Ulyana Danyliv, an alumnus of the Master in Management program in 2020, a participant in the CEMS program, received an offer to Google while studying and now holds the position of Associate Account Strategist. In an interview, Ulyana told why she chose the Master program in GSOM, what skills that she got in the business school were useful in work and how is it to work at Google.

 

In what specialty did you graduate from the undergraduate program, and why did you decide to enter the magistracy at GSOM?

I graduated from the St. Petersburg State University Bachelor degree in International Relations. Even while studying at the Bachelor program, I realized that I was more interested in a career in business than in the diplomatic field. The GSOM was just the perfect option for gaining the missing knowledge. In addition, I was very impressed with the idea of studying entirely in English, as well as the possibility of an exchange semester in partner universities.

 

Did you choose between different specialties / universities?

To be honest, I had no doubts about GSOM, but there were backup options. I knew that entering the GSOM on the budget was not easy, so I chose a few more universities (for example, the Higher School of Economics in Moscow). However, GSOM was my first priority, so all my efforts were focused on preparing for the entrance exams, in particular, for the GMAT and for the introductory interview.

 

What do you remember on education in GSOM? Maybe there were some bright projects, courses or events?

I would say that all study at the GSOM Master program was one vivid memory. It was all – interesting courses, vibrant projects, many events. Perhaps the key experience for me was the organization of the conference "Management of the Future 2018". This is already a traditional event organized by students of GSOM. I was the Head of the Organizing Committee of 2018 and I can say that it was my most unforgettable experience for all the years of the student body as a whole. Thanks to my amazing team and support from the GSOM administration, we were able to hold a truly large-scale and cool event. Of course, this project helped me a lot to grow both professionally and personally.

 

How did your career begin after St. Petersburg State University? Now you work at Google, can you tell us more about this? Is it real to have a job position there right after the end of GSOM?

Yes, I really work for Google now. I received an offer from the company during my last semester at GSOM. So, yes, it’s absolutely real to get to Google after GSOM. 

 

How to successfully pass an interview with such a large and famous company? Please share your life hacks!

In my opinion, the biggest life hack is the preparation process. I carefully prepared for each stage of the selection: I thought over the possible answers to questions, prepared stories for fit interviews - talk on resumes, read a lot about the company and its products. As a result, I had a very clear understanding of why I want to work in this particular company and why I fit Google.

 

And why did you choose to work at Google? Were you afraid of moving to another country? How did you decide on this?

I heard a lot about Google as a company and as an employer. Most of all I was attracted by the values of the company: respect for each other, priority for the user, accessibility for everyone. 

 

I already had the experience of living in another country during the exchange semester in Hong Kong, so moving to Ireland was not so scary. In general, it turned out, as with entering GSOM, this was my first priority, so I was very happy, and all subsequent difficulties were perceived more easily.

 

What exactly are you doing in the company now?

I work in the Global Customer Solutions team with Russian Google customers. In short, we help businesses make the most of our products and grow with Google. 

 

What inspires you at work, what would you like to do in the future?

I am very inspired by the success stories of our clients, as well as my colleagues. Google has a lot of talented and vibrant people who always have a lot to learn. The corporate culture inside the company is built in such a way that everyone is very open, and you can always chat with people of interest to you, no matter which team they work on and how long they have been in the company. As for further plans, of course, I want to develop in the chosen direction of Sales / Marketing. Probably, I won’t be able to answer in more detail now, but I know one thing for sure: I really want to do what really drives.

 

Is it true that there is a cool office with many recreation areas in Google office in Dublin?

Yes, the office is really very cool. At the moment, of course, we work from home, in connection with COVID-19, but our Dublin office is very comfortable. When I first arrived, I was most impressed by the coffee stations where the barista brews fresh coffee, as well as the presence of dogs in the office. Well, free food, of course.

 

If you return to study at the School, then what of the skills you got in business school are useful in your work now? What do you recommend focusing on during training?

The school is very helpful in pumping universal soft skills: teamwork, time management, the ability to present your idea, and communication in English. All these skills will be useful at any job. But most importantly, GSOM is changing your mindset: you start to think wider, you get used to working a lot and not be afraid to take risks. In my opinion, there is no single right accent: someone wants to participate in case championships more, someone focuses on organizing events. GSOM provides many opportunities, and most importantly is do not be afraid to use them. Participate, try, communicate!

 

And the last question: can you advise something to graduates who have to move and work in a new country?

Being very attentive to yourself: moving to a new country is always difficult, so it is important to support yourself. Do what you like more often: travel to a new country, walk more, call up relatives.