Stefen Hill ’14 Climbed the Ranks at Google and Became a Regional Product Lead, Working with Clients to Improve their Business Strategies
Name: Stefen Hill ’14
Major at Iona: Marketing
Hometown: Reading, Pa.
High School: Governor Mifflin Senior High School
Title: Regional Product Lead
Company: Google
What do you love most about what you're currently doing?
I love that I get to help businesses every single day with the Google Ads products I help develop and scale. My coworkers make every day fun, challenging, and I really appreciate that. I truly feel like my coworkers are my friends and family.
What is a day in the life like at your company?
I work both with improving our Google Ads products, as well as helping clients understand how to best use and optimize these products for their own business. My days can vary a lot. Some days, I mainly talk to internal Google teams like the sales, marketing, engineering, and other product teams to collaborate and create great outcomes for our advertisers. My weeks are never the same, which I love about my job. One week I could work for multiple days on a marketing webinar, while the next week I'm talking with several clients to help improve their Google Ads strategies.
Why did you decide to study your particular major?
I knew I was very interested in business going into college. I didn't know which major I wanted to study, but I thought the intro courses at Iona did an amazing job at giving me a feel of many different possibilities within business. When it came down to it, I really enjoyed my marketing classes and knew this would be something I would enjoy for my career. Professor Maria Vittoria made a lasting impact on me while taking her Intro to Marketing course, and I was lucky enough to have her in a 200-level class later in my Iona career. Professor Vittoria is no longer at Iona, but she was an incredible part of my Iona journey and I attribute much of my post college success to her.
How did Iona prepare you to get where you are today?
Iona gave me the tools I needed to succeed in the business world. Although I majored in marketing, I found that the best job offers I was getting out of college were in sales. I ended up interning for Indeed.com over my summer break heading into my senior year and was offered a full-time job upon graduation. I really appreciated that my marketing classes, along with other business classes helped prepare me for a successful career in sales. I learned so many real-world applications in my classes, which made it a seamless transition to my first job. I worked in sales in various positions at Indeed and Google for five years before moving into a product role, which I've now been in for three years.
Were you involved in student groups or activities? If so, how did they shape or support your career path?
Yes! I was a four-year starter on the men's water polo team. This took up most of my time when I wasn't in class or studying, but being on the team helped prepare me for life after college. Playing a Division I sport helped give me the rigid schedule and structure needed to easily move into the real world. I was also a member of the Best Buddies club at Iona and enjoyed attending the various activities on campus like the improv shows and the plays.
What's your fondest Iona memory?
My fondest memory is the lifelong friends I made at Iona. I lived with two other people I knew from Pennsylvania and three random roommates that I never met before arriving at Iona. I'm best friends with all three to this day and they will all be groomsmen at my wedding. All this to say that you will meet the most genuine people and make lasting friendships at Iona.
What is the lasting impact Iona has made in your personal and professional life?
I honestly can't thank Iona enough for how far I’ve advanced in my career and professional life. If you told me when I was younger that I would be working for Google, I would have told you that you were crazy. I truly owe so much to Iona and had such a great learning experience while I was there, not to mention all the fun times along the way. Iona prepared me for my internships and job opportunities tremendously. The career center was always there to help with resume tips and interview help. The entire Iona community and alumni network is an amazing thing to have on your side!
What advice do you have for a current Iona student who wants to follow a similar path?
My advice is to follow your heart and whatever you choose, give it your all. If you try your best each day, you will be amazed at the outcomes.
What seven words would your family and friends use to describe you?
Outgoing, empathetic, kind, funny, athletic, sharp and hardworking.