zenjob student student software engineer at zenjob working

Stepping into a new country and starting a job as a work student software engineer at Zenjob in Berlin marked the beginning of an exciting chapter in my life. Despite being new to Germany’s bustling capital, I quickly found myself immersed in a vibrant community of talented individuals at Zenjob. In this blog, I’ll share my journey of growth, learning, and cultural exploration during my time at Zenjob.

Navigating a New Environment:

Arriving in Berlin just a month before starting my role at Zenjob was both thrilling and challenging. However, the warm welcome and support I received from my colleagues made the transition smoother than I could have imagined. From day one, I found myself surrounded by wonderfully talented individuals whose passion and expertise inspired me to push my boundaries and strive for excellence.
Initially, I must confess, I felt overwhelmed when faced with the multitude of applications at Zenjob. The sheer volume of new technologies and tools seemed daunting, and I found myself struggling to absorb everything at once. This uncertainty often led me to hesitate when asking questions, as I wanted to ensure I fully comprehended the topic before seeking clarification.

During meetings and discussions, I would hear numerous unfamiliar terms and concepts being thrown around. Instead of immediately seeking clarification, I found myself jotting down keywords and phrases, intending to research them later. I was eagerly awaiting the day when I would finally comprehend the context fully and confidently contribute to discussions with insightful questions and input.

As time progressed, the continuous exploration paid off. I gradually began to piece together the puzzle, connecting the dots between the various technologies and concepts discussed in meetings and refinements. Bit by bit, my understanding deepened, and I found myself asking informed questions and providing insights, contributing meaningfully to the team’s endeavors.

Looking back, I am proud to say that I have surpassed my initial apprehensions and reached a significant milestone in my journey. No longer do I hesitate to seek clarification or express my thoughts during discussions. Instead, I embrace each opportunity to learn and grow, confident in my ability to navigate the dynamic landscape of technology with curiosity and resilience.

Onboarding & Mentorship

At Zenjob, mentorship is not just a concept but a tangible aspect of the company culture, exemplified by the thoughtful approach taken by my manager from the very beginning of my journey. Upon joining, my manager meticulously planned a structured onboarding process, ensuring that I wasn’t overwhelmed with a deluge of information. Instead, she eased me into the role by assigning smaller tasks and gradually introducing me to the company’s applications.

Recognizing my proficiency in TypeScript and keen interest in frontend development, my manager strategically aligned my initial tasks with these preferences. This personalized approach allowed me to build confidence and familiarity before diving into more complex projects.
The weekly check-ins provided a dedicated space for discussing my progress, addressing any challenges, and setting personal development goals. The open dialogue fostered by these meetings not only helped me stay on track but also reinforced a sense of accountability and ownership over my growth trajectory.

Moreover, I was pleasantly surprised by the supportive environment fostered by my team members. When I embarked on my first backend task—building an API in Spring Boot Java—I received invaluable assistance from a knowledgeable colleague. Not only did they provide clear explanations of the system, but they also guided me through tool installations and deployment processes. This experience bolstered my confidence, encouraging me to ask questions freely.

Exploring New Technologies and Tools: Project Highlights

At Zenjob, I have worked with various technologies such as React, jest test framework, segment user data tracking, Retool, Spring boot Java.
One standout project involved implementing tracking functionalities into Zenjob’s customer-facing application, which proved instrumental in providing actionable insights for strategic decision-making. Additionally, I had the opportunity to collaborate closely with the other team members, participating in informative sessions where I gained valuable insights into the collection and utilization of customer data to enhance product experiences.

Furthermore, I undertook the task of developing new APIs and integrating them into the Retool application. Despite my initial unfamiliarity with this technology stack, I was constantly trying to learn new things from online platforms and my colleagues who generously shared their expertise, providing me with clear explanations and guidance throughout the process.

Balancing Work and Studies:

One of the standout aspects of my experience at Zenjob was the unwavering support I received from my managers regarding my academic commitments. Despite juggling work and studies, I never felt overwhelmed thanks to the flexible work arrangements. My managers were always understanding and accommodating, allowing me to prioritize important academic milestones without compromising on my work responsibilities.

Cultural Enrichment:

Working at Zenjob provided me with the unique opportunity to interact with people from diverse backgrounds, each bringing their own perspective and experiences to the table. These interactions not only enriched my understanding of different cultures but also fostered a sense of inclusivity and camaraderie within the team.

Team Bonding:

Despite being a part-time work student, I always felt like an integral part of the team at Zenjob. Whether it was participating in team outings or collaborating on projects, I was fully immersed in the company culture. These experiences not only strengthened my professional relationships but also instilled a sense of belonging within the team.
My journey as a work student software engineer at Zenjob has been nothing short of transformative. From navigating a new environment to embracing opportunities for growth and learning, every experience has contributed to my personal and professional development.

Future Goals:

Reflecting on my time at Zenjob, I’ve gained invaluable insights into not only technical aspects but also the importance of collaboration, task management, and effective team dynamics. Witnessing how even the most technically adept engineers excel in these areas has inspired me to cultivate similar competencies within myself.

Moving forward, I am driven to deepen my knowledge and expertise in full stack technology and tools. Building upon the foundation established at Zenjob, I aim to become proficient in development and implementing robust backend services and seamlessly integrate with frontend systems.

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