SPS Stories
Student Spotlight
Vivian Udeh
Vivian Udeh's UX Writing Dream Comes True
Fast Facts
- Interned as a UX Writer at Google after her first academic year at NYU SPS
- Active in the Graduate Student Council Representative for the NYU SPS Online Writing and Languages Society (OWLS)
<p><span class="p-body">Vivian Udeh, an <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/ms-in-professional-writing.html" target="_blank">MS in Professional Writing (MSPW)</a> student at NYU SPS, struck gold when she landed a summer UX Writer Internship at Google between her first and second semesters. For the opportunity of a lifetime, Udeh relocated from NYU to San Francisco to do the internship.</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">We were happy to sit down with her to learn more about her experience as an intern at Google and how she balanced her graduate studies with work, and her involvement with the <a href="https://www.sps.nyu.edu/homepage/academics/divisions-and-departments/center-for-publishing-and-applied-liberal-arts/highlights/2021/meet-the-student-leaders--online-writing---languages-society0.html" target="_blank">NYU SPS Online Writing and Languages Society (OWLS).</a></span></p>
The Opportunity of a Lifetime
<p><span class="p-body">After Udeh's first semester in the MSPW program, she was ready to take everything she learned and apply it in the field. Her ultimate goal after graduation was to work full-time as a UX writer and content designer, and she found that an opportunity presented itself far before she could have hoped. "I wanted to make the most of the summer off from courses," she shares. Then, she found the perfect way to do so. "I was searching online for summer UX Writing internships and found this one with Google. Just like the MSPW, it seemed like a perfect fit and I knew I had to apply."</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">The application process for the Google internship involved sending in her resume and a portfolio of written work. Once she got through this initial round, she was paired with a recruiter who explained the rest of the interview process. This was a peek at Google's work culture, and Udeh was excited when her recruiter was eager to answer her questions and help her through the process. "I was given resources that helped to explain the unique Google interview process, and I felt prepared for interviews that followed," she adds.</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">Upon landing the internship, Udeh couldn't wait to make the move to San Francisco and get started at Google. "It has been a very enriching experience," she says. During her time at Google, she's been able to get feedback from top professionals in her industry, something that writers greatly benefit from. Udeh has also enjoyed the Google work culture, which she says is "designed to help you succeed." This nurturing environment has given her the confidence to push the boundaries of what she's capable of as a writer.</span></p>
Everyone is a virtual meeting away and willing to help. I reached out with questions to senior employees and got offers to 'jump on a quick call' for answers. It was very welcoming. During this internship, I have met a long list of people and they are all really bright, warm, and talented. I understand now why the Google hiring process is so thorough. The quality of people and the work they do and present are just amazing. And the food on Google campus is really good too!"
<p><span class="p-body">Hats off to Udeh for not only landing her dream internship but also for getting the most out of her time at Google by using her network to her advantage.</span></p>
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Advice for Google Hopefuls
<p><span class="p-body">Working at Google is a goal for many professionals who want to be at the epicenter of their field. As a hub for innovation, Udeh was drawn to the hustle and bustle of a Google internship and has a few words of advice for other students who are hoping to follow in her footsteps. She says, "Enjoy the moment. Yes, you are there to learn, but take time out to explore the city too. And also, be ready for San Francisco weather. I was shocked that it was summer and still so cold." So bring your A-game and a sweater. Got it!</span></p>
Shout Outs Are In Order
<p><span class="p-body">While we spoke with Udeh, she was eager to let us know who at NYU SPS had supported her before and after her Google internship. <span class="p-body"></span><br>
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Shout out to Clea Mahoney and Dr. Kristine Rodriguez Kerr. In terms of my classes last semester, Technical Writing taught me so much about brevity and clarity (thanks Dr. Vaughan). Principles of Information Architecture really got into the nitty gritty of organization systems and writing for the web (thanks Dr. Goss). And Promotional Writing gave pointers for explaining an entire process clearly, which really helped make my presentations stronger (thanks Ms. Dabrowska).”
<p><span class="p-body">Beyond her professors, Udeh has also leaned on her OWLS peers throughout her graduate studies. She serves as the outgoing Secretary and income Graduate Student Council Representative, and has found the club to be the ideal gateway for finding community at NYU SPS. "Every meeting is a chance to brainstorm and learn ways to bring value to the graduate community here at NYU," she reflects.</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">Our MSPW program is 100% online, meaning students like Udeh can seamlessly integrate exciting internship and work opportunities while they complete their studies, even if they're on the other side of the country. Explore your path to an <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/ms-in-professional-writing.html" target="_blank">MS in Professional Writing</a> today.</span></p>
