Google Apprenticeship - Bitter Sweet Experience
Pros
> 20 month contract & learning opportunity to apply track (UX, PjM, Data Analytics etc.) foundations of a career changing track into a company. > Work at Google and you get to build lasting relationships with people from different backgrounds. > Have the opportunity to create a large impact to either internal or external users or customers. > Experience corporate life and determine if it is something you want to be a part of or not. > Understand how products, software, what ever your area is in, runs at a large scale. > Benefits at Google are incredible, you will have fun as an apprentice. It is a great opportunity - but you need to put yourself out there (network, show face in the office, attend events, and/or explore different projects) in order to make the most of it. If you lay back on the sidelines you will miss out and regret it.
Cons
> Apprenticeship is not a conversion program. You will need to apply externally. > Since it's new to the states there are a lot of things that need to be fleshed out for this program. > Some managers will take advantage of apprentices' time making apprentices feel overworked for a position they may not get a job in after the program is over. (DO NOT allow your manager to overwork you - the point of the program is to learn) > Management lacks communication with apprentices. Apprentices will have more questions throughout their contract and be given no concrete answers. You will hear A LOT of "maybe", "I think", "don't quote me on xyz", "I heard" which can be frustrating and at some point inexcusable in a corporate setting. > Your manager is new to management so they will need your help in providing feedback about your experience. > You will have to not depend on the program - do not expect your hand to be held throughout the process as everyone, including management, is still figuring it out. > If you are at the end of your cohort and suddenly the U.S. is in one of the worst tech job markets (like my cohort was), you will be stressed and find it difficult to find a position in tech (no matter the apprentice track) whether its inside or outside of Google. Make sure you have a plan B and C. > The program does little in helping you find a job. You will do most of the leg work.
