HotelKey

Getting My First Taste of Professional Software Development at HotelKey

I joined HotelKey after completing a three-month internship in 2016, which turned into an opportunity to officially kickstart my professional career. While my time there was relatively short, it played an important role in shaping how I approached learning, collaboration, and modern software development.

This was my first exposure to a fast-paced, agile environment, working with teams spread across different time zones. The experience immediately pushed me out of my comfort zone and required me to adapt quickly.

Learning JavaScript and Modern Frontend Development

At HotelKey, I dove deeply into JavaScript and began working with Vue.js, the web framework used for the company’s frontend applications. Coming from a more academic background, this was my first real encounter with a production-grade JavaScript codebase.

The learning curve was steep. I had to rapidly understand core JavaScript concepts, framework patterns, and agile workflows while contributing meaningfully to the team. This period taught me how to learn efficiently, ask the right questions, and improve through feedback.

Working in an Agile, Distributed Team

Working across time zones introduced me to the realities of asynchronous communication, planning, and coordination. I learned how clear communication, documentation, and ownership become essential when teams are not co-located.

This environment gave me an early understanding of agile practices in action, not just in theory—sprints, reviews, and iterative delivery were part of everyday work.

A Short but Important Step Forward

Although my tenure at HotelKey was brief, it gave me something crucial: confidence. It showed me that I could adapt quickly, contribute in a professional setting, and grow through challenge. It also reinforced my interest in frontend engineering and modern web technologies, which influenced the next steps in my career.