google? Definitely.
My intern project involves engineering an internal tool to help teams visualize and obtain geodata more effectively. This improved the workflow for getting better and more accurate business listings for Google Map users.
3. What is the most interesting/exciting thing that you have been able to do as a Google intern? Your “Magic Moment”?
I got to try out Google Glass! In Singapore! (Just some context, Glass has not been released outside of US yet.)
4. Aside from working for Google, what kinds of organizations/clubs/activities are you involved with in your community and around your school’s campus?
I was a Google Student Ambassador for my school last year. Representing Google (wow), having fun, and getting awesome SWAG, briefly summarizes my GSA experience. Certainly, this does not do any justice to the program. Definitely check out the video, and the program description.
I am also actively involved in NUS Hackers. This is a community of people who mess around with hardware or software with playful cleverness; they are more commonly known as hackers. Being in this community means being with like-minded people (hack&roll, Friday Hacks).
5. Any advice for students interested in being a Google intern?
Optimize for learning. In the context of college, this means taking the right courses, not the easy ones. Taking an algorithms course early in college equates to more interview preparation time and taking a rigorous course means getting yourself acquainted with more non-trivial problems.
6. Favorite micro-kitchen snack?
Emmi Yogurt Drink. It is yogurt without a spoon!
Posted by Minty Cai, Tech Staffing Programs team
In today’s post, meet Benedict Liang, a 2nd Year Computer Science Undergraduate in the National University of SIngapore. He is currently an intern in gTech.
1. Of all the companies to apply for, why did you want to work at Google?
The people and the impact it is making on the world. Enough said.
2. In what way(s) has Google impacted you, and how have you left an impact at Google?
I was able to work with brilliant software engineers. I was given guidance through code reviews, discussions, and weekly sync ups. In my opinion, this is the greatest benefit of being in Google.
Was I able to make an impact in Google? Definitely.
My intern project involves engineering an internal tool to help teams visualize and obtain geodata more effectively. This improved the workflow for getting better and more accurate business listings for Google Map users.
3. What is the most interesting/exciting thing that you have been able to do as a Google intern? Your “Magic Moment”?
I got to try out Google Glass! In Singapore! (Just some context, Glass has not been released outside of US yet.)
4. Aside from working for Google, what kinds of organizations/clubs/activities are you involved with in your community and around your school’s campus?
I was a Google Student Ambassador for my school last year. Representing Google (wow), having fun, and getting awesome SWAG, briefly summarizes my GSA experience. Certainly, this does not do any justice to the program. Definitely check out the video, and the program description.
I am also actively involved in NUS Hackers. This is a community of people who mess around with hardware or software with playful cleverness; they are more commonly known as hackers. Being in this community means being with like-minded people (hack&roll, Friday Hacks).
5. Any advice for students interested in being a Google intern?
Optimize for learning. In the context of college, this means taking the right courses, not the easy ones. Taking an algorithms course early in college equates to more interview preparation time and taking a rigorous course means getting yourself acquainted with more non-trivial problems.
6. Favorite micro-kitchen snack?
Emmi Yogurt Drink. It is yogurt without a spoon!
Posted by Minty Cai, Tech Staffing Programs team