Referred a Friend to Join the Team
Last February, my friend Albert embarked on a transformative journey, diving into a Master’s degree in data science, aspiring to transition from civil engineering to the burgeoning field of data. Curiosity has always been his driving force, leading him to probe the distinctions between analysts, engineers, and scientists. My role as a data engineer piqued his interest further.
Throughout the year, our weekends were marked by enriching discussions on weaving more data engineering concepts into his projects. We ambitiously integrated advanced features to polish his projects, despite not being strictly necessary. Watching Albert evolve was akin to observing a sponge soak up knowledge—he learned rapidly, demonstrating remarkable growth. While he diligently completed his Master’s degree, the one piece of the puzzle missing was hands-on experience.
Recognizing his potential, I advocated for him to join our team, fully aware that his resume’s brevity and reliance on his Master's degree might not alone sway the decision in his favor. I was open with him about the expectations and the learning curve he’d face if he were to secure the position.
Interviews
With each interview stage Albert cleared, my pride in his dedication grew. My manager noted his genuine effort during the technical assessment, highlighting his consistency and determination—qualities we value highly.
"His activity behaviour is consistent with someone who tried his best, which is what we're looking for anyways"
The most challenging test was an open-ended technical assessment. I encouraged Albert to delve into the resources available online and expand his understanding. While I ventured on a road trip, he dedicated six days to the task, resulting in what was described as “easily the best submission we’ve gotten by a mile”!
In the end, Albert was offered the job. I was thrilled for him, knowing he was about to embark on an exhilarating professional adventure. Albert, thank you for trusting me and for your unwavering commitment. Your success is well-deserved. Now, the real work begins. Let's get to it!