An Indian-origin Google intern, Aashna Doshi, has shared six key lessons she learned during her six-month internship at the tech giant. In a LinkedIn post titled "6 Months at Google – 6 Things I've Learned So Far," Doshi reflected on her experiences, highlighting the challenges she faced and the insights she gained, particularly in overcoming imposter syndrome and fostering a mindset of continuous learning.
Overcoming imposter syndrome
Doshi revealed that she initially struggled with imposter syndrome, having joined a team of senior software engineers. However, she soon realised that asking questions was crucial to her development. She noted that some of the most intelligent engineers she encountered were also the most generous in sharing their knowledge.
Importance of building a supportive community
While acknowledging the fast-paced nature of the tech industry, Doshi emphasised the value of having a strong support network. She found community through various groups, including student panels, Women @ Google, and even informal gatherings such as a poker club.
Networking through coffee chats
Doshi made it a habit to connect with new people, scheduling at least one or two coffee chats per week. Whether engaging with teammates, colleagues from other departments, or senior leaders, she found that some of the best career advice and unexpected opportunities arose from casual conversations.
Embracing an ownership mindset
She highlighted that success at Google required more than just completing assigned tasks—it demanded critical thinking, initiative, and taking ownership of projects. Working in the field of privacy and security, she learned that even minor contributions could have a significant impact.
Communication as a key skill
Doshi underscored that while writing high-quality code was essential, strong communication skills were equally, if not more, important. The ability to articulate ideas, document decisions, and collaborate effectively set engineers apart. She described learning how to present ideas in cross-team discussions as a transformative experience.
Commitment to lifelong learning
With technology evolving rapidly, Doshi recognised that the learning curve never flattened. Whether it involved tackling new security challenges, keeping up with best practices, or refining her own skills, she embraced the mindset of continuous growth.
Her reflections resonated with many professionals, who responded positively to her post. One LinkedIn user described her insights as “valuable and inspiring,” praising her approach to challenges and growth. Another user highlighted the increasing importance of communication, leadership, and adaptability in today’s tech industry.
Even Google acknowledged her post, commenting, “It's awesome to see you embracing the learning curve and making the most of your time over the last six months.”
Doshi concluded by describing her internship as a period filled with challenges, growth, and moments of learning, adding that she was excited for what lay ahead in her career.
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