Progate is one of the largest online programming learning services currently in Japan with millions of users and is mainly used for self-study, corporate training, and classroom study as well. Progate focuses on modern programming skills which include web development, Languages, Android development with some of its content being free and some being a part of paid subscription course. Masa Kato, CEO of Progate said, “ Progate is the best solution for those who are interested in learning to code but do not know how to start”.
Basically, Progate is an online coding platform for beginners. If you are interested in contributing to the community and well-versed with computer fundamentals then this multinational startup is probably the right place for you to explore and be in touch with your skills too.
Let’s see the interview experience of Ankita Mishra from Jaypee University of Engineering and Technology (2018) to her journey on becoming the Community Manager in Progate Inc. Japan.
Ankita, How did you prepare for the program?
To begin with, I was active in two technical clubs of my college: CSI JUET Chapter and Mozilla Student Community. In four years of my college, I learned management, consistency, and the power of statistics to reshape one’s view which kept me updated about what is going around. I was involved in activities that helped me to strike a balance to decide what I wanted to achieve in the future as a professional. Along with this, I was involved in a student initiative made by a group of students for the welfare of little children studying in Sri Gyan Mandir School in Ruthiyai by providing them every bit of knowledge in an easier way and by promoting education in that area by organizing various surveys. This helped me understand community learning and how much I want to help students improve.
How long did it take you to prepare?
4 years of college education and experiences in college communities.
Tell us about the application and recruiting process.
I was actually referred to Progate by my ex-colleague Yashraj. I met him during,a college’s technical fest, and then while I was looking for opportunities he helped me understand more about Community Management and introduced me to our then Global Manager, Tak. This was the first interview where I didn’t prepare anything before because it was a very quick one and where my mark sheets/certificates were not asked before the interview. So, I remember, I wanted to pursue community management but didn’t know where to get started properly. During the interview with Progate, I was asked about my college experiences of working in technical communities, command of programming languages ( since Progate is an online coding platform for beginners), tools I know, and my willingness to learn and help others in the community
Why do you think you were selected?
Honesty and previous experience of working in similar roles at the college level
Any failures or rejections? (optional)
Many. Before Progate I saw a lot of rejections be it during on-campus placements or during off-campus job interviews. One of the major ones, I have described here: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/ankitamishra14_failures-learnings-jobs-activity-6744841446219767808-PTO3
Describe your experience in this program. Could be your story. Feel free to write about anything fun, deep, emotional, or motivating!
Do you know what it is like to get a dream job? For many, it can be getting a job with a high package in a very known big company but for me, it was when Progate selected me as the Community Associate on 24th August 2018. For me, I never wanted to just sit in front of a computer and code all day long like a geek even though I graduated as a Computer Science Engineer. Though I wanted to stay in touch with my subjects I wanted to explore, learn, experiment, and help people around me. Community Management was the journey I wanted to pursue and Progate came in like a dream coming true and it being a coding platform was like a cherry on the cake. Since, 2018 I learned a lot, made mistakes and blunders as well sometimes but you know what was good? The amazing team members have always given me the freedom to fail, experiment, and also celebrate success. I have worked with some really highly motivated and energetic people. Traveling different cities, talking to students, doing sessions, taking webinars, managing the backend tasks, and a lot more made me realize that when you are working for a startup you are not just working on one role but many which make it more exciting. I remember back in 2020 when the lockdown was announced, we still kept our energies high, worked towards everything and that was when I got the opportunity to take up my own initiatives, plan and implement them. One of which is the Internship Programme at Progate. I met some cool students active in tech communities and that helped us grow our community in India. It’s always inspiring to see how students are passionate to give back to the community. I have seen myself growing in these years and there is still a lot to learn. The journey so far with Progate has been motivating and emotional for me because I have been connected to it from the beginning and this will continue forever.
What are some of the tips that you would like to give?
To all the freshers looking for jobs/placements: Do not work on collecting certificates but work on your skills, trust me it will only help when you put out your points during interviews.
To everyone facing rejections: Rejections might come, they may hurt or demotivate as well.
But if you know that something is in store for you already and learn from your every rejection, then you will be able to face it off and give your best shot next time.
If you are celebrating your success, start doing the same with your failures as well.
To every Computer Science Engineer: If you want to pursue your subject, that’s good but if you don’t want to, please don’t pressurize yourself. Follow what you want to achieve and you will find the way.
Any advice for future applicants in the same program?
Start talking to people, connect more often, build your personal brand, and keep yourself motivated.
Ankita is always keen in guiding and mentoring students. You can connect with her on LinkedIn here.
Have you been tired of sitting in front of a computer and passionate about helping the community? Then you can definitely give a chance for Community Management at Progate. There are many such startups where you can explore such roles. There is so much more than just coding and getting that package you can always follow your passion and get it converted to your career. Because the things you love to do will help you keep going in the long run. As it is rightly said by Oprah Winfrey, “Passion is energy, feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you”
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