Section 1.1: My Role in the Android Team

A month prior to my internship, I received the exciting news that I would be joining the Android team. This was a thrilling revelation, as I was eager to contribute to a significant product area during my time at Google. This team was the ideal environment to immerse myself in product management and learn about developing products that reach millions of users.

Unexpectedly, I also had the chance to work with physical products, which turned out to be a delightful surprise. I engaged with prototypes and assisted in troubleshooting both hardware and software components. Collaborating with talented individuals from both the London and Mountain View offices enriched my experience, as the product teams spanned both locations. I had the opportunity to work alongside engineers, UX designers, and other product managers, which provided me with a broader perspective on the various roles involved in product development. For instance, I particularly enjoyed contributing to the development of UX mockups and focusing on creating visually appealing designs.

While the product I was involved with won’t launch until next year, and I didn’t have the chance to release my own project during the internship, I recognized that each project and product area presents unique learning experiences. Embracing the idea that every experience is an opportunity for growth is crucial.

Section 1.2: Traveling to Barcelona and California

About a month into my internship, I was thrilled to be invited to Barcelona for the Google EMEA PM summit alongside my fellow interns from Europe. This was an incredible experience filled with inspiring talks on product management and personal development. It was also an excellent opportunity to expand my network and gain insights into other product areas at Google in Europe. We even participated in fun activities, including a graffiti workshop!

Shortly after, the European interns were flown to Mountain View for Google’s international intern week. This was a dream come true, as it was my first visit to the U.S. We worked at the iconic Mountain View campus, explored nearby offices in Sunnyvale and San Francisco, and enjoyed a team-building day at Disneyland in Los Angeles! This trip truly became one of the summer's highlights, allowing us to connect with fellow interns and fully experience the Google culture.

Section 2.1: Overcoming Feelings of Inadequacy

The first challenge I encountered arose before I even started my internship. Upon joining a Discord group with my fellow interns, I felt a wave of self-doubt. Surrounded by talented individuals from prestigious universities, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was out of my depth and had lucked into this opportunity. Over time, I learned to navigate this imposter syndrome—a common struggle—and began to appreciate my own strengths, which ultimately helped boost my confidence.

Section 2.2: Feeling Overwhelmed

During the internship itself, I often felt lost and unsure of my role within the team. The initial confusion regarding team dynamics and my responsibilities left me feeling overwhelmed. However, through conversations with other APMs, I discovered that this was a typical experience. It can take several months to fully grasp the role, and three months is just a short period to expect complete understanding.

Section 2.3: The Pressure of Securing a Full-Time Offer

As the internship neared its conclusion, the anxiety of whether I would receive a full-time job offer loomed over me. The experience solidified my love for the APM role, and the thought of not continuing felt disheartening. My advice is to focus on performing well and producing quality work rather than stressing about the outcome. Ultimately, doing your best and being a positive contributor to the team will lead to favorable results.

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