Very different journeys can end at the same destination – What our Get Set Progress interns learnt from Google

Skill Share with Google: Karo Caran & Victor Tsaran 

In this Skill Share, interns from the Get Set Progress programme heard directly from Karo Caran and Victor Tsaran, two senior accessibility leaders at Google. Their careers demonstrate that there’s no single route into technology, leadership, or meaningful work. 

What stood out wasn’t just where they’ve ended up, but how they got there through adaptability, resilience, creativity, and a willingness to keep learning. 

What the interns gained 

For many interns, this session provided permission as much as inspiration: permission to believe that non‑linear careers are valid, that creative and non‑technical backgrounds have real value, and that progression doesn’t have to follow one fixed model. 

Interns gained practical insight into how accessibility skills translate directly into professional influence, particularly within large organisations. Karo and Victor showed how lived experience, combined with critical thinking and strong communication, can be just as powerful as coding expertise. 

There was also a strong focus on confidence, especially around public speaking, interviews, and self‑advocacy as a disabled professional. Interns heard honest reflections on imposter syndrome, rejection, and early‑career uncertainty, alongside clear reassurance that these experiences are both normal and survivable. 

AI and assistive technology emerged as major takeaways. Interns learned how mastering these tools can dramatically increase independence, efficiency, and credibility at work, often enabling them to complete tasks faster and more effectively.  

Perhaps most importantly, interns left with a clearer sense that the experiences they already have provide them with valuable problem‑solving skills. As several reflected during the Q&A, the session reframed disability not as a limitation, but as a perspective that actively strengthens teams and organisations. 

Key reflections from the session 

Karo and Victor shared how their own careers were shaped by openness to unexpected opportunities, starting in roles that weren’t perfect, and allowing people to see what they could do once they were “in the room”. 

They spoke candidly about Google’s culture of challenge and collaboration, where ideas are questioned to improve outcomes, and where success is based on contribution and capability. 

The message that resonated most strongly with interns was simple but powerful: 

There is no single right path. What matters is staying curious, building skills that matter, and continuing to show up. 

Reflections from our speakers 

Karo Caran, Accessibility Program Lead at Google Play at Google: “We enjoyed interacting with the interns very much. For me personally, it was rewarding to inspire the program participants and instil in them a sense of agency. Our stories may be unique, and so are theirs.”

Victor Tsaran, Sr. Technical Program Manager, accessibility at Google:“It was a gratifying experience to participate in the session, to share our life stories, challenges and successes. At the same time, we immensely enjoyed hearing from the participants about their career-related difficulties, choices and the solutions they developed to face them.”

Charlie Rashbrook, Internship coordinator TPT: The session really enabled greater thinking from our interns around how their skills could be transferable, and that following certain paths in life can lead you to very different outcomes. Karo and Victor delivered an extremely personal session with honest reflections. 

Laura Brewer, SLC Projects (Resources) Intern TPT said:A big thanks to Karo and Victor for sharing their inspirational stories with us! They certainly left me with loads of food for thought and hope for a bright career despite sight loss!

Why this matters 

This Skill Share didn’t just offer inspiration, it delivered reassurance, practical advice, and renewed motivation. Interns finished the session with greater confidence in their own journeys, a stronger understanding of how their skills translate into the workplace, and tangible ideas for next steps. 

Different journeys really can end at the same destination — and for many interns, this session made that feel genuinely achievable. 

For more information about partnerships at TPT, and to find out more about the TPT Skill Share calendar of events, please contact jen.sweeney@pocklington.org.uk