Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders

Not a day goes by without us reading about the next big thing that has the potential to radically improve our lives. Whether it be transforming our understanding of the biological world and drug discovery, making shopping more personalized and inclusive (my personal favourite!) or empowering educators with unique learning experiences, is there a better time to be in tech right now??

At Google Cloud, i feel so privileged to be at the very heart of it.?

This tech sector is booming as organizations across all industries race to digitally transform and stay relevant in a highly disruptive environment. The proliferation of artificial intelligence is accelerating this shift, demanding a workforce skilled in large-scale cloud deployments, gen AI, machine learning, and data analytics.

The challenge we face isn't just a lack of workers; it's about the mismatch between available skills and the evolving needs of the tech industry. The World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs report warns that 44% of workers' core skills face disruption by 2027 due to technology outpacing companies' training efforts. This skills mismatch underscores the urgent need for reskilling and upskilling for in-demand AI competencies.

Recognizing this challenge, in 2021 Google Cloud pledged to equip more than 40 million people with Google Cloud skills, to ensure that the world has enough skilled people to execute these technologies at scale. Google Cloud Skills Boost is a key part of this initiative, offering comprehensive online learning, development paths, and certifications. Google more broadly is also helping equip the next generation by providing grant funding to nonprofits, building programmes to expand access to computer science education and helping train more female and under-represented students in computational thinking.

Google more broadly is also helping equip the next generation by providing grant funding to nonprofits, building programmes to expand access to computer science education and helping train more female and under-represented students in computational thinking.?

But how do we ensure we’re inspiring and attracting more young, driven and diverse talent into the vibrant tech industry in the first place??

Introducing the Google Cloud Academy

At Google, we understand that the future of our industry hinges on nurturing and developing the next generation of leaders. That's why, as COO, one of my earliest initiatives was to establish a scalable and global Early-in-Career (EiC) program, the Cloud Academy. This program is dedicated to nurturing and empowering both technical and non-technical talent, shaping the future landscape of Google Cloud.

Many of today's leaders, myself included, benefited from the accelerated learning, mentorship, and sponsorship opportunities provided by graduate programs. As a parent of two college graduates, I'm keenly aware of the challenges young professionals face in breaking into the industry.?

I made it my mission to be a leader who not only opens doors for graduates but also champions a diverse group of early-career professionals. I firmly believe that investing in these individuals now will yield significant dividends for our company's future.?

The Academy's mission is clear: to cultivate and empower the next generation of sales and tech leaders who will not only thrive within Alphabet but also transform the broader industry. Our unified early talent strategy and the Cloud Academy framework equip EiC residents with the skills, expertise, and community they need to excel and make a lasting impact on the world.

Our tenants for success are to Attract the best diverse talent, Engage through innovative residency experiences, Accelerate careers and Delight our residents and customers.?

My aim is to see this program continue to blossom into a global initiative, branching off beyond sales into multiple other roles such as Manager/Leadership roles, Engineering, Product, and Industry. This will then create a multitude of opportunities.

Driving Value from Day One?

Attracting an impressive pool of 25,000 applicants, the Academy has proudly embraced 358 residents in recent years, all of whom have generated significant tangible benefits for the organization and our customers. In our most recent cohort, each resident boasts technical certifications, has contributed to revenue in the millions, and has enriched our global company culture. Most notably, 76% of our FY23 cohort identify as part of historically underrepresented groups in tech.??

The Power of AI in Talent Development

I wrote in my last blog about how we’re being more brilliant with AI within Strategy & Operations, and the Academy has taken that call to action to heart. We’re using AI to assist with;?

1. Efficient Human Capital Allocation: AI models project revenue and growth, helping us strategically deploy talent to maximize business impact.
2. AI-Driven Placement: We ensure equitable and objective role assignments based on skills, experience, and business needs.
3. Targeted Enablement: An intelligent AI skill-mapping and development profile approach that revolutionizes how Google Cloud approaches enablement and performance.?

Through the integration of AI into our Early-in-Career program, we're not only developing future leaders but also optimizing our business operations to drive growth, efficiency, and innovation.

Join the Future of Tech

The Google Cloud Academy isn't simply developing future leaders; it's bridging the skills gap and unlocking the untapped potential of early-in-career talent.? Whether you're a recent graduate or a professional seeking to upskill, we have a place for you. Apply today and become a part of our mission to empower the next generation!

Want to learn more? Check out this great video that captures the spirit of the program.??