Teen hospitalised after learning Google dream job offer was hoax - Yahoo7 News

Mel Buttigieg - Yahoo7 Newson August 3, 2017, 3:44 pm

An Indian teenager who made headlines for being reportedly offered a “dream job” at Google, has been “traumatised” to learn it was a hoax.

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Harshit Sharma, 16, from Kurukshetra, in the state of Haryana, reportedly received a phone call from the internet giant in June offering a paid internship in California as a graphic designer, local media previously reported.

The teen was reportedly told he would be paid $7,900 per month for 12 months of training. Following this, the IT student was told he would receive a salary of $23,700 per month, according to local reports.

Indian teenager Harshit Sharma, who thought he was offered his “dream job” at Google, has been “traumatised” to learn it was a hoax.

Harshit previously told Indian press he had an interest in design for 10 years, and had built a portfolio designing posters for Bollywood films.

He said it was his dream to work for Google, so he applied for a job in May and was interviewed online.

“I was selected on the basis of the posters I designed,” he said at the time.

“Who knew that an average student like me will get a job in Google. I can’t share my happiness how I am feeling, it’s like a dream has come true. My hard work has paid off well,” he told The Indian Express last week.

Harshit had an interest in design for 10 years, and had built a portfolio designing posters for Bollywood films.

His principal at Government Model Senior Secondary School, Indra Beniwal, issued a press release on Saturday congratulating Harshit on his apparent achievement.

Ms Beniwal said in the statement the job offer would be a “morale booster” to inspire other students.

Following news of the hoax, the principal denied having seen a confirmation letter from Google regarding the job.

“He came to me informing that Google has called him about the offer,” she said.

Harshit’s mother Bharti told the Hindustan Times she thought the offer was genuine after media outlets began reporting the news.

The teen was reportedly told Google would pay him $7,900 per month for 12 months of training, then a job afterwards. Picture: Getty/Adam Berry

“Harshit got a phone call. We did not believe it at first. I kept telling him it could be hoax,” she said.

“He shared the information with his school principal, who further released a press note, which led to media coverage.

“We thought the principal has some confirmation.”

His principal released a statement congratulating Harshit on the alleged job offer. Picture: Supplied

Google on Tuesday denied having offered paid training and employment to Harshit.

Since learning the call was a hoax, Ms Sharma said her son has not eaten and was hospitalised.

“Doctors say he is traumatised. Those who were congratulating us are now taunting us,” she said.

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