Mentoring Award

In 2011 Google launched a pilot programme to support UK black university students in technical degree disciplines, in response to an under-representation in the computer science field. With executive sponsorship from a BAME director, Google identified 50 BAME students and created an innovative insight experience for careers in the technology industry.

The programme addressed 4 key areas:

• Mentoring – Scheme was designed to give career development opportunities to Googler mentors and plug the information gap for students with no prior connection to Google.
• Hiring – Google designed a robust process that identified black talent and provided support to maximise the chances of success for students in the hiring process technology companies.
• Outreach – Identifying top black talent and providing the opportunity to engage with a number of key partners and building a reputation as an employer of choice for BAME talent.
• Employee networks – Provided opportunities for Googler engagement through supporting the black community, promoting an inclusive environment and revitalising the Employee Network.

The programme comprised advice and activities related to career development, CV and interview preparation plus coaching in technical skills with world-class software engineers. Google used innovative tools accessed through students’ standard Gmail accounts, alongside traditional face-to-face meetings. Communication methods included Google Chat (voice and video conferencing software), Google Talk (instant messaging), YouTube video, Google Docs for real-time collaboration and Google Groups to build a long-term peer community.