An Inspiring Conversation with Anthony Ngene: From Nigeria to Google and Beyond

Introduction

In the fast-evolving realm of software engineering, individuals look to the stories of triumph and progress not solely for motivation, but as a guiding light to navigate their career paths. Recently, as an Outreachy intern, my peers and I had the honor of facilitating an informal discussion with Anthony Ngene, a distinguished former Google Software Engineer. During this session, Mr. Anthony generously recounted his remarkable journey from Nigeria to Zurich, illuminated his perspectives on professional advancement, and shared profound insights from his extensive tenure in the tech sphere. What transpired wasn't merely a conventional question-and-answer meeting; rather, it evolved into an exchange teeming with inspirational discourses, offering invaluable counsel and empowerment for anyone seeking to carve out their niche in the tech industry.

Meeting Anthony Ngene

During the commencement of the session, we initiated a round of introductions. The Outreachy interns, including myself, took turns sharing our names, home countries, and current professional positions. As the introductions unfolded, the spotlight turned to Anthony. Drawing from an impressive eight years of industry experience, Anthony currently calls Zurich, Switzerland his home and serves as a Software Engineer in the vibrant tech scene there. Originally hailing from Nigeria, Anthony underwent a notable career transition when he joined the prestigious ranks of Google. Delving into his interests, Anthony's pastimes encompass indulging in audiobooks, cycling through picturesque landscapes, engaging in running sessions, and embracing the challenges of weightlifting. These activities paint a vivid portrait of a multifaceted individual who harmonizes the demands of professional life with his passions.

From Nigeria to Google: A Leap of Faith

Anthony's incredible journey began in Nigeria, where he discovered his passion for competitive programming. His dedication and talent drove him to compete in numerous online coding competitions, notably including Google's Kickstart. Anthony's exceptional performance in these contests caught the eye of major tech companies such as Amazon and Google. In 2021, during a period of active recruitment in the tech industry, Anthony impressed Google with his skills and successfully went through the rigorous interview process. As a result, he fulfilled his dream of joining Google's Zurich office, an extraordinary achievement for any aspiring software engineer.

The Role of Open Source in Career Growth

During a recent interview, Anthony shared his perspective on open source. He disclosed that he regularly utilizes various open-source tools, such as React, in his work. However, due to time constraints, he hasn't been able to actively contribute to open-source projects. Nonetheless, Anthony stressed the significance of engaging in open source as a means of honing one's skills and gaining valuable experience in the field of software engineering. His insightful advice deeply resonated with many of us who are embarking on our professional journeys in this industry.

Keys to Success: Skills, Abilities, and Attributes

During our conversation, one of the highlights was when we delved into the intricacies of the key skills and attributes necessary for achieving success in the technology industry. It was Anthony who prompted us to move past the typical clichés such as "consistency" and urged us to consider a more nuanced perspective. According to Anthony, while consistency is undeniably important, genuine progress and development occur when we actively seek out challenges that are just beyond our current capabilities, engaging in intentional and focused practice. In addition to this, he emphasized the significance of possessing technical expertise, effective communication skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively in a team setting.

Job-Seeking Strategies: The Power of Referrals

In a fiercely competitive job market, the strategies you use to seek employment can truly determine your success. I had the opportunity to learn from Anthony, who offered valuable insights into the impact of referrals, particularly those coming from hiring managers. He emphasized the proactive approach of connecting with recruitment managers at companies of interest, highlighting the potential to significantly boost our prospects of securing an interview. Anthony also underscored the critical importance of thorough interview preparation, pointing out that achieving success often depends on a combination of diligent preparation and fortuitous circumstances.

Working at Google: The Dream and the Reality

Working at a tech giant like Google is a dream for many professionals in the industry. Anthony shared his insights about the reality of working for Google. He described it as an experience that can define one's entire career, emphasizing the life-changing financial benefits and the incredible opportunities to collaborate with some of the most brilliant minds in the field. However, in addition to the perks, Anthony also highlighted some of the challenges, such as the complex bureaucratic processes that at times make seemingly straightforward tasks more convoluted. On the other hand, in his current role at Online Doctor in Switzerland, Anthony finds a different kind of satisfaction. Here, he experiences a better work-life balance and can see how his contributions directly impact the company's success.

Advice for Aspiring Engineers: Putting Yourself Out There

Anthony also provided valuable guidance on ways to establish a presence in the tech industry. For individuals with available time, he emphasized the importance of participating in open-source projects, crafting well-written blog posts, producing educational YouTube tutorials, and taking part in competitive programming. He highlighted that engaging in these activities can aid in constructing a robust portfolio and capturing the interest of prospective employers.

Tackling the Challenges of AI and Machine Learning

During a recent conversation, an intern with a particular interest in AI and machine learning sought out advice from Anthony regarding how to handle the challenges posed by Data Structures and Algorithms (DSA) questions during job interviews. Anthony emphasized the significance of consistent practice in DSA and generously offered a variety of resources to aid in the preparation for these types of questions:

Resources:

• Educative (Paid): This platform offers a detailed breakdown of the most common DSA interview question patterns, complete with examples. It’s a great resource for understanding the typical questions asked during technical interviews.

  • Grokking Coding Interview Patterns - Python

• LeetCode (Free): LeetCode is widely recognized for its extensive collection of coding challenges that mirror real interview questions. Anthony recommended focusing on the following collections:

  • Top Interview Questions - Easy

  • Top Interview Questions - Medium

  • Top Interview Questions - Hard

His message was clear: with practice and the right resources, even the most challenging interviews can be navigated successfully.

Book Recommendations for Personal Growth

Before wrapping up, Anthony asked us for book recommendations. Among the suggestions were Lord of Mystery, The Alchemist, Understand Your Potential, and The Story of Civilization. It was a reminder that personal growth extends beyond technical skills—reading widely can also inspire and motivate us.

Conclusion

Our chat with Anthony Ngene was nothing short of enlightening. His journey from Nigeria to a successful career in Europe, his thoughtful insights on career development, and his practical advice on job-seeking strategies left us all feeling inspired and motivated. As we continue our journeys in tech, we’ll carry the lessons learned from this conversation, using them to guide us toward our definitions of success.