Better Know an Intern – Elisse Roche
August 30th, 2013 | Published in Google Student Blog
For our next post, meet Elisse (Elle) Roche, an intern on the SMB Marketing team.
Elisse (Elle) Roche
Columbia University, CC ‘14
English Major
Hispanic Studies Concentration
Fun Fact: I’m a singer/songwriter - I perform on campus at Columbia and share my music on YouTube at www.youtube.com/ellerocke.
APMM (Associate Product Marketing Manager) Intern, Global SMB Marketing
1. Of all the companies to apply for, why did you want to work at Google?
In high school, when I thought about what I wanted to with my life, I didn’t really have a plan. All I knew was that I wanted to do something creative and something that would change the world, ideally for the better - whatever that meant. I had this fear of being forgotten. I loved reading history books and I envisioned myself being in one, with one of those shaded boxes that had a photo, bio, and contribution to... really anything.
But by my freshman year in college, I had forgotten all of that somehow. Over the next couple of years, I fell into a couple different marketing internships and by the end of the summer I realized that I wasn’t in love - with the companies I worked for, I mean. I realized then I had forgotten what I was all about: creativity and global impact. I’m a story-lover at heart and at will, and I wasn’t engaging with either of those passions. So as I approached the application process during my Junior year, I remembered what mattered to me, personally, what gave me energy and what inspired me. I knew that I had to work for a company that I believed in - I needed to feel the “chills.” They’re kind of like a spiritual compass for me so I know I’m going in the right direction. Like when I applied ED to Columbia University and got accepted, I felt those chills and knew I was going where I was supposed to go in life.
I also strongly believe in serendipity. A year ago, I randomly heard about a Google Recruiting Info Session hosted by Columbia’s Organization for Rising Entrepreneurs (CORE). I clicked on it and thought... why not? The event was actually going to be in the lounge of my dorm building, where I live and work as a Resident Adviser. Super convenient.
So I show up to this event and look around the lounge and take it all in for a second. I swear all of the students were bright-eyed like deer... agitated, too. The excitement was palpable. The recruiters were making rounds across the room, smiling and saying hello. And when the presentation began, I knew why everyone was so... electric. This was Google - that search engine I had apparently been taking for granted each day, the new history book. It was like my extended brain.
During the presentation, the recruiters talked about all of these incredible things that Google has done and can do with our (the students’) help. They said, “do cool stuff that matters.” Those words resonated deep down in those bones of mine, a subtle vibration that spread from the neck down through my entire body. The chills. I thought, “I believe in this.” And I knew Google was my direction. Google was the company where I could be creative and change the world... and who knows, maybe end up in that history book one day-- that or a sick knowledge graph.
2. In what way(s) has Google impacted you, and how have you left an impact at Google?
So, I mentioned “do cool stuff that matters” before, and this summer I’ve done exactly that by working on projects that fall within Global SMB Marketing’s threefold mission, which entails: 1) helping SMBs get online; 2) targeting them with the right Google products; and 3) setting them up for success and growth. Essentially, the team strives to help SMBs get online, grow online, and thrive online - and that’s not an easy task.
This summer, I worked on a particular project that involved the first two aspects of our mission, that is getting SMBs online and targeting them with the right Google products for them. I know that storytelling is a huge part of Google’s culture, and I believe that this project will convey to small businesses how we (Google) can fit into their “story,” and ideally make it a bit better.
What’s really cool about being an intern here is that you get to work on confidential projects before they launch so you feel like a full-time employee. Honestly, it felt like my team welcomed me, and my perspective, with open arms, so I feel like I have been able to actually help empower SMBs in the digital space.
3. What is the most interesting/exciting thing that you have been able to do as a Google intern? Your “Magic Moment”?
As part of the APMM (Associate Product Marketing Manager) Intern program, we have the opportunity to present to our other 20 or so APMM interns towards the end of the summer - this was definitely my magic moment. I learned so much that day about everyone’s different teams, spanning from Chrome Brand to Ad Arts, and I was literally inspired my fellow interns again and again. Definitely had some chills going on there, hearing about the infinite ways that Google has changed people’s lives for the better... and how we plan on increasing those efforts by 10x.
4. Aside from working for Google, what kinds of organizations/clubs/activities are you involved with in your community / around your school’s campus?
At Columbia, apart from academics, I spend a lot of time working as a Resident Adviser with the CU Office of Residential Programs, where I’m responsible for the emotional, psychological, and academic well-being of about 35-40 students each year. As an RA, I serve as a student leader and resource by upholding community standards and coordinating bi-monthly social and educational programs. The best part of this job is definitely the people - every year, I work with a great staff and can establish really meaningful and lasting relationships. I believe that being an RA really is the best way to meet a diverse group of people that you otherwise wouldn’t meet in a college made up of thousands of students. Along these lines, I’m also a member of the Multicultural Affairs Advisory Board (MAAB), where I collaboratively evaluate and address the needs of the diverse undergraduate population. I’m also responsible for student outreach and event marketing for the Board.
In addition to community development related roles, I’m also super passionate about singing, songwriting, and performing on campus. Last year, I acted as the Outreach Manager for a student-run music group called “Postcrypt Coffeehouse” that hosts weekly student and professional singer-songwriters in the basement of St. Paul’s Chapel. I also performed a few times with this band called Ace of Cake, which was sick because I usually perform solo with my guitar and vocals. Pretty much all of my performances, along with my favorite original songs, can be found at www.youtube.com/ellerocke.
5. What types of lessons/skills have you learned at Google that you will take back to school after this summer ends?
I’ve definitely learned to be more flexible. At school, you get an assignment that’s clearly outlined, you write a draft, meet with your professor, get even more direction, edit it, hand it in. And voilá! Assignment complete. But the real world just doesn’t work like that - the world, and the workplace, is constantly in flux. New challenges, obstacles, and objectives could arise literally at any time and I’ve learned that it’s important to be able to adapt, and adapt well.
This is definitely something I plan on applying to my Senior year - being more open to risk, change, and redirection. I’ve learned to consider a challenge as an opportunity, which is something that can’t really be taught but rather experienced.
5. Any advice for students interested in being a Google intern?
Be honestly and truly who you are - and if you haven’t figured that out yet, start there first. Google values individuals and personalities, so don’t think that there’s a certain mold you necessarily need to fit, i.e. tech background, Econ major, hacker, etc. Look at me - I’m an English Major, singer/songwriter, and storyteller. I know who I am and what I love, and also what I can personally do for Google: communicate their story to the world.
So think about who you are and how you can uniquely contribute to the company as a whole. That’s the best approach, in my mind, when it comes to editing your resume and writing your application. Keep thinking: “Who am I? What can I do?” And more importantly: “What will I do?”
6. Favorite micro-kitchen snack?
Background: I’m a vegetarian with a devastating soy allergy. Clearly, the universe laughs at my existence. Keeping this in mind, I’d have to say that my favorite micro-kitchen snack is definitely the Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Zing bars. They’re great for a pre-workout snack, are soy-free, and taste like chocolate and sunshine.
Columbia University, CC ‘14
English Major
Hispanic Studies Concentration
Fun Fact: I’m a singer/songwriter - I perform on campus at Columbia and share my music on YouTube at www.youtube.com/ellerocke.
APMM (Associate Product Marketing Manager) Intern, Global SMB Marketing
1. Of all the companies to apply for, why did you want to work at Google?
In high school, when I thought about what I wanted to with my life, I didn’t really have a plan. All I knew was that I wanted to do something creative and something that would change the world, ideally for the better - whatever that meant. I had this fear of being forgotten. I loved reading history books and I envisioned myself being in one, with one of those shaded boxes that had a photo, bio, and contribution to... really anything.
But by my freshman year in college, I had forgotten all of that somehow. Over the next couple of years, I fell into a couple different marketing internships and by the end of the summer I realized that I wasn’t in love - with the companies I worked for, I mean. I realized then I had forgotten what I was all about: creativity and global impact. I’m a story-lover at heart and at will, and I wasn’t engaging with either of those passions. So as I approached the application process during my Junior year, I remembered what mattered to me, personally, what gave me energy and what inspired me. I knew that I had to work for a company that I believed in - I needed to feel the “chills.” They’re kind of like a spiritual compass for me so I know I’m going in the right direction. Like when I applied ED to Columbia University and got accepted, I felt those chills and knew I was going where I was supposed to go in life.
I also strongly believe in serendipity. A year ago, I randomly heard about a Google Recruiting Info Session hosted by Columbia’s Organization for Rising Entrepreneurs (CORE). I clicked on it and thought... why not? The event was actually going to be in the lounge of my dorm building, where I live and work as a Resident Adviser. Super convenient.
So I show up to this event and look around the lounge and take it all in for a second. I swear all of the students were bright-eyed like deer... agitated, too. The excitement was palpable. The recruiters were making rounds across the room, smiling and saying hello. And when the presentation began, I knew why everyone was so... electric. This was Google - that search engine I had apparently been taking for granted each day, the new history book. It was like my extended brain.
During the presentation, the recruiters talked about all of these incredible things that Google has done and can do with our (the students’) help. They said, “do cool stuff that matters.” Those words resonated deep down in those bones of mine, a subtle vibration that spread from the neck down through my entire body. The chills. I thought, “I believe in this.” And I knew Google was my direction. Google was the company where I could be creative and change the world... and who knows, maybe end up in that history book one day-- that or a sick knowledge graph.
2. In what way(s) has Google impacted you, and how have you left an impact at Google?
So, I mentioned “do cool stuff that matters” before, and this summer I’ve done exactly that by working on projects that fall within Global SMB Marketing’s threefold mission, which entails: 1) helping SMBs get online; 2) targeting them with the right Google products; and 3) setting them up for success and growth. Essentially, the team strives to help SMBs get online, grow online, and thrive online - and that’s not an easy task.
This summer, I worked on a particular project that involved the first two aspects of our mission, that is getting SMBs online and targeting them with the right Google products for them. I know that storytelling is a huge part of Google’s culture, and I believe that this project will convey to small businesses how we (Google) can fit into their “story,” and ideally make it a bit better.
What’s really cool about being an intern here is that you get to work on confidential projects before they launch so you feel like a full-time employee. Honestly, it felt like my team welcomed me, and my perspective, with open arms, so I feel like I have been able to actually help empower SMBs in the digital space.
3. What is the most interesting/exciting thing that you have been able to do as a Google intern? Your “Magic Moment”?
As part of the APMM (Associate Product Marketing Manager) Intern program, we have the opportunity to present to our other 20 or so APMM interns towards the end of the summer - this was definitely my magic moment. I learned so much that day about everyone’s different teams, spanning from Chrome Brand to Ad Arts, and I was literally inspired my fellow interns again and again. Definitely had some chills going on there, hearing about the infinite ways that Google has changed people’s lives for the better... and how we plan on increasing those efforts by 10x.
4. Aside from working for Google, what kinds of organizations/clubs/activities are you involved with in your community / around your school’s campus?
At Columbia, apart from academics, I spend a lot of time working as a Resident Adviser with the CU Office of Residential Programs, where I’m responsible for the emotional, psychological, and academic well-being of about 35-40 students each year. As an RA, I serve as a student leader and resource by upholding community standards and coordinating bi-monthly social and educational programs. The best part of this job is definitely the people - every year, I work with a great staff and can establish really meaningful and lasting relationships. I believe that being an RA really is the best way to meet a diverse group of people that you otherwise wouldn’t meet in a college made up of thousands of students. Along these lines, I’m also a member of the Multicultural Affairs Advisory Board (MAAB), where I collaboratively evaluate and address the needs of the diverse undergraduate population. I’m also responsible for student outreach and event marketing for the Board.
In addition to community development related roles, I’m also super passionate about singing, songwriting, and performing on campus. Last year, I acted as the Outreach Manager for a student-run music group called “Postcrypt Coffeehouse” that hosts weekly student and professional singer-songwriters in the basement of St. Paul’s Chapel. I also performed a few times with this band called Ace of Cake, which was sick because I usually perform solo with my guitar and vocals. Pretty much all of my performances, along with my favorite original songs, can be found at www.youtube.com/ellerocke.
5. What types of lessons/skills have you learned at Google that you will take back to school after this summer ends?
I’ve definitely learned to be more flexible. At school, you get an assignment that’s clearly outlined, you write a draft, meet with your professor, get even more direction, edit it, hand it in. And voilá! Assignment complete. But the real world just doesn’t work like that - the world, and the workplace, is constantly in flux. New challenges, obstacles, and objectives could arise literally at any time and I’ve learned that it’s important to be able to adapt, and adapt well.
This is definitely something I plan on applying to my Senior year - being more open to risk, change, and redirection. I’ve learned to consider a challenge as an opportunity, which is something that can’t really be taught but rather experienced.
5. Any advice for students interested in being a Google intern?
Be honestly and truly who you are - and if you haven’t figured that out yet, start there first. Google values individuals and personalities, so don’t think that there’s a certain mold you necessarily need to fit, i.e. tech background, Econ major, hacker, etc. Look at me - I’m an English Major, singer/songwriter, and storyteller. I know who I am and what I love, and also what I can personally do for Google: communicate their story to the world.
So think about who you are and how you can uniquely contribute to the company as a whole. That’s the best approach, in my mind, when it comes to editing your resume and writing your application. Keep thinking: “Who am I? What can I do?” And more importantly: “What will I do?”
6. Favorite micro-kitchen snack?
Background: I’m a vegetarian with a devastating soy allergy. Clearly, the universe laughs at my existence. Keeping this in mind, I’d have to say that my favorite micro-kitchen snack is definitely the Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Zing bars. They’re great for a pre-workout snack, are soy-free, and taste like chocolate and sunshine.