Alumna Allyssa Concepcion’s heart was set on going to a SoCal college, but her father, Jim Perez ‘84, convinced her to look at Sonoma State.
“When I stepped on campus it was kind of a ‘wow’ moment where I looked around and I just couldn't believe that all of this was in my backyard.”
After hearing about how much of his success her dad attributed to SSU and learning about the incredible programs, she decided to enroll.
“Honestly, that ended up being among the top three best decisions I've ever made in my life and definitely has gotten me to where I'm at today,” she said.
Concepcion ‘13 works for Google as a recruiter and vendor delivery specialist with a focus on Early Career Software Engineering. She answered questions about her path to the tech giant and gave advice for career building and job seekers during the third ‘Industry Insights’ webinar.
What’s it like to work for Google?
“I tell all of my candidates that it's basically like Disneyland for adults. I still have these ‘pinch me’ moments where I still can't believe I work for a company like Google.”
What most helped you launch from Sonoma State onto the path to Google?
“Joining the Accounting Forum was, I think, the turning point in my time at Sonoma State. It threw me into the world of professional services and looking at a career that's historically been male dominated. It helped me get to a place where I was working for Deloitte, one of the top accounting and client service firms in the world.
“None of that would have been possible without the resources at Sonoma State like the Accounting Forum and Professor Joe Standridge.”
As a recruiter, what qualities do you look for in applicants?
“One of the things I look for in a candidate is well-roundedness. We can all be a master of one thing but can you show that while going to school you were able to balance a few different things?
“I’d advise students to use the resources at their fingertips to get involved. Sonoma State offers so many opportunities – whether clubs, sororities, professional groups, or internships.
“Other qualities we look for are whether a candidate is a team player and good communicator. Can you receive feedback? That's huge at Google because we are constantly delivering and receiving feedback.
How best can applicants prepare for an interview?
“Always come to the table prepared. Research the role you are applying for, the company, and familiarize yourself with your resume.
“It’s critical for an applicant to articulate how their skills or experience will contribute to the particular role they’re seeking and to the greater good of the company and what it’s trying to achieve.”
What advice would you give to those who are looking to start their careers?
“I think my biggest piece of advice is to utilize your network.”
“From both my sorority and the Accounting Forum, I gained an incredible network of friends and colleagues and classmates who later helped me find jobs and internships.
“And when I say network, I also mean the one that we're with right now: the SSU Alumni Association. There's a great representation of different businesses and industries and expertise among this group.
“I’ve been blown away by how many times I find out an SSU alum is responsible for a brand that I use every day or a shop that I go to all the time.”
What would tell you those hoping to enter a field, but don’t have prior experience or education in it?
“Don’t be afraid to make a career change or shift. Life isn’t linear.
“I recruit and end up hiring many who have gone through a change in their careers. Or students who got their undergrad degree in a completely different field and then had a change of heart.
“If you're not sure how to enter the industry you want, look up as much information as you can. Attend conferences and professional group meetings, and talk to reps from the field at career fairs on campus.
“Again, make connections; build your network.”
What personal advice would you give job seekers?
“Don't be afraid to be your authentic self and accept that it might not fit everywhere. You will find a place and a team where it fits; I promise you.”
“And treat others as you want to be treated. You know that's important in your personal life, but – guess what? – that’s also at the top of the list for a company where you’ll be part of a team.”
What would you change if you could go back?
“I wouldn’t do anything differently. I've loved every bit of the experiences I have had. I've only worked for two companies, but my time at both has been nothing short of incredible. And It's all because of Sonoma State and the professors, like Joe Stanridge, who helped launch me into that world.”
To view the entire webinar, go to this link.