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Michelle, People Programs & Ops Lead at Alphabet Inc. Company: Advize Career Interview
A fascinating career journey from early jobs like babysitting and restaurant work to a People Programs & Ops Lead role at Alphabet Inc. is revealed in this interview.
The path, while non-traditional, showcases the value of diverse experiences, starting with a psychology major and education minor.
The interviewee's current role involves managing crucial employee programs, including engagement surveys and performance reviews, requiring strong organizational skills and the ability to thrive in ambiguity.
A key takeaway is the importance of owning mistakes and proactively negotiating compensation.
Advice to students emphasizes the value of undergraduate work experience and exploring various HR functions early on to discover personal strengths and preferences, noting many entry-level roles available.
The interviewee's success highlights the rewards of detail-orientation, thoughtful teamwork, and a collaborative spirit in a dynamic industry filled with open-minded colleagues.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Michelle Lowry
People Programs & Ops Lead
Alphabet Inc. Company
University of California, Davis
N/A
Psychology
Technology
Human Resources (HR)
Scholarship Recipient, Took Out Loans, Greek Life Member, First Generation College Student
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Career Path of a People Programs and Operations Lead at Alphabet
Michelle's career journey, beginning with early jobs like babysitting and restaurant hostessing, evolved from a psychology major and education minor to a non-traditional path in tech. After starting as a receptionist at a venture capital firm, the interviewee transitioned through executive assistant roles and a multifaceted "wearing a lot of hats" experience at Sidewalk Labs, an Alphabet company, ultimately leading to their current People Programs & Ops Lead position at Alphabet Inc.
Main Responsibilities of a People Programs and Operations Lead at Alphabet
Michelle's role as People Programs & Ops Lead at Alphabet Inc. involves overseeing "all of our people programs," including employee engagement surveys, performance reviews, employee development and promotions, and new hire orientation. A key aspect of the work involves adapting programs to accommodate the large number of remote hires, ensuring effective onboarding and team cohesion.
A Day in the Life of a People Programs and Operations Lead at Alphabet
A day for this People Programs & Ops Lead at Alphabet involves significant long-term planning, "calendared a bunch of sessions for all the way through July, 2025," and iterative program improvement based on data and feedback; this includes creating presentations ("definitely a slide oriented company") and analyzing engagement survey results to inform decision-making.
Most Important Skills For a People Programs and Operations Lead at Alphabet
Michelle, a People Programs & Ops Lead at Alphabet Inc., emphasizes that strong organizational skills are crucial for managing "a lot of moving pieces," especially when dealing with sensitive employee situations. The ability to thrive in "ambiguity and change," combined with a genuine enjoyment of collaborating with diverse personalities, are also key attributes for success in this role.
Favorite Parts Of Being A People Programs And Operations Lead At Alphabet
Michelle, a People Programs & Ops Lead at Alphabet, most enjoys the "impact...on employee experience," finding fulfillment in completing tasks like performance reviews and engagement surveys that contribute to a happier, more engaged workforce. This role allows Michelle to understand the unique needs and cultures of different companies, providing valuable insight into improving employee satisfaction.
Biggest Challenges Faced By a People Programs and Operations Lead at Alphabet
Michelle's biggest challenge as a People Programs & Ops Lead at Alphabet, and throughout their HR career, is the artistic, rather than scientific, nature of the field; finding the best approach requires navigating diverse contexts, preferences, and leadership expectations, making educated guesses and learning through "trial by error."
Favorite Parts of Working in the Tech Industry as a People Programs and Operations Lead
Michelle, a People Programs & Ops Lead at Alphabet Inc., most enjoys "wonderful colleagues that are open-minded, very kind, open to change and trying new things," highlighting the importance of strong team dynamics in their fulfilling career. The value placed on collaborative and innovative team members speaks volumes about their industry and career satisfaction.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The People Operations Industry, According To A People Operations Lead At Alphabet
Michelle, a People Programs & Ops Lead at Alphabet Inc., highlights the importance of being "detail-oriented," a "thoughtful team player," and comfortable with "behind-the-scenes" work in the industry. Success in this operational role requires an interest in the inner workings rather than direct client or product interaction.
What A People Programs And Operations Lead At Alphabet Wishes They Had Known Before Entering The Human Resources Industry
The People Programs & Ops Lead at Alphabet Inc. learned that the field of people operations encompasses "so many different functions," including benefits, payroll, and HR business partnering, recommending that early career exploration through generalist roles helps one discover their preferences and strengths, such as realizing "I'm not a payroll person." This process of identifying both preferred and disliked tasks is crucial for career navigation.
Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring People Programs and Operations Coordinators
Entry-level HR and people operations roles often include "coordinator" in the title, such as "people ops coordinator" or "talent coordinator," with "talent and recruiting" terms often used interchangeably. Other entry-level options include "HR generalist" or "HR analyst," the latter often involving "managing the company's data," providing a valuable introduction to the field.
Significant Career Lesson From a People Programs and Operations Lead at Alphabet
Michelle, a People Programs & Ops Lead at Alphabet Inc., emphasizes the career-defining lesson of immediately owning up to mistakes: "bring attention to it on your own immediately," proactively identifying the problem, understanding its cause, proposing a solution, and learning from the experience to build trust and stronger working relationships.
College Experiences That Helped a People Programs and Operations Lead at Alphabet Succeed
Michelle, a People Programs & Ops Lead at Alphabet Inc., emphasizes the value of undergraduate work experience, stating that "it's a really good experience" and helps build a resume. The interviewee advises students to "think about how you can apply those skills" creatively, showcasing adaptability as key to career success.
How Identity Shaped a People Programs and Operations Lead at Alphabet's Career
Michelle, a People Programs & Ops Lead, acknowledges the documented tendency for women to be less likely to negotiate salaries, highlighting the significant impact this can have on career progression. This awareness has driven their proactive approach to confidently negotiating compensation, viewing it as "expected" and a crucial strategy for maximizing career advancement.
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