[w1ntermute]

> With only a year of instruction and no coding background previously, he was able to get a position at Google? Is this the norm?

That depends on your definition of "norm". The average person could probably spend their entire life preparing for a Google interview and never get an offer. Others could enter any field of their choosing and reach a very high level of competency in just a matter of months. Seems like the OP falls in the latter category.

[lpsz]

No matter how academically bright someone is, practical coding experience is still highly desirable.

[w1ntermute]

It has nothing to do with academics - some people can pick up practical skills much more quickly than others.