Please introduce yourself and tell us about your background.
Hello, I'm Kenneth Probadora. I graduated with a B.S. in Computer Science from the University of Santo Tomas in 2023. Currently, I work as an Associate Java Developer at Home Credit Philippines. My primary responsibility is developing the Home Credit mobile app based on the needs of our business stakeholders. I gained relevant experience through an internship at Eduswit, a startup focused on education technology. Although it was unpaid, the experience allowed me to develop my skills in Java and back-end development which prepared me for my role at Home Credit.
What did you consider before taking the job as an Associate Java Developer at Home Credit?
Before accepting the job offer, I considered the work environment, learning opportunities, salary and benefits. Based on my interview experience, the teams seemed approachable and willing to mentor me as a junior developer. I was excited by the chance to work on new technologies like cloud computing. The salary and benefits like insurance, leave days and work flexibility were better than average for the market. Overall, it seemed like a supportive environment where I could grow technical skills and gain experience.
How did you find out about their job openings?
I came across the job posting while browsing openings on various sites. At the time, I was applying widely to roles related to my studies so I could start my career after graduation. The Associate Java Developer role fit with my background so I submitted my application through their portal.
What is the application process as an Associate Java Developer at Home Credit?
After applying online, their HR team contacted me to schedule an on-site interview. The process moved quicker than with other companies I had applied to. The interview began with a written exam testing programming and algorithms. This was followed by two panel interviews focused on technical Java knowledge. I heard back with a job offer the day after my interviews. Preparing through mock interviews helped me answer the technical questions.
What was your onboarding experience like in the first few days working as an Associate Java Developer at Home Credit?
The first week was onboarding training at their office. There were introductions to the teams and products as well as software and security trainings. A knowledge transfer helped me get familiar with the code base and architecture. Starting out, I felt supported with structured trainings and teammates willing to answer questions. The transition was smoother thanks to what I had already learned during my internship.
How does the training and development programs offered at Home Credit help employees grow?
Home Credit provides ongoing technical and soft skills training tailored to your role. When I joined my current team, I went through 2 weeks of dedicated training on new technologies like Microsoft Azure cloud. This gives me hands-on practice and ramps up my skills quickly. Experienced team members also coach me by answering questions and reviewing my work. There are opportunities to take certifications related to your role that the company will sponsor.
How stressful is your job role as an Associate Java Developer at Home Credit? Do you have a good work-life balance?
So far I've found the workload manageable for an entry level role. Having previous internship experience prepared me for the tasks and expectations. The teams are good about planning workloads and not pushing unreasonable deadlines. Our daily standup meetings keep tasks on track. The hybrid schedule allows flexibility in my weeks. I make sure to stop work by 6PM daily to maintain balance. The 30 annual leave days help avoid burnout as well. Overall, I haven't experienced high stress levels in this role.
What does the working arrangement at Home Credit look like?
Home Credit has adopted a hybrid work model. My team goes to the office 1 day per week for collaboration meetings. The rest of the week I can work remotely from home which I prefer. Being fully remote during my internship prepared me well for this setup. We use various tools like chat and video conferencing to stay connected and aligned. I appreciate the flexibility this provides in balancing work and personal life.
Are the benefits good as an employee at Home Credits? What are some of the best employee benefits they offer?
To me the salary and benefits are well above average compared to other companies, especially considering my limited experience. Some of the best benefits are the 30 leave days per year, health insurance including dependents, retirement savings plan, and coverage of certifications and training. Small things like provided daily meals or snacks in the office create a nicer work environment as well. They want us to fully utilize the leave time so it does not expire.
So what have been some of the coolest things about working at Home Credit Philippines?
Getting to work on new technologies like Microsoft Azure cloud services has been really interesting so far. Our bootcamp-style training lets me get hands-on practice with concepts I'm learning. My teammates have backgrounds working abroad for major tech companies, so I get exposure to best practices. Seeing my work deployed in a production app used by thousands of customers is very cool and satisfying. I feel like I'm developing skills that will serve me well in future roles.
Do you have any final pieces of advice or things you'd tell your student self?
My advice to students is to value internship experiences even if they are unpaid. The skills and knowledge I developed during my unpaid internship played a big role in getting my current job. Also try to learn something from every interview, even if unsuccessful. Reflect on what questions you struggled with and continue improving. Lastly, focus on building programming fundamentals through practice projects and sites like Leetcode, which will help you stand out in interviews. Be patient through the job-seeking process, always view each attempt as progress towards your goal.