Some high school students have a blindingly clear vision of their life after graduation, but in the case of Avtansh Pandey, his future wasn’t perfectly mapped out; however, his love of math and science guided him like a lighthouse in foggy, uncertain seas. Unlike language arts and history, number-heavy subjects were his forte, appealing to his appreciation of systematic logic. With this in mind, Pandey headed off to college to pursue a bachelor’s degree in electronics and communications.
“In high school, I was bad at computer science and wasn’t interested in it,” he says. “But in college, I took on courses and projects to properly explore this side of computer science.”
After he graduated, Pandey’s career path led him to an Indian audio-streaming company, where he worked as a software engineer. The fast-paced environment allowed him to develop his creative problem-solving skills and cultivate his confidence. Today, Pandey works at Google, a company that, for him, has always represented a beacon of inspiration and forward-thinking innovation.
“Honestly, I’ve been a bit of a Google fanboy since I was a kid,” he says.
Here, Pandey shares what he’s responsible for in his role as a software engineer, how he’s adjusted to working with teams across different time zones, and why Google’s generous work culture fosters the freedom to be creative—on the clock and off.
What led to your job at Google, and how did you know the company would be a good fit?
Google’s products and the way they always seem to be one step ahead—it’s always blown my mind. I loved the idea of being part of something that makes a real difference for people on a huge scale. Plus, I’ve always been the type who likes to tinker and come up with new ideas, and Google felt like the ultimate place to do that.
What are you responsible for as a software engineer, and why does this work excite or inspire you?
What I love most about being a software engineer is the constant challenge. It’s like this intricate puzzle that keeps evolving—you never quite get comfortable before a new piece gets thrown in. Whether I’m designing a system to handle massive amounts of data or ensuring a seamless user experience, there’s always this satisfying click when I untangle a particularly knotty coding problem.
Of course, it’s rarely a solo mission. I’m big on code reviews, testing, and all those processes that make our work rock solid. But even more so, I love the collaborative side of things. That cross-team brainstorming is where some of the most innovative solutions come to light.
And, honestly, the tech world is built for people who love to learn. Between new technologies, industry shifts, and evolving best practices, there’s no chance of getting bored. The culture here embraces that. We’re encouraged to experiment and explore, and there’s always some new skill I’m itching to pick up.
You’ve been at Google for a year. Looking back, what was the interview and onboarding process like?
The interview process, though made very comfortable, is quite rigorous. I had one technical screening round, four on-site technical interviews, and one Googleyness interview. I liked that the recruiter was proactive and supportive, and they provided feedback based on the screening to help me perform better at the on-site rounds. Also, in my experience the four on-site interviews were evaluated collectively, providing some room for error. This helped reduce stress and encourage fair assessments.
After joining Google, the onboarding was very smooth and welcoming. There were events and projects to work on to help me get familiar with the technology and the culture, and the teams were very supportive to make it seamless. Also, the Google offices are amazing to explore, offering a range of amenities from the gaming area to sports facilities and food!
What do you like best about Google’s company culture, and how has it impacted you personally?
Google’s culture is all about growing. They get that in order to thrive at work, employees need opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Google also understands that work shouldn’t feel like a chore. Opportunities like team events and off-sites are a few examples of how the company keeps things lively. It’s helped me become much better at managing my time professionally and personally.
What’s been your biggest challenge thus far in your tenure at Google, and how did you overcome it?
Initially, my biggest challenge at Google was onboarding and working with a team across the ocean, and, due to unforeseen circumstances, I ended up being the only junior engineer on my previous team. I don’t have a hardcore background in computer science, and suddenly I was coordinating with this team in a different time zone and also managing my way through a whole new world.
But you know what? The team was amazing. Folks on both sides of the project were willing to meet late or start early, whatever it took. They took the time to answer my questions, even the ones I felt were basic.
Through this, I learned a ton, including the magic of the right resources. Google has so much available! Most importantly, I gained confidence in my abilities because others were confident in me. That feeling of being supported in a place like Google is when I knew the whole “culture” thing wasn’t just hype.
In what ways does Google encourage professional development and growth?
Google fosters professional development in ways that resonate with me. First, being surrounded by so many passionate and smart people pushes me to learn and grow. The company lives and breathes innovation, so you’re always at the forefront of something exciting.
I also love the flexibility to explore my interests. If a different area catches my eye, the option to switch teams is there.
The collaborative, blameless culture is key, too. There’s room to ask for help and learn from others. Even though it’s a massive company, the network across teams and locations lets you collaborate effectively while still respecting everyone’s working hours.
What advice do you have for those who want to pursue a career in tech? What skills should candidates develop to help them succeed at a leading tech company like Google?
My biggest piece of advice for anyone aiming for a tech career is to embrace your curiosity. Tech is constantly changing, so the most important skill isn’t knowing one specific thing, but the ability to learn new things quickly and dive into challenges. Don’t be afraid of failure—that’s where some of the best learning happens! Consistency is also crucial; steady effort goes further than bursts of energy.
Focus on understanding the core concepts behind the technology. This gives you a foundation to build on, no matter how the tools and languages evolve.
To succeed at a company like Google, you also need to go beyond the technical skills. Problem-solving, the ability to collaborate effectively, and a creative spark are just as essential. One thing that’s consistent across all the engineers at Google is their love for tech and love for what they do.
Your current role is based in Warsaw, Poland. What do you like best about living in your new city? What’s your favorite spot to connect with the culture?
The best part of living in Warsaw is that it’s my gateway to Europe. I’m from India, so exploring this side of the world is a huge adventure, and it’s so easy to hop around to different countries. The cultural experience is completely different from what I’m used to, even though India is incredibly diverse. There’s a fresh perspective to gain here.
As for connecting with the culture, you can’t go wrong by following the Polish love for vodka! The bars are a great way to soak up the local vibe and try to pick up a bit of the language.
Interested in working on similar projects? Explore open opportunities on Google Careers.