Online learning and hands-on training: How it helped mum land dream job at Google
Ms Ramona Koh, 34, is a program manager at Google. She has a double degree in Mechanical Engineering and Economics, and worked as an engineer in an oil and gas company, before co-founding an online shoe store and starting a walking tour business. PHOTO: EDB
BRANDED CONTENT From online learning to hands-on training: How this stay-at-home mum landed her dream job at Google After two years as a homemaker, Ms Ramona Koh returned to work through the Skills Ignition SG Programme and is now a program manager with the tech giant
Rejoining the workforce after being a stay-home mother was challenging but Ms Ramona Koh persevered, wanting to be a role model to her kids. The Google program manager shares how the Skills Ignition Programme, a joint training programme run by Google and the Singapore government, helped her make the transition back to the workforce.
1. How did you come to join Google and what opportunities have you had here? What were some challenges you had to overcome to rejoin the workforce?
I started off by joining a nine-month Skills Ignition SG (SISG) training programme. It helps Singaporeans build in-demand digital skills to unlock new personal and professional growth opportunities. I did three months of online training and a six-month traineeship with the Google Pay team, before applying to join the Server Operations team as a full-time employee. I've now been with Google for close to two years, as a program manager with the Data Center team.
Before joining Google, I was a stay-at-home mum for two years. When I went back to work, it was a challenge for me to let go of the 'mum-guilt' - for instance, not being able to cook meals for my kids, spending time away from them, losing some control over their lives and worrying about the impact this would have on them.
But what has helped me to overcome this feeling is an intentional shift of mindset, being kind to myself and reminding myself that it is important to show up and be a good role model to my kids. I want to show them that their mum has a passion and is chasing her dreams through the work she does. My hope is that it will also shape them to work hard in the future.
When I first returned to the workforce, I also felt disoriented as I saw how technology had evolved really quickly. Virtual meetings had become the norm, and I was not used to it! Simple things like keeping track of which tab I was using for my presentation, preparing what to say in meetings - I had to re-learn all of it! There was also the emotional aspect where I was afraid to make mistakes, feeling embarrassed by what I didn't know and not wanting to trouble others. But once again, I reminded myself that I had a great opportunity to learn and to show up as the best version of myself at work.
2. What's meaningful about your role? What would you say to your younger self?
I love my role, I love my work. Why, you may ask? Being in the Data Centre space, we keep the internet going. Most people may not know or think about the amount of work that goes behind-the-scenes to keep the internet on, 24/7. While AI is the buzzword now, we still need digital infrastructure to keep things on. To me, it's incredibly meaningful and rewarding to be part of this team, and have an impact on… pretty much everything.
I also love that when my children hear the word 'Google', they say: 'MUMMY THAT'S YOU'. They're proud of what I do, and of course as a mum that means the world to me.
Reminding herself that it was important to show up and be a good role model to her kids helped motivate Ramona Koh to return to work.
PHOTO: EDB
If I got to meet my younger self, I would say: Never settle. Keep learning, keep exploring, take that class, book that trip, set up that meeting with that manager in the team that you've been inspired by.
It's more dangerous to 'cruise' than to fail. Even if you fail, it's better to improve and learn from it, than to stay quiet and be pushed along. Being in situations where I've felt uncomfortably excited is where I've grown the most.
3. How will what you're doing now help you be where you want to be in 10 years?
In 10 years, I want to be a good role model to my kids. I want them to feel proud of me for pursuing my passion and giving my all.
From a professional standpoint, I want to continue growing in my field, improving my own soft skills and technical skills. Google has a shared culture where people respect boundaries and family time. I appreciate the flexibility and mobility that Google provides, especially for parents with young children like myself.
More importantly, I love that we are encouraged to grow professionally and individually. Google offers numerous internal online courses and the company offers a learning reimbursement programme that provides subsidies when we sign up for professional or professional courses.
I now see the value in growing horizontally such as trying different roles or teams or taking up projects outside your core role. I've seen many colleagues of mine who have done this, and as a result, have been able to gain a much broader perspective and insight into the business.
Google provides subsidies to employees when they sign up for internal online courses.
PHOTO: EDB
4. What's your view on the way the economy and jobs are changing and what are your concerns?
To some people, it may feel like everything is evolving very quickly, especially as new technology gets introduced! I can understand why some people may feel like their skills are becoming obsolete, but I also believe that we all have the ability to stay relevant. My view is that if we are interested in a particular topic, we can all devote the time and effort to pursue it (even if it's just five minutes each day!) and find ways to enter a particular field of interest – just like how I joined Skills Ignition SG which led me to my current role.
This is part of a series showcasing Singaporeans who are advancing their careers with global enterprises in Singapore. Find out more here.
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