La Razón Features Pilar Alfonso on Getting Hired at Google and TikTok

Spanish national newspaper La Razón featured Pilar Alfonso, founder of Gogotechy and former Google, Meta and TikTok leader, to explore a question many young professionals ask:

Do you need a technical degree to work in Big Tech?

The short answer: no.

In the interview, Pilar shares her unconventional journey; from studying Law and Journalism, to pursuing acting in New York, to later completing an MBA and building a leadership career across Google, Meta and TikTok.

“They will never ask for your university grades. What matters much more is what you’ve built, the challenges you’ve taken on, and who you are as a person.”

Projects Over Degrees in Modern Tech Hiring

According to Pilar, the hiring mindset in companies like Google, Amazon and Meta has fundamentally changed.

What they prioritize today:

  • Demonstrable projects

  • Real impact and measurable results

  • Adaptability in fast-changing environments

  • Critical thinking

  • Communication and storytelling

  • Cultural fit and values

In a market saturated with university degrees, what differentiates candidates is execution, not credentials.

This shift reflects a broader transformation across the tech industry: meritocracy is no longer defined by diplomas, but by skills and proof of impact.

Sales Roles, Adaptability and High Performance

La Razón also highlights Pilar’s experience in commercial roles inside Big Tech. Contrary to popular belief, some of the highest-paid and most strategic positions are not always purely technical.

Revenue-driving roles, especially in sales and growth, have become increasingly central in technology companies.

However, these positions demand:

  • Extreme adaptability

  • Resilience under pressure

  • Strong negotiation skills

  • Performance accountability

As Pilar explains, fixed salaries can start competitively, but performance-based compensation can represent up to 60% variable, rewarding measurable results.

What This Means for Future Tech Professionals

Breaking into tech is no longer about choosing the “perfect” degree.

It’s about:

  • Building real-world projects

  • Positioning your story strategically

  • Mastering interviews

  • Demonstrating measurable value

At Gogotechy, this philosophy is the foundation of every program, combining structured preparation, real hiring insight and AI-powered interview practice to help candidates stand out.

You can read the full feature in La Razón here:

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