From India and the USA to Bangkok: This Is Nandhini’s Life at Agoda
- Nandhini Chinnasamy
- Senior Partnerships Manager, Rocket Travel by Agoda
- Living in Bangkok, Thailand since 2021
Before joining Agoda, I worked as a Business Systems Analyst for Insurance companies based in the USA. My husband had a new role based in Thailand then, so I quit my job and moved to Bangkok from the United States on a dependent visa. While in Bangkok, I learned about the brand Agoda and knew that the company was hiring from all nationalities, so I gave it a try to apply when the right role came!
A Day in the Life in the Travel Distribution Team at Agoda
My current job is a complete 180-degree change from what I used to do earlier in my prior jobs. At Agoda, I mainly collaborate with our B2B and B2C partners based in South Asia, developing solutions and strategies to help them grow with us. It is totally new, and working with our partners closely helps me understand the markets better and leverage my business intelligence experience to optimize them and drive growth.
Why is Agoda an Exciting Workplace
Agoda’s work environment is special because despite being a large company of around 7,000 employees, it is not a hierarchy-driven work environment like it is traditionally in other big corporations. Everyone is approachable, fostering collaboration and open communication. Everyone’s door (or workspace) is open – and everyone is easily contactable via Teams or Slack. This environment provides more scope for individuals to shine.
Additionally, the company is driven by data, encouraging employees to wear their own little scientist jackets and embrace the mindset—testing hypotheses, analyzing results, and continuously improving.
Growing at Agoda: A Commitment to Nurturing Talents
Agoda offers great career opportunities for those who are qualified and driven. The company recognizes individual potential and provides a clear path for growth and advancement. In just 2.5 years at Agoda, I experienced three significant career jumps, a testament to the company’s commitment to nurturing talent and rewarding hard work. What truly sets Agoda apart is its collaborative culture, where teamwork and open communication are highly valued. If you bring your skills, curiosity, and dedication, you’ll find no shortage of opportunities to thrive here.
Living in Bangkok: A Smooth Transition and Endless Exploration
Agoda’s support ensured that everything went smoothly, allowing me to focus on settling into my new role without any stress. My advice for anyone considering relocating to Bangkok for Agoda is simple: just go ahead. Both the city and the company are incredibly welcoming.
What I enjoy most about living in Bangkok is the vibrant food scene, with countless cafes and restaurants offering a wide variety of international cuisines to explore. Outside of work, I love spending time cooking, baking, going to the gym, and watching movies. Bangkok truly offers a dynamic lifestyle that caters to all interests, making it an exciting place to live and grow.
Building Community in Bangkok: Embracing Change and Connecting with Cultures
Since my husband was already living here, settling into Bangkok wasn’t too challenging for me. I met his friends and created my own circle as well through my various activities outside work. At work, the team creates a miniature cosmopolitan environment where you meet people from a variety of nationalities and learn about different cultures, so it is easy to build meaningful connections with colleagues.
For anyone feeling nervous about starting fresh in a new city or workplace, my advice is to embrace the change. It’s natural to feel anxious, but it’s just like learning to swim—the fear of water fades once you learn to navigate it. Similarly, once you find your rhythm in a new city or workplace, you’ll start to enjoy it so much more.
Final Thoughts: Why Agoda is the Place to Be
To anyone considering joining Agoda in Bangkok, I say hop aboard! I am sure you will enjoy the ride here, as it offers a dynamic and rewarding experience. One of the most rewarding parts of my journey at Agoda has been receiving timely recognition for my work, which truly motivates and encourages continuous growth and contribution.
