December 29, 2023, marks the end of the six-month internship journey of The Next Gen-K, opening up opportunities to reach higher levels with their newly acquired experience and equipped knowledge. Let's look back at this brilliant journey through the lens of representing fantastic individuals of our Gen-K through their stories that have fortunately become unforgettable memories and shaped their time with Katalon as an intern.
Tri: First and foremost, the incredible colleagues, interns, and mentors who have been an integral part of my 6-month journey. The support and guidance I received from my mentors have been instrumental in my professional development. Also, the workshops and training sessions offered by the Next Gen-K program have been invaluable for my career development. Beyond technical sessions, these experiences have provided me with extremely helpful insights and skills for the future.
Tri: The most unforgettable memory that comes to my mind is the Christmas event hosted by the company. The gift-picking sessions, writing wishes for each other, and placing them on the Christmas tree created a heartwarming atmosphere. The acoustic show and singing session added to the joy, fostering a sense of enjoyment and bonding among us. It was truly a memorable experience and the best Christmas event I have ever had. smiling face with hearts.
Tri: I experienced a culture shock when I realized that at Katalon, there's a hybrid working style and flexible time management. Unlike what I expected based on advice from family members about strict working hours in companies, Katalon, being a multinational company, embraces a more flexible approach, allowing employees the freedom to manage their time for work and learning.
Tri: I experienced a culture shock when I realized that at Katalon, there's a hybrid working style and flexible time management. Unlike what I expected based on advice from family members about strict working hours in companies, Katalon, being a multinational company, embraces a more flexible approach, allowing employees the freedom to manage their time for work and learning.
Nhi: I will recall them in the form of emotion. I will miss my lovely friends (#beatỳul-girls) the most. This is my first time going to work and having such a compatible group of friends. Even though we have completely different colors, somehow we match each other perfectly. There are many unforgettable memories of us filming TikTok during break times, eating, sleeping together, and hanging out on weekends.
It is impossible not to mention the most special feelings for my mentor - my amusing sister. To me, she is one of the most straightforward, thoughtful, and supportive people I have ever known.
Nhi: During my time spent here, I have organized several engagement activities, some online, and even more offline, and each event has different requirements that need to be flexibly adapted so that everyone joining can always enjoy new initiatives. A successful event or even a mistake always leaves me with a valuable experience, but there is definitely significance of top-notch happiness when I think about it, which is the recognition and good reviews from everyone. In the latest virtual Movie Trivia hosted for our remote employees, after the session, I felt on cloud nine when receiving an email from one of the participants, saying “I really appreciate the effort you have put in”. For the first time, it was so touching knowing that my colleagues, who are living somewhere far away can feel a sense of belonging through an activity that I was devoted to. Just something as simple as that made my day!
Nhi: I used to imagine that there would always be a superior-subordinate gap between mentor and mentee, but when I interned at Katalon, I was gratefully “shocked" by the way my mentor treated me so nicely and guided me with such intimacy. She completely erased that stereotype.
Nhi: I always say that I am not a Gen Z but pretend to be one instead. Just kidding. I can only describe my solution in one word - straightforward. To voice up and speak your mind will help you conquer any hardship, not only for internships but whatever situation.
Linh: There are many memorable moments of this 6-month internship, particularly the connections I've made with the amazing people at Katalon. I've had the opportunity to get to know people from various departments. Especially, interns in The Next Gen-K program are so lovely and supportive that they are now my closest friends.
I also enjoy the atmosphere of my team, we are always gathered for team lunch or dinner to celebrate special occasions, including my birthday. On my birthday, my mentor had a really lovely gift for me. I found my gift lying on my table, and I deeply appreciated it since it was thoroughly prepared.
Linh: I experienced a 'culture shock' as Katalon's working environment differed from my expectations. I was surprised that we do not have a timekeeper machine. The working hours are incredibly flexible as long as you deliver your work on time. Despite having fixed positions, my team members often choose to work in various areas of the company where they feel they can be more productive.
Linh: As a technical writer intern in an innovative and fast-paced environment, my self-learning skills have saved me from all the tasks. As everyone knows, it is always difficult at first, but it all shall pass eventually if you spend your effort learning new things every day.
Bhavyansh: Since the beginning, the team has consistently supported me. Despite the distance, our successful communication and collaboration resulted in smooth working. We have a Google Meet “Working zone” every day for a few hours where we work, have casual discussions, and share our interests, hobbies, and cultural insights. Additionally, I have enjoyed Kahoot and knowledge-sharing sessions, where we test our Product and Technical knowledge collaboratively.
Bhavyansh: I attribute my successful adjustment to diverse work practices and communication norms to the support of my team. The initial challenges I encountered were instrumental in fostering my personal and professional growth.
The positive impact of embracing diversity is evident in my enriched professional experience. I have acquired a substantial amount of knowledge encompassing not only technical and product aspects but also strategies for individual contributions to the overall growth of our company.
Bhavyansh: The Next Gen-K Program played a crucial role in acclimating me to the work culture through sessions on Product/ Domain Knowledge, handling feedback, time management, etc. led by our Katalon mentors. Given that it was my initial foray into the professional world, the program proved highly beneficial, making the adjustment process smooth and enjoyable.