3 minute read
Shannon Kularathna, Google technical writer
Techs, bugs and a rockin’ role
Self-confessed “huge nerd” Shannon Kularathna has put his knowledge to great use.
As a technical writer for what many see as the holy grail of tech companies – the mighty Google – Shannon works at the forefront of online and virtual innovation.
Shannon says, “One of the biggest challenges at Google is Impostor Syndrome, as I’m surrounded by incredibly skilled people who are the best in their fields. I have two years’ of experience as a technical writer, and there are moments when I feel like I absolutely do not belong.
“A big part of it is to give myself a break, letting myself know that they wouldn’t have hired me if I weren’t a good choice.”
Shannon grew up in Sri Lanka and studied an Engineering degree from the University of Wolverhampton at the Colombo International Nautical and Engineering College (CINEC), Sri Lanka, before moving to Toronto, Canada.
Shannon, wearing his new-at-Google “Noogler” cap
Shannon explains, “I’m a technical writer on the Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE) team. I write a lot of documents, including how-to guides, product overviews, feature launch documentations, conceptual information, and tutorials.”
Working on the cutting-edge of technology and innovation is a rewarding dedication, and Shannon feels like his efforts make a real positive impact on the product users.
While he can’t describe what he’s currently working on – TOP SECRET! – he writes content for feature launches and also works on bug fixes such as technical issues, which are often pointed out by users who click the Send Feedback button on Android apps and Google websites.
Shannon says, “To be honest, I don’t think it’s really hit me that I work at Google yet. You get people from all walks of life, tons of different perspectives, and I personally feel a significant difference because of it.
His work focus has shifted from Engineering, to Aerospace, to considering a Master’s in Management Sciences, to a course that led him to his current calling: a Graduate Certificate in Professional Writing.
Shannon’s studies took him to what he calls his first “real” office job in 2018, working as a technical writer at a Toronto financial services company. Armed with his engineering background and two years of professional experience, he then applied and embarked on a gruelling 3-month hiring process before securing his job with Google in December 2020.
“Google also is a very large company with almost 135,000 employees, so it’s easy to feel siloed, or like you’re just a number. I will say they do a lot to make sure everyone feels heard and seen, especially during company-wide meetings.”
A passion for all things tech spills over into Shannon’s free time too, as he is an avid gamer as well as a font of Google-based knowledge.
He says, “I’m a HUGE nerd. I play Destiny 2 almost every day after work, and I’m also dabbling in Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla, and Cyberpunk 2077. “Luckily for me, my manager is a gamer too! It’s nice when your manager shares interests with you – it gives us a lot to talk about at our weekly 1:1s.” Shannon’s journey from university to Google employee has only been possible because of hard work and a dedication to pushing himself. He agrees that a university degree is a great starting point, but emphasises the value that professional development gives to a career.
He advises taking courses on sites such as LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, EdX, and Github. Giving back to the community and working on open source projects are also valuable boosts to a portfolio, as well as your own beneficial projects in your spare time.
Shannon finishes by saying, “Don’t undervalue yourself, and don’t be discouraged if you don’t have some of the skills in a job posting – most companies hire on potential to learn and grow. Remind yourself that the worst possible outcome is that you don’t hear back about the application.
“Above everything else, have faith in yourself. You’re skilled, you’re worthy, and you can do this!”
