Life is like a chess game, where key decisions such as choosing a university and pursuing a career are critical moves that shape one’s path, leading to unforeseen outcomes. Wang Songyi and Dong Junhao, alumni of Bachelor of Science in Computing, navigated a career path towards one of the world’s premier cloud computing enterprises, Amazon Web Services (AWS), based in the United States, following their graduation. Here, they commenced their journeys as software development engineers, stepping into the realm of professional growth. How did these two engineers chase their dreams and secure positions at this renowned international corporation?
Setting Off from MPU
University education is pivotal in enriching personal experiences, enhancing professional knowledge, and uncovering one’s potential. Wang Songyi and Dong Junhao exemplify a resolute pursuit of their childhood aspirations. Travelling across vast distances to Macao, a city renowned for its harmonious blend of Eastern and Western cultures, Wang opted to specialise in computer science, recognising the expansive potential for growth within the field. On the other hand, Dong, propelled by his exceptional prowess in mathematics and a sharp logical acumen, was drawn towards delving deeply into information science following his triumphs in national competitions. Captivated by the international learning ambiance fostered by MPU, they both decisively embarked on a four-year undergraduate journey here.
During his studies at MPU, Wang seized a golden opportunity to participate in a study abroad programme at the University of California Los Angeles, where he collaborated with leading local research teams on cutting-edge air quality monitoring technologies. This overseas experience proved to be profoundly enriching, enhancing his expertise and broadening his horizons through immersive local engagements. Wang expresses deep gratitude towards his alma mater for these invaluable learning experiences and the meticulous mentorship offered by his professors. “The professors are truly dedicated, and I gleaned immense knowledge from them, both academically and personally,” he reflects. The meaningful relationships cultivated during this period have endured, with Wang maintaining close ties with his mentors post-graduation, underscoring the enduring bonds forged during his academic journey.
Dong, Wang’s junior, initially intended to study in the United States but ultimately opted for another popular exchange destination – Italy. Reflecting on the brief yet intensive one-month summer exchange, Dong reminisces, “We took our machine learning project, initiated at MPU, to Italy for further research and development. Collaborating with local professors and students at the University of Bologna was truly enlightening.” This experience enriched his life and offered him a glimpse into life abroad.
Their international exchange experiences not only solidified Wang and Dong’s aspirations to pursue further studies abroad but also gave them an extra competitive edge in their applications to master’s programmes. Upon graduating from MPU, they successfully secured admission to New York University and the University of California Irvine respectively to advance their studies and chase their ambitions. Wang observed, “During my master’s studies in the US, I deeply valued the robust academic foundation provided by MPU. Many essential concepts had already been covered at MPU, making it easier to absorb new knowledge and smoothen transition into my career.”
Start a Career as an Amazon Engineer
During their postgraduate studies, Wang and Dong undertook internships at AWS. Their exceptional performance led to offers for full-time positions upon completing their master’s degrees. They now serve as software engineers in distinct departments. Wang operates in a data management hub in Seattle, focusing on software development to optimise internal operational efficiency. Dong, on the other hand, works in a pivotal sector of the company situated in the San Francisco Bay Area, concentrating on crafting novel routing protocols to revolutionise industry solutions and enhance data flow.
AWS, a pioneering e-commerce entity, has evolved into a frontrunner in the US cloud computing sector. What is the experience like working at such a technological titan? Recalling his internship, Wang found the tasks to be immensely demanding. “During the internship, I had to build a product from scratch in just ten weeks, without prior knowledge or experience in the domain. It was a formidable challenge, one that I relished embracing and confronting head-on.” Wang has acclimated to his current work atmosphere and pace, relishing the balance between work and life, as well as the amicable rapport with his colleagues.
Dong acknowledges that the expansive scale and numerous data centres of the company demand a holistic approach to crafting sophisticated software, particularly in coordinating database communication. His primary focus lies in gaining a deep understanding of the entire system and development processes to leverage the diverse strengths within the team. “Our team comprises skilled tech experts, including entrepreneurs who have successfully sold their ventures to NVIDIA and attained financial independence. Despite their achievements, they have chosen AWS projects driven by shared aspirations,” Dong elaborates. “I am privileged to receive guidance from such accomplished individuals, a process that fortifies my skills and nurtures growth amidst challenges.” Compared to his peers, Dong perceives his expertise as nascent. As a newcomer to the professional realm, he deeply appreciates the invaluable advice generously offered by his colleagues.
Multicultural Work Environment
In a global setting like AWS, soft skills such as communication and coordination are as crucial as technical expertise. AWS is a cultural mosaic, with employees from diverse backgrounds. For instance, Dong’s team of about 20 people includes members from the Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong, South Korea, Japan, Russia, Italy, Lebanon, Greece, Ukraine, and more, with English as the primary language for daily communication. During his studies at MPU, Dong prepared himself for an English-speaking environment and four years of intensive language instruction honed his proficiency, which has been invaluable for both professional and daily interactions.
Wang is the sole Chinese member of his team, with the rest from India. Facing substantial cultural differences, he adopts an inclusive mindset to understand his peers’ perspectives. “India has a rich tapestry of cultural traditions and lifestyle nuances, and we prioritise mutual respect in our day-to-day interactions,” he explains. Wang credits his time at MPU for enhancing his interpersonal skills. “My academic curriculum was in English, and participating in global exchanges helped me quickly adapt to life overseas and communicate effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.”
Throughout their academic journey, Wang and Dong actively explored and refined their vocational interests, gradually delineating their life goals and making steady headway. Looking ahead, Wang aims to continually enhance his leadership and decision-making skills, gearing up to tackle broader career horizons. Meanwhile, Dong looks forward to engaging in a wider range of projects, maintaining his passion for challenges and advancing further in the tech domain.
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