Prior to joining Agoda, I worked in management consulting and later at a small tech startup. I was looking for international experience in the tech industry, along with the opportunity to relocate and explore the world. Agoda offered the perfect blend of a global work environment, innovative projects, and the chance to travel throughout the Asia region.
A Day in the Life as a Pricing Analyst in the Pricing Team at Agoda
I’m part of the Pricing team responsible for analyzing pricing trends, customer needs, and market conditions to optimize pricing strategies and improve business outcomes. A typical day in my role is quite dynamic. Generally, I spend about 20% of my time answering questions and consulting with colleagues, 30% collaborating across different teams, and the remaining 50% focused on finding growth opportunities, developing pricing models, and running A/B tests.
On top of our day-to-day work, the company encourages employees to take ownership of their work, explore new ideas, and continuously learn. For example, one internal project that stands out to me was developing a ChatGPT assistant to help analysts like myself write SQL queries more efficiently. It was exciting to see how this tool improved workflow readability and consistency.
Why Agoda is an Exciting Workplace
Agoda’s work environment is special because of its emphasis on innovation and data-driven decision-making. The culture is collaborative, and there’s a strong focus on personal learning. For my role, the ability to work on challenging projects with talented colleagues from different parts of the world makes every day rewarding.
Agoda also offers various employee benefits. My favorite one is definitely the Remote Work program. It allows me to work from anywhere in the world for up to 30 days each year, which is a fantastic perk. I’ve used it to visit my relatives and friends, and it’s made it much easier to stay connected with them while still staying productive at work.
Growing at Agoda: Career Development and Learning
Agoda has helped me grow professionally by exposing me to diverse challenges and cross-functional collaboration. I’ve had the opportunity to work on innovative models, develop new skills, and gain a deeper understanding of the tech and travel industries.
The company also offers excellent career growth opportunities through its dynamic work environment, challenging projects, and focus on personal development. With clear paths for advancement and the chance to work on impactful initiatives, Agoda provides a great platform for professional growth.
Moreover, Agoda offers a wide range of internal courses that I can enroll in to learn more about the industry, different teams, and the models they use. It’s a great way to expand my knowledge and connect with colleagues from other departments.
Relocating to Bangkok: Embracing a New Culture
I chose to move to Bangkok because I was looking for the opportunity to explore a new culture and region. Bangkok’s cosmopolitan atmosphere and its central location in Southeast Asia made it an ideal choice for both my professional growth and personal travel opportunities.
Relocating to Bangkok was a smooth and well-supported process. Agoda’s People team assisted with all the necessary documents and logistics, making the transition much easier. I relocated with my wife, and the company arranged temporary accommodation for us during the first month.
My advice would be to embrace the opportunity and stay open to new experiences. Bangkok is a dynamic city with a lot to offer. Agoda provides great support for relocation, so you’ll have everything you need to make the move.
Living in Bangkok: Vibrancy, Culture, and Exploration
As I mentioned, Bangkok is vibrant, dynamic, and very sunny. Its energy and cultural diversity are truly unique.
Outside of work, I really enjoy spending time at Benchakitti Park in Bangkok—it’s a great place to relax and unwind on the weekends. I’ve also visited Khao Yai National Park, which is just a few hours’ drive from the city. It’s one of my favorite places to escape the hustle and bustle of Bangkok and enjoy some time in nature surrounded by greenery. I also love traveling to different parts of Thailand and Asia on holidays, discovering new places, and experiencing the beauty and diversity of the region.
Building Community and Settling In: Support and Connections
Settling into Agoda has been seamless, thanks to the support from the People team. The onboarding process was well-organized, and the welcoming culture made adapting to the workplace effortless.
I’ve built great connections with my colleagues, who are always collaborative and supportive. The diverse teams at Agoda have made it easy to form new relationships. As for my wife, she was able to find a remote work based in Bangkok, a few months after our relocation to Bangkok.
One strategy that worked well for me to make social connections outside of work was going to the sports area at Benchakitti Park. There are always people playing table tennis and other sports, and it’s easy to join in and meet new people. I found that just being open to joining local activities really helps in building a new social circle.
My advice would be to take time to explore the city and immerse yourself in the new workplace. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and reach out to colleagues. Building relationships early on makes the transition much easier. Remember, every new beginning is an opportunity for adventure!
Cost of Living in Bangkok: Affordable and Delicious
The cost of living in Bangkok is quite comparable to that in Moscow. Traveling and accommodation are significantly cheaper. In Bangkok, you can find a good place in the city center for around 25,000 THB per month. In Moscow, you’ll rarely find anything below 70,000 RUB (25,000 THB) per month.
Meals tend to be more expensive in Bangkok, especially European food. For example, a pasta dish typically costs 300–400 THB at a good restaurant in Bangkok, compared to 500–700 RUB (200-250 THB) in Moscow. However, local cuisine, fish, and seafood are very affordable in Bangkok 😊
Final Thoughts: Why Consider Agoda?
The most rewarding part of my journey at Agoda has been the opportunity to work with talented colleagues from diverse backgrounds and cultures. So, for those considering joining the company, I would say, just go for it!
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