Check out BreakLine Education alum, Eniola Okeowo, who recently joined Google as a Program Manager! Here is part of her story:

“I’m the first person in my family to be born in the United States – my family is from Nigeria. My dad was a software engineer, so two of my three sisters and I became engineers as well. As a child I was very inquisitive, I was always the one who broke things to put them back together. My dad used to take me to work, and I loved watching him code. I remember thinking ‘I want to be that person who’s doing the programming’.

I studied systems engineering for my undergraduate degree, which was a great fit for my personality because I am very systems-oriented and analytical. After undergrad, I worked in construction management, which was my first exposure to stakeholder management. I then moved to Atlanta for graduate school, getting a dual Masters of Computer Science and Business Administration. 

When I connected with BreakLine, I was at the perfect career transition point. Lauren Faul, my participant manager, was so supportive and encouraging and I appreciated getting to interact with other participants. It truly was an incredible experience.

As I started interviewing with Google, I could bring my true self to the table. As a Black woman, I was encouraged to show up with authenticity in the interview process. That’s when I felt everything clicked. As I progressed, I found myself saying ‘Wow, this is where I’m supposed to be. I get them and they get me.’ When I finally got the offer, it was a moment to exhale. The interview process was extensive, but for good reason. Everyone who works there is incredibly accomplished and humble.

My advice to others going through BreakLine is to believe in yourself and trust the process. Remember that you are in BreakLine for a reason and you’ve been vetted and they believe in you. Keep going, and don’t quit!”

Congratulations to Eniola, Kristin Sills, and the rest of the team at Google for this fantastic match!