Spotlight on Ashleigh Ainsley – Business Associate Intern, London 2013
October 22nd, 2013 | Published in Google Student Blog
In honor of Black History Month celebrations in the U.K. this October, we’re finding out more about the young generation of black tech talent here in London. For today's post, meet Ashleigh, an intern on the Enterprise team.
So Ashleigh, tell us a bit about yourself…
Hi, I’m Ashleigh, I’m a born and bred Londoner and I’m studying a 3-year geography degree at Oxford University. Interesting fact about me: I’m a qualified football (soccer for our American readers) referee and I often referee at county cup finals. The biggest field I’ve refereed at is Charlton Athletic (20,000 people) for its Youth Team. I worked very hard to get into Oxford, and I’m a bit of a geek!
How did you find out about the Business Associate Internship?
I found out about the internship through Google’s Top Black Talent Program where I had a fantastic mentor who recommended I apply. Initially I didn’t know Google offered opportunities in the U.K., so I was very pleased when I read about the opportunity on the Google Students site.
Why did you apply?
Who wouldn’t apply? Google is a brand everyone knows. I also love Google products—the first time I used Google Earth, it changed my life! It influenced my decisions at university and helped with my work.
What did you do during your time at Google?
My internship was with the Enterprise Team, who sell products to businesses and partners. My main role was conducting market research and data analysis to make sure our clients were happy and target areas to improve. The project was global so I had the chance to work with Googlers all over the world.
What is the most exciting thing that you have been able to do as a Google intern? Your “magic moment”?
Meeting all the fantastic interns in London. We had a great social scene this summer including some fantastic house parties and barbecues. It was a very vibrant intern community and I made some great friends. In my first week, the movie The Internship was released and we were all invited to a private screening in Leicester Square to watch it together, which was a special experience.
The Google office was also a super groovy and quirky place to work. Every day there was something new and exciting to see, learn and do.
Aside from working for Google, what kinds of organizations are you involved with in your community or around your school’s campus?
At university I’m the vice president of my Junior Common Room which involves event management such as Fresher’s Week. It’s always very hectic and exciting. I also go to schools as an Oxford University Ambassador—Target Schools Oxford (run through my student union) and Oxford Young Ambassadors, and produced an alternative college prospectus for brand awareness which has been sent to 3,000 students across the country. I also work with an external organization to identify young black and ethnic minority students and mentor them for their exams.
What types of lessons or skills have you learned at Google that you will take back to school after this summer ends?
I learned a lot in terms of personal development. I learned how to conduct myself in a business environment as well as managing my work life balance. I also learned to be better at data analysis, to be more succinct and direct, not to mention time management and prioritization skills. I’ve also enjoyed getting to better understand Google products such as Map Engine.
Do you have any advice for anyone considering applying for a Business Associate Internship at Google?
Be prepared to work hard, try to find something you enjoy doing and run with it. Finally, find a way to be unique and make your mark!
Applications for 2014 Business Associate internships will reopen towards the end of October. For updates and to submit your interest, please follow this link.
To find out more about internship opportunities at Google, please visit the Google Students Site.
Interested in taking part in our Top Black Talent program? Apply here by November 11, 2013.
So Ashleigh, tell us a bit about yourself…
Hi, I’m Ashleigh, I’m a born and bred Londoner and I’m studying a 3-year geography degree at Oxford University. Interesting fact about me: I’m a qualified football (soccer for our American readers) referee and I often referee at county cup finals. The biggest field I’ve refereed at is Charlton Athletic (20,000 people) for its Youth Team. I worked very hard to get into Oxford, and I’m a bit of a geek!
How did you find out about the Business Associate Internship?
I found out about the internship through Google’s Top Black Talent Program where I had a fantastic mentor who recommended I apply. Initially I didn’t know Google offered opportunities in the U.K., so I was very pleased when I read about the opportunity on the Google Students site.
Why did you apply?
Who wouldn’t apply? Google is a brand everyone knows. I also love Google products—the first time I used Google Earth, it changed my life! It influenced my decisions at university and helped with my work.
What did you do during your time at Google?
My internship was with the Enterprise Team, who sell products to businesses and partners. My main role was conducting market research and data analysis to make sure our clients were happy and target areas to improve. The project was global so I had the chance to work with Googlers all over the world.What is the most exciting thing that you have been able to do as a Google intern? Your “magic moment”?
Meeting all the fantastic interns in London. We had a great social scene this summer including some fantastic house parties and barbecues. It was a very vibrant intern community and I made some great friends. In my first week, the movie The Internship was released and we were all invited to a private screening in Leicester Square to watch it together, which was a special experience.
The Google office was also a super groovy and quirky place to work. Every day there was something new and exciting to see, learn and do.
Aside from working for Google, what kinds of organizations are you involved with in your community or around your school’s campus?
At university I’m the vice president of my Junior Common Room which involves event management such as Fresher’s Week. It’s always very hectic and exciting. I also go to schools as an Oxford University Ambassador—Target Schools Oxford (run through my student union) and Oxford Young Ambassadors, and produced an alternative college prospectus for brand awareness which has been sent to 3,000 students across the country. I also work with an external organization to identify young black and ethnic minority students and mentor them for their exams.
What types of lessons or skills have you learned at Google that you will take back to school after this summer ends?
I learned a lot in terms of personal development. I learned how to conduct myself in a business environment as well as managing my work life balance. I also learned to be better at data analysis, to be more succinct and direct, not to mention time management and prioritization skills. I’ve also enjoyed getting to better understand Google products such as Map Engine.
Do you have any advice for anyone considering applying for a Business Associate Internship at Google?
Be prepared to work hard, try to find something you enjoy doing and run with it. Finally, find a way to be unique and make your mark!
Applications for 2014 Business Associate internships will reopen towards the end of October. For updates and to submit your interest, please follow this link.
To find out more about internship opportunities at Google, please visit the Google Students Site.
Interested in taking part in our Top Black Talent program? Apply here by November 11, 2013.