Janai Hood
Through Georgia State’s Panthers in the Valley program, Janai Hood had the opportunity to network with Google recruiters and take a behind-the-scenes look at the company’s headquarters in California. After graduating with dual degrees in marketing and accounting this spring, she’ll be looking forward to starting her dream job on the company’s marketing team in the fall.
Interview by Zohra Basmadjian
Tell me about yourself and what drives you.
I was born on a military base, Fort Campbell in Kentucky, but I was raised all over the United States.
I am a senior graduating this month, and getting bachelor’s degrees in marketing and accounting. My passion for marketing came from clothing. Growing up, I always loved expressing myself and I thought marketing would fit that. I added accounting because one of my professors last year inspired me to.
How did you choose GSU for college?
I grew up as a military child, and GSU was a breath of fresh air because the campus is so vibrant. Growing up, I was surrounded by a lot of cultures and coming here, I was excited to continue to be surrounded by that.
I also love the open campus. Every day there’s something new. I’ve learned things beyond the classroom from other people and their experiences.
What do you plan to do with your degrees?
With my degrees, I plan to go into product marketing because I like that it’s more technical than traditional marketing.
Through my marketing degree, I’ve learned how to think creatively and how to develop marketing strategies and plans. From my accounting degree, I’ve gained critical-thinking skills and an understanding of how to think analytically.
You were selected for the Marketing Roundtable Scholarship. Tell me more about that.
I’m so grateful to have been one of the few selected in 2024! The scholarship is awarded to students who are making a strong impact in the field of marketing, and it’s given by a committee of marketing professionals who recognize student leadership, innovation and potential contributions to the industry. I was recognized during Georgia State’s Future of Marketing Conference in February, at the 29th MAX Innovation Awards.
What are your plans after graduation?
Since I was 10, I’ve been obsessed with Google. I got to intern with them last summer, and when I graduate, I’ll be returning to Google in the fall as an associate product marketing manager under their traditional and rotational program for early careers. I’ll be under the ads team, and I’m excited about that!
What organizations have you been involved in at GSU?
I was involved in the Panther Immersion Program (PIP). I did the Panthers in the Valley and Panthers in Charlotte tracks. When we went to California, we visited the Google office, met recruiters and got advice on how to get an internship there.
The program helped me so much. I made many connections that I still carry with me to this day. Two of the people I met are my mentors. One of them helped me prepare for my interview with Google.
What has been your biggest accomplishment through GSU?
Recently, I was able to host my own panel at Microsoft for the PIP, for one of their kickoff events.
I brought out a recruiter, did a panel and then a networking session. I wanted people to have the experience of talking and networking with employees.
