Today started with me waking up, and walking around one mile to get the Google Dublin offices, where I met with an employee by the name of Uladzimir. I was put into contact with Uladzimir through a friend of my Dad’s, whose brother manages Uladzimir’s team. Uladzimir’s team specializes in protecting Google apps from malicious use, and also in protecting the consumer, specifically in the context of ad services. Our tour began on the 13th floor, which is the highest. There I got to see Dublin, from the current highest point in the city. It was truly something to behold. Looking out over the city, Uladzimir commented on how Google had spurred on growth in this portion of the city. Apparently, up until around 20 years ago, this area was extremely poor.
From there, we made our way down the building, stopping on interesting floors; ones with music rooms, pool tables, outdoor courtyards, and beanbags. Each floor however, is equipped with a mini kitchen, stocked full of different drinks and snacks, along with a state-of-the-art coffee machine.
On one floor, Uladzimir pulled me aside. “This,” he said, “this, is something I really like about Google”. He pointed to an ordinary looking counter tucked in the corner of a floor by a copying machine. “A lot of us move around, so here, you can receive mail! Right here, at your office. You can also send things from here as well!”. Besides the desk side mail service, Uladzimir was also a big fan of the different seating arrangements that Google has. We walked several times by modular pieces of furniture, of all colors and sizes.
“Right here, I could have a focused conversation with a co-worker in the middle of a busy office. Google is always trying to stimulate us like this, and promote creative thinking".
After we made our way through the first building, we walked across a bridge that connects all three Google buildings across a street. Then, we had lunch at one of the three cafeterias. I had a panko crusted filet of fish, sauteed green beans, lamb bourguignon, scalloped potatoes, and bread. It was quite good.
After that, we parted ways. One thing I really liked about Google, besides the obvious perks and amenities, is its global atmosphere. Everywhere you turn, there were flags from different nations above the desks of the employee who came from there. Along with this, everyone was very friendly, and would come up to Uladzimir and me to say hi. Uladzimir also gave me some valuable insight into my college search. I have been thinking a lot about where I want to go, and what I want to study. My main influencing factors have been cost, location, and degree viability. I have thought of my personal happiness, but only as a secondary consideration. However, Uladzimir told me something I don’t think I’ll forget.
“I hope you make the decision that will make you happiest. If you make the decision that will make you the happiest, you can never go wrong!”
While this seems like common sense, I hadn’t really integrated it into my decision making process. Surely a degree and career will ultimately make me happy, but shouldn’t I try to make the process as fulfilling and enjoyable as possible too? But more on that later.
After my visit at Google, I again took the DART to Dun Laoghaire(which I have now learned is pronounced ‘dun leary’). I strolled up and down the coast, and just enjoyed being outside and in a new place. A solid Day 2.