From Pakistan to Bangkok: This is Jahanzaib’s Life at Agoda
- Jahanzaib Yousaf
- Full Stack Software Engineer, Engineering & Technology
- Lived in Bangkok since 2023
Before joining Agoda, I worked remotely at Motive as a Frontend Engineer, leading a team of four engineers on a frontend project. My responsibilities included planning, estimations, product updates, and demos. I was referred by a friend and wanted to join Agoda to push myself out of my comfort zone. The tech stack was new to me, and I wanted to learn how a large tech company operates while expanding my skills and exposure.
A Day in the Life of a Full Stack Software Engineer in the Cart Team at Agoda
As a Full Stack Software Engineer in Agoda’s Cart team, I focus on building and maintaining the systems that enable users to bundle multiple travel products such as hotels, flights, and activities into a single cart for a seamless checkout experience.
My day starts with a daily stand-up and a coffee, followed by checking my Jira board. If I have an active task, I continue from where I left off; otherwise, I pick up a new one from the backlog.
Our team handles everything from demand tests and feature experimentation to large-scale rollouts. Every day brings new technical challenges and opportunities to learn. Once I’ve completed and tested a change, I submit a Merge Request (MR) and help review MRs from my teammates to keep things moving.
I’m proud of the work we’ve done as a team to make multi-product booking easier for our users across Agoda and our white-label partners.
Tech at Agoda: Innovation and Flexibility
One of the highlights of working at Agoda is that the tech stack here is always evolving, keeping the work fresh and engaging.
As a Frontend developer, I primarily work with React, but we’re always exploring more efficient ways to develop UI components. This commitment to innovation ensures that we stay at the forefront of technology.
We utilize a variety of tools daily, including Jira, Scrum tools, Grafana, Slack, Teams, Microsoft Docs, Sheets, and Presentation, as well as Calculon, Visual Studio Code, and JetBrains Rider.
Why Agoda is an Exciting Workplace
Agoda’s work environment is fast-paced and supportive. The company fosters a culture of innovation and encourages employees to take ownership of their work, and the variety of projects ensures there’s always something new to work on and learn from.
The hybrid work model, which allows me to work three days a week from home, is a game-changer and gives me the flexibility to balance work and family life so I can spend more time with my wife and daughter.
Lastly, Agoda hosts fun events like Tech Connect, Developer Day, Agoda Fest, and monthly catering. These activities keep us engaged and make it exciting to go to the office. It’s an occasion to connect with colleagues beyond your team, and whether it is a learning opportunity or a fun one, there is a bit for everyone to enjoy.
Growing at Agoda: Learning and Leadership Opportunities
Agoda has helped me grow both technically and professionally. My managers encouraged me to take ownership of quarterly projects, which helped me improve my technical expertise, project planning, and soft skills. The company’s focus on continuous learning and development has been key to my growth.
One standout initiative is Dev Day, an annual event for the engineering and technology teams. It’s a fantastic opportunity to learn from leaders, participate in workshops, and engage in lightning talks, which I’ve thoroughly enjoyed attending every year since joining Agoda.
On a personal level, I’ve significantly improved my Frontend skills by learning and working in React, a language that was new to me. Additionally, Agoda provides a range of internal tools, such as scrum tools and Calculon, which we use daily to streamline workflows and enhance productivity.
Relocating to Bangkok: A Smooth and Exciting Transition
I relocated to Bangkok in January 2023 with my wife. Agoda made the process seamless by handling visas, hotel accommodations, and answering all my questions.
For anyone considering relocating to Bangkok for Agoda, I’d say don’t hesitate. It might feel like a big step, but the support you’ll receive will make the transition smooth. It’s a great opportunity to experience something new and grow both personally and professionally.
Living in Bangkok: Food, Shopping, and Healthcare
Bangkok offers a vibrant lifestyle with plenty to explore and enjoy. I love the food here. As a Muslim, I appreciate the many halal options, which allows me to enjoy the local cuisine. Bangkok also offers unique shopping experiences, from lavish malls with world-renown fashion brands, to local day and night markets. In general, there are options for any type of budget. The shopping malls are also a great way to cool off when the temperature outside is rising.
Healthcare in Bangkok was also a priority, and I am glad it is excellent. The hospitals are high-quality, and many staff speak English. My daughter was born on February 2024 in Bangkok, and the care was beyond my expectations, so I have peace of mind my family will be well cared for if needed.
Building Community in Bangkok: Settling in and Socializing
Settling into Agoda and Bangkok has been a positive experience. My team and manager welcomed me warmly and were supportive throughout my onboarding period, which helped me adjust to the workplace. In Bangkok, we chose to live in the On Nut area. It’s a peaceful and affordable area, a bit away from the city center but well connected with public transport. Many of my friends live nearby, so we have plenty of chances to socialize.
Most of my friends are Agodans, but not necessarily from my team. The company provides a lot of opportunities to meet people across departments and connect via social events or sports activities. For example, I am a regular member of the Agoda Badminton club, and we play every Saturday and Sunday, which opened another opportunity to meet people. There are also other folks from Pakistan, and we sometimes get together to share a meal, or for another activity.
Final Thoughts: Why Consider Agoda?
If you’re thinking about joining Agoda, don’t wait. It could be one of the best decisions you’ll ever make. The fast-paced environment, great culture, and opportunities for growth make Agoda an amazing place to work.
