Tokyo’s Hidden Gem — Multicultural Working Environment at HENNGE
It was my final year as a master's student that I decided to seek an internship in Japan. As a student coming from Cambodia, I enrolled in Niigata University in late 2021. I had always heard that working in Japan requires extensive Japanese knowledge which creates a barrier for engineers who are new to the language. However, HENNGE — probably the first company to break this convention — changed my perspective on that. This is the story of how I found HENNGE and my working experience there during a 4-week internship from 13th November 2023 till 8th December 2023.
A Bit of Background on Japanese Job Recruitment Culture
There is usually a job-hunting season called Shūkatsu (就活), starting in April and ending around August to October. I have been aware of this norm since my first year as a master’s student in 2021. Most Japanese students follow this practice by preparing themselves by crafting CVs, joining seminars, and getting ready for interviews. If the process goes well, they are offered a full-time position shortly before they graduate. Subsequently, they join the company where they stick for up to 5 years, depending on the contract. As a foreign student with no Japanese language skills, working in Japan poses a significant challenge because most documents and seminars are available only in the Japanese language and are intended only for Japanese speakers.
Is There an Alternative?
After conducting more Google searches, I came across an incredible website called TokyoDev, where most of the posted jobs are intended for English-speaking software engineers. Various positions, including backend, frontend, and DevOps engineers, were available. As I was still a student at that time, opting for an internship was generally preferable. I scrolled through several job postings until I stumbled upon an internship opportunity at HENNGE. I applied and was then tasked with solving a coding challenge. Upon completing the challenge, the next step involved submitting a CV along with a cover letter. The final step was the interviews.
Life at HENNGE
The internship was on-site as the border closure was lifted. There are 5 interns in my batch, divided into 2 teams. The first team is the Python team, and the second team is the Golang team. Each team has to develop a full-stack web application with a backend using the respective languages. At the end of the day, we are expected to deploy the application on Amazon Web Service (AWS), followed by DevOps training where we deploy the same application in a scalable manner. We are individually assigned a mentor who helps guide the project, conducts code reviews, and addresses technical issues. The orientation document was precise and helpful. The whole process was smooth.
We are also asked to meet different divisions in HENNGE to know what they are doing and how to company functions as a whole. We were also provided free lunch where we got to hang out with HENNGE’s employees which produced fruitful discussion.
The working environment was nice. I love the forest area where you have a big monitor and are almost surrounded by trees (See the above photo). We are allowed to sit freely on any floor — owned by HENNGE — in the building. If you love landscapes, you can also stay on the top floor of the building and enjoy Tokyo from the top. That was exactly what I was usually doing in the morning.
Sharing is Caring
We had to share our knowledge in the Monthly Technical Session (MTS), where each intern could share information of interest. For me, it was a moment of honor as I delved into the realm of AI, specifically sharing the wealth of knowledge acquired during my two years at the university, with a particular focus on reinforcement learning. The exchange of diverse knowledge became a cornerstone, creating a continuous learning environment that kept everyone abreast of the latest trends in various fields. As each intern brought forth their unique perspectives, the MTS became a melting pot of insights, shaping us into a well-rounded and informed community eager to stay at the forefront of technological advancements.
Let’s Party!
There were numerous social gatherings throughout our time at the company. One notable occasion was the post-MTS celebration, where we gathered for a delightful dinner in the open space. This provided a wonderful opportunity to engage in conversations, fostering connections with fellow employees. There was a wide array of delectable foods and beverages. Personally, I found the sushi paired with a light fruit drink to be my favorite.
As we mingled, I had the privilege of conversing with individuals from various divisions within the company. Engaging in these discussions was not only enjoyable but also enlightening, as it allowed me to gain insights into the latest trends and technological advancements. These interactions not only enhanced my understanding of the company’s diverse functions but also contributed to a sense of camaraderie among colleagues.
Closing Thought
My time at HENNGE during the internship was truly transformative. From the very beginning, applying and navigating through the recruitment process, to the dynamic work environment, it has been an incredible learning experience. Being part of a diverse team, working on challenging projects, and participating in knowledge-sharing sessions, like the monthly technical sessions, offered me a well-rounded understanding of the company’s culture.
The inclusive atmosphere, reflected in lively social gatherings and the free flow of ideas, played a crucial role in fostering a sense of camaraderie among colleagues. Exposure to cutting-edge technologies and guidance from mentors not only boosted my skill set but also gave me more confidence in my abilities.
Beyond the work itself, the experience allowed me to delve into various aspects of Japanese culture and build connections with professionals from different divisions. The company’s commitment to continuous learning created an environment where every day brought new opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Looking back, this internship not only strengthened my passion for the field but also provided invaluable insights that will undoubtedly shape my future endeavors. As I say goodbye to this enriching chapter, I carry with me a deep appreciation for the collaborative spirit, the emphasis on personal and professional development, and the enduring connections made during my time at HENNGE. This journey has not only prepared me for the ever-changing landscape of technology but has also instilled in me a profound sense of gratitude for the incredible experience I’ve been fortunate to have.
Kheang Kim Ang was a graduate student at Niigata University, Japan, from 2021 to 2023. He interned with the HENNGE Global Internship Program from November 13 to December 8, 2023.
