My First Year as a UX Designer at Google: Reflections, Growth, and Gratitude
September 9th marks my one-year anniversary at Google. Writing that sentence still feels surreal. Landing here so early in my career was a dream come true, and one I know I can’t fully credit to myself. I’m blessed, grateful, and most of all, humbled by the support and guidance I’ve had along the way — especially God’s hand in directing me here.
These reflections are my own personal experiences and do not represent the views of my employer; everyone’s journey is different, and nothing in this article was directed or requested by my employer.
The Work: Designing for Billions
When I first joined the Chrome Security team, I’ll admit — it was daunting. My work now directly impacts over 4 billion users worldwide, making sure the simple act of clicking a link is safe. Security wasn’t a space I had (insanely) deep familiarity with, and it felt a bit foreign at first. But I leaned into the challenge, ramped up quickly, and found my stride.
The responsibility is huge, but it’s also incredibly rewarding to know that the work we do scales across generations of users and devices. Every day, I’m reminded that UX design isn’t just about aesthetics or flows — it’s about protecting people, empowering them, and making their experience safer.
Building Community Beyond the Screen
One of the most meaningful parts of my year hasn’t just been the work — it’s been the community. I’ve made it a point to get involved and give back:
- “Noograds” ERG- National Capital Region Lead: I help new Googlers in the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia area find their footing by organizing events that build connection and belonging.
- Black Googler Network (BGN) Chair: As communications co-lead for our D.C. ERG chapter, I’ve worked with others to plan events that celebrate culture, raise awareness, and create spaces for joy and impact.
- Chrome UX Culture Builder: From cookie decorating to lip balm making, I’ve organized events that bring lightness and fun into our team. Because even in fast-paced environments, those human moments matter.
These roles have stretched me beyond design and reminded me that part of my job is to build experiences not just for our users, but for my colleagues and peers, too.
My favorite perks and facts
I’m proud to say that I’ve been to ~10 offices worldwide. The coolest ones (in my opinion) are Mountain View, CA, any of the offices in NYC, and London. Honorable mention for Pittsburgh, PA.
I also enjoy the unique decor in different offices, so even on vacation, I usually stop by the nearest Google office for fun. I know my family is soooooo tired of traveling with me. Haha.
My favorite or most used perk has to be the on-site massage treatments. Also, the food is very generous, but strangely enough, I’m one of the only folks in the office that still packs my lunch from home daily. Weird, I know.
Paying It Forward
Mentorship has been a consistent thread in my journey. Even before joining Google, I’ve mentored dozens — if not hundreds — of aspiring designers, new grads, and peers navigating their own paths. It’s something I’ll never stop doing. To me, design isn’t just about solving problems; it’s about people. Helping others find their voice, their confidence, or their first step into tech is just as important as any deliverable.
Looking Ahead
Year one has been full of growth, challenge, and purpose. But the work is far from over. My goal is to keep creating designs that matter, communities that thrive, and opportunities for others to step into the spotlight.
This first year was a blessing. The next? I’m excited to see where it goes.
