What’s it like to work at one of the most iconic companies in the world where your coworkers are building the future? In this episode of Home From College Office Tours, we’re giving you a rare peek inside Google’s Playa Vista campus in Los Angeles. Housed in a historic airplane hangar-turned-office space, this Google office blends innovation with imagination, just like the team that works there.

We caught up with two Googlers doing incredible work: Angelica Song, Global Social Media Manager at YouTube, and Michael Carney, a Google veteran working with startups. From campaign launches to arcade breaks, here’s what it’s really like to work at Google.

What is Google (in case you’ve been living under a rock)?

Google is one of the world’s most influential tech companies, powering everything from search and maps to cloud computing, YouTube, and Android. With over 180 office locations in more than 50 countries, Google’s mission is simple but powerful: to organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful.

It’s also consistently ranked one of the best places to work, and after this tour, you’ll see why.

Inside the Office: From Hangars to Hogwarts

Located in Playa Vista, CA, the Google campus sits inside a historic airplane hangar, once home to major movie sets like Titanic and Transformers. But these days, it’s home to innovation.

✈️ Flight-Themed Rooms – Every meeting space is themed around aviation, giving nods to the building’s history.
🎮 Arcade Area – Need a break? There’s a full game zone and a micro kitchen stocked with snacks and drinks.
🎬 Auditoriums with History – Giant theaters that once held movie screenings now host Google events and team all-hands.
🌿 Goose Park – A light-filled, plant-covered space designed for collaboration and creative thinking.
📚 Conference Room Secrets – Want to meet in “Peter Pan” or “Harry Potter”? You’ll need to book way in advance.

Meet Michael Carney: 11 Years at Google and Still Inspired

Michael Carney is a proud LMU alum who’s spent over a decade at Google working closely with startups. His role? Helping small companies scale big ideas. So, what makes him stay?

💬 “For me it’s the people and getting to work with such creative minds and personalities. We’re surrounded by amazing folks who are building.”

Meet Angelica Song: Leading Global Social at YouTube

A UCLA Haas alum, Angelica Song brings culture, content, and creativity together at YouTube, where she works as a Global Social Media Manager on the editorial team. Her work touches some of the platform’s most iconic cultural moments.

She’s helped bring campaigns to life for:
🎤 Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso” on Shorts
⚽ The FIFA World Cup
🎡 Coachella + VidCon
🏀 Sports creators & beyond

💬 “Since working at YouTube, I’ve had the chance to work on such amazing campaigns. It’s fun, it’s fast, and every day looks different.”

Why This Office Tour Hits Different

Google’s Playa Vista campus is more than a cool office, it's where culture meets code, history meets innovation, and creatives meet technologists. Whether you’re brainstorming your next big campaign or taking a break in Goose Park, the energy is contagious.

For students and early-career talent looking to:
✅ Work on products that shape the world
✅ Join a global team of thinkers and doers
✅ Create with purpose and play

👉 Google is proof that work can be imaginative and impactful.

🎥 Watch the full Office Tour with Angelica Song and Michael Carney now on @homefromcollege socials!