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Nate, Strategic Partner Manager/Team Lead, GP Sellside at Google: Advize Career Interview
A career journey from bartending and Northwestern Mutual internships to a Strategic Partner Manager/Team Lead role at Google, this professional's path showcases diverse experiences in startups and Fortune 100 companies.
The interview reveals the daily realities of managing key online publishing partners, leveraging data analysis and relationship-building to achieve revenue goals. A significant lesson learned?
The importance of asking questions and navigating the complexities of a large corporation.
This individual emphasizes the value of diverse backgrounds in the tech industry, the rewarding impact of advertising on global information access, and the importance of seeking organizations with strong DEI initiatives.
The interview offers invaluable insights into building a successful career, from college preparation to navigating the challenges and rewards of a fast-paced, dynamic industry.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Nate Muluneh
Strategic Partner Manager/Team Lead, GP Sellside
University of Arizona, 2015
N/A
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Business Management & Admin, Finance
Technology
Sales and Client Management
Scholarship Recipient, Worked 20+ Hours in School
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Career Path of a Strategic Partner Manager Team Lead at Google
Nate's career journey began with diverse experiences, including "working at restaurants, bartending," and internships like one with Northwestern Mutual, followed by a sales-focused role at Business Talent Group, exposing Nate to various Fortune 100 companies. This led Nate to the advertising technology sector, working at several startups with roles ranging from "account executives to partnerships," ultimately culminating in a Strategic Partner Manager/Team Lead position at Google.
Main Responsibilities of a Strategic Partner Manager and Team Lead at Google
Nate's core responsibility as a Strategic Partner Manager/Team Lead at Google involves working with online publishing partners—"the billboard owners"—to achieve their revenue goals through ad monetization on Google's platform, requiring a deep understanding of their business priorities and leveraging Google's resources. In addition to this client-facing work, Nate also leads internal sales operations, including goal tracking, new product training ("pitch clinics"), and mentoring team members.
A Day In The Life Of A Strategic Partner Manager At Google
A typical day for a Google Strategic Partner Manager/Team Lead involves "primarily partner meetings," focusing on revenue goals and presenting new opportunities. Beyond partner interactions, the role includes internal meetings, troubleshooting, and working on ad-hoc projects to support team objectives, acting as "their sounding board and point of contact within Google."
Most Important Skills For A Strategic Partner Manager At Google
For a Strategic Partner Manager/Team Lead role at Google, the most crucial skills are "relationship and client management," requiring effective stakeholder meetings, and strong "problem-solving" abilities fueled by detailed "data analysis" to identify and address partner concerns and improve performance. This highlights the blend of interpersonal skills and analytical capabilities essential for success in this position.
Favorite Parts of Being a Strategic Partner Manager at Google
Nate's favorite aspects of the Strategic Partner Manager/Team Lead role at Google include the "unique and interesting people" they work with and the satisfaction derived from "helping partners achieve their goals," viewing the role as an extension of their partner's teams. This highlights a strong emphasis on collaboration and shared success within the professional's career.
Biggest Challenges Faced by a Strategic Partner Manager at Google
Nate's biggest challenge as a Strategic Partner Manager at Google, having previously worked at smaller companies, is "navigating the Beast that is a large company like Google," specifically the difficulty in accessing resources and finding the right people to solve problems. However, this challenge is also viewed as an opportunity for learning and growth, given the vast resources and diverse expertise available.
Favorite Parts of Working in the Advertising Industry as a Strategic Partner Manager at Google
Nate, a Strategic Partner Manager at Google, finds the most rewarding aspect of the advertising industry is its direct contribution to "funding the world's information," transforming prior skepticism of advertising into an appreciation for its role in enabling free access to online information.
Who Thrives In Tech, According To A Strategic Partner Manager At Google
Nate, a Strategic Partner Manager/Team Lead at Google, asserts that the tech industry is not a "one size fits all" environment, embracing diversity in backgrounds and experiences. Success hinges on being "self-motivated and willing to learn," qualities applicable across various roles and career paths.
What a Strategic Partner Manager at Google wishes they had known before entering the Tech industry
Nate, a Strategic Partner Manager/Team Lead at Google, wished they had better understood "how to navigate big companies," specifically highlighting the challenges of accessing Google's resources and adapting from a startup environment; this learning curve involved mastering not only the job itself but also the internal workings of a large corporation.
Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Strategic Partner Managers At Google
Many entry-level positions exist in Nate's field, encompassing "go to market product strategies, marketing communications, and partner management," requiring candidates to identify their interests and prioritize learning and growth opportunities rather than focusing on a specific title, as "your first job coming out of college typically is not going to be your last."
Significant Career Lesson from a Strategic Partner Manager at Google
Nate's most significant career lesson is "not be afraid to ask questions," leveraging others' expertise instead of pretending to know everything; this approach, particularly valuable in new roles, fosters collaboration and accelerates learning.
College Experiences That Helped a Strategic Partner Manager at Google Succeed
To prepare for a successful career, Nate, a Strategic Partner Manager/Team Lead at Google, emphasizes the importance of "working and having some of that social life" during undergraduate studies. This combination of work experience, which instilled "discipline," and building a network of "highly motivated people" proved invaluable for their career trajectory.
How Identity Has Influenced a Strategic Partner Manager at Google's Career
Early in the career, the impact of race on professional navigation was not a primary consideration; however, with career progression, a conscious effort was made to find organizations with robust DEI initiatives, like Google, where the individual feels supported and can contribute to a more inclusive environment for future employees. The individual actively seeks "teams, companies, organizations that...really try to shine a light on diverse perspectives."
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