Picture this: I began my academic journey with a Bachelor’s in History and International Relations, guided by a heart inclined towards addressing societal challenges. With a Master’s degree in Human Rights in my portfolio, I felt equipped to delve into the intricacies of complex social issues and make a lasting difference in people’s lives.
For almost eight years, I found my calling in the nonprofit sector. My days were filled with reporting civil rights infringements and championing women’s rights. As a researcher, project manager, and policy advisor, I collaborated with various global human rights entities. The work imbued me with a profound sense of purpose, yet one can’t help but wonder: Was this path sustainable?
Even though my work gave me a strong sense of purpose, I questioned the sustainability of my path
The nonprofits I worked for frequently grappled with scarce financial resources. Benefits were often scant, and relocations were expected with minimal backing. As I neared my thirties, the weight of life’s essentials—rent, bills—began pressing heavily on my shoulders. This reality nudged me towards exploring the private sector.
Sharing my aspirations was met with skepticism. Some said, “No one will hire you — you lack the necessary experience.” Others suggested starting with an internship. One mentor advised a junior role with lower pay and responsibilities might be a stepping stone to future success.
Yet, after nearly a decade of modest wages in the nonprofit realm and lacking a financial cushion, unpaid or underpaid roles weren’t viable options.
Despite the naysayers, I stayed the course
Turning potential into progress, I embraced networking fervently. Events, LinkedIn outreach, and audacious applications—these became my new norm. I meticulously crafted my resume and cover letters, emphasizing transferable skills—stakeholder management, cross-cultural communication, strategic thinking, and adaptability.
Jobs across Europe—ranging from startups to ambitious companies—were my targets. Rejections became common, but perseverance remained my companion.
Then, I got an unexpected email
Three months into this job search, a message from a Google recruiter landed in my inbox. What followed were five interviews and a writing assessment, after which I received an offer to become a policy advisor, tasked with advancing user safety policies across Google’s offerings.
The role came with a tripled salary compared to my nonprofit past. For the first time, I wasn’t agonizing over finances. Planning for the future became not just a possibility, but a reality.
I often pondered: How did Google see potential when others had not? Insights came easily, as my interviewers became colleagues. They answered through casual chats, revealing three reasons for their decision.
3 reasons why Google hired me
Primarily, my distinctive background intrigued them. My nonprofit experience and insight into ethics and human rights added complexity and depth to policy discussions at Google.
Secondly, my global outlook—having lived in several countries and visited numerous others for work—was deemed essential. Google, a global entity, valued this perspective highly.
Finally, my experience in demanding environments honed my problem-solving and collaboration skills. My adaptability and extensive network assured them of my capability in stakeholder management.
This process taught me that what makes us unconventional can also be our greatest asset
At Google, I found a vibrant ecosystem where diversity in perspective drove impactful results.
During two fruitful years as a senior individual contributor at Google, I learned lessons that eased my transition to a new role at TikTok—one with greater responsibilities, a senior title, and a 20% salary increase.
Our unique paths carve our strengths. Embracing them can lead to incredible opportunities.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.
