My Agoda Journey: From Intern to Full-time Position
Embarking on a career as a software engineer is a journey filled with opportunities for growth, learning, and professional development. For many aspiring developers, securing an internship at a renowned tech company is a crucial stepping stone toward becoming a full-time software engineer.
In this blog, we shine a spotlight on the inspiring stories of two Agodans who successfully transitioned from interns to thriving full-time roles as software engineers. We delve into the experiences, challenges, and invaluable lessons learned during this transformational phase of their careers.
Meet Nattaaek Wattanuyan
Nattaaek Wattanuyan is a Senior Software Engineer on YCS Team
I studied Computer Science at Bangkok University and applied to Agoda as a Software Engineer intern during my internship.
During my internship at Agoda, I worked closely with the full-time team members, mainly focusing on the backend work of the Yield Control System (YCS).
Initially, it was challenging as YCS was built on an older tech stack, requiring me to learn and practice extensively. However, as time passed, I gained more confidence and found it to be a rewarding experience.
One aspect I particularly enjoyed during my internship was the ownership I had over the product. In addition to my day-to-day tasks, I took the initiative to upgrade the React version and optimize and upgrade Webpack.
I also addressed the pain points of setting up the local environment by creating a new-joiner script, which was well-received by the team. This period allowed me to learn beyond what is typically taught in school, such as working as a team in an agile methodology and handling legacy systems.
After completing my internship, I transitioned to a full-time role as a Software Engineer in the YCS team. During my probation period, I worked on optimizing TeamCity for faster CI feedback and achieving Sox compliance for all YCS applications. As a full-time team member, the expectations were higher, and effective communication became crucial as we owned the platform and collaborated with multiple teams.
I appreciated the open-mindedness and startup-like approach within the team, where new ideas were discussed scientifically, hypotheses were tested, and proof-of-concepts were created.
Some of the exciting projects that I have worked on include breaking the monolithic structure of YCS by using a Domain-driven design approach and implementing module federation for sharing components across micro frontends. I like bringing concepts that I learn from tech seminars and YouTube videos to life in production.
My advice to fellow interns is to seize opportunities, absorb knowledge from experienced engineers, and avoid limiting yourself. Taking ownership of the product and striving for greatness is essential. Put yourself in the shoes of the customer, and strive to meet their expectations. Embracing these experiences can be truly transformative.
Meet Hasathon Saviphan
Hasathon Saviphan is a Software Engineer in the Fintech-Infra Team
I was in my 4th year studying Computer Engineering at Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology, Thammasat University. My major was Cloud and Cybersecurity. I had the chance to do a cooperative internship for my university, so I applied and ended up as a Software Engineer Intern at Agoda.
Joining the Fintech team as a Software Engineer Intern was an exciting opportunity for me. Our work revolved around handling financial transactions, reports, reconciliation, and more. However, the beginning was challenging as I had to learn Agoda’s technologies and gain financial knowledge, which had always been a hurdle for me.
Fortunately, I had the support of my colleagues and a dedicated mentor who were always there to assist me whenever I encountered difficulties. One of the most significant projects I contributed to was the development of the finance backoffice application, led by the Intern Scrum. This application served as a centralized hub, empowering the Finance team to streamline their work and making Agoda’s financial system more efficient.
During my internship at Agoda, I greatly improved my technical skills and learned important lessons regarding teamwork, communication, and personal growth. Before I rounded off my internship, I expressed my desire to work at Agoda full-time after graduation to my manager, who then found a spot for me.
I then went through an interview process with the engineers from the team I would be joining to ensure a good fit. After graduating, I transitioned to an Associate Software Engineer role in the Fintech-Infra team. Since then, I have continued to grow, aligning with Agoda’s values and gaining a deeper understanding of the Finance structure and its impact on the company. I appreciate the culture of open communication, where respectful feedback is encouraged, and the emphasis on taking ownership of my work.
Overall, my internship and transition have been instrumental in shaping me into a successful Software Engineer at Agoda. Recently, I returned from a temporary team shift where I had the opportunity to work with the Data team on a vital internal tool for Agoda.
It was an exciting experience, allowing me to dive back into Frontend development, which I hadn’t done since my internship. Upon rejoining my original team, I received a warm welcome, and I’m excited about delivering results and helping my team tackle future challenges.
Internships are invaluable learning experiences, providing opportunities for growth and development. Don’t be afraid to seek clarification or guidance. The mentors and managers are always willing to support and address your concerns.
If you are interested in different fields, such as transitioning from Software Engineering to Data Engineering, don’t hesitate to explore those possibilities. Your internship is a chance to discover your passion and shape your future career. Identify your areas of improvement and actively work towards enhancing them. Embrace the learning experience and seize every opportunity to grow personally and professionally.
