Googling....officially.

We had the official opening of our new office in Ann Arbor this morning, and for once in my life…I am speechless.

This morning, we listened to people like Governor Jennifer Granholm and David Fisher, the Vice President of Online Sales and Operations here at Google, speak about Google coming to Ann Arbor. We watched a video highlighting where the Ann Arbor office has been and where it is now, and I then realized that nothing that I can put into words could really describe life at Google.

The new office has everything that anyone could want in a workplace, and more. The Wii, a massage room, and every snack you can imagine…

Beyond the physical perks, my co-workers are welcoming, funny and smart people that are a pleasure to be around all day. I feel like I can be my loud, outgoing, jokester self around my co-workers without feeling silly, and that makes me comfortable and happy, ultimately making it easier do my job to the best of my ability. A memorable quote from today’s presentations was that Googlers are able to take their job seriously while not taking themselves too seriously – and I love that.

When it comes down to it, I really could not be any happier with my current situation. The opportunities as an Ann Arbor Googler are seemingly endless – and I consider myself incredibly lucky to be a part of the growth of the office. It has been pleasure writing about my experiences to date, from the hiring process to the office outings. I encourage everyone that I’ve had the ability to reach through this blog to check out the current job openings in the Ann Arbor office as well as other information about Google and working as a Googler. And, as always, please feel free to email me anytime in the future at sjduchaine.blog@gmail.com with any questions or thoughts that you have.

Again, it’s been a pleasure…and thanks for reading!

Go Team!

It’s softball season ... and the Ann Arbor Googlers (or A2ooglers) have assembled a softball team set to take on other companies around the area. It’s to everyone’s benefit that I don’t play, but I’ve been known to talk loud and often, which makes me the perfect cheerleader. I stocked up on the necessities: sunflower seeds, peanut M&Ms (shocking), and bubble gum -- and I was ready for opening day at the softball diamond. Thankfully, it was a nice day; and I spent the day hoping it stayed that way.

It did stay that way, and after work I set out with one of my co-workers to cheer our team onto victory.

The umpire was a little crabby, and the other team may or may not have been considerably better than we were, but it was a great time. Cheers were tailored to the individual player ("train that ball like you train the phone team!") and the pictures are priceless. We may not have gotten the 'W,' but we're prepared to step it up next time.

It’s been easy for me to bridge the gap between my social and professional life at Google. I’ve found that it can be a bit difficult to meet new people when you enter the working world, so it’s nice that I can relate to my co-workers. It also makes it easier that we're a rapidly growing office, and there are continuous new people starting - so there is never a shortage of people to meet.

Even if, say, you're not the greatest athlete, activities around the office are fun, lighthearted, and easy to participate in while bringing whatever you want to bring to the table (i.e. my screaming-for-the-team voice instead of my cleats).

Directions to...anywhere!

This will be my first summer that Monday through Friday still constitutes a work week, and laying by the pool every day in a spoiled fashion is no longer an option.

Either way, I’ll still be trying to do some traveling – and what better companion to have than…you guessed it…Google Maps?

My favorite thing about Google products is the combination of functionality and personality. Check out these directions from New York to Dublin, provided by Google Maps. Notice anything (hint: check out number 24)?

Google Maps is now also available for your mobile device, which is great for people like me who need a little bit of extra help with driving directions. I’m getting better, but sometimes it’s still a little pathetic.