Life at Wizeline

Quick Q & A with a Software Engineer Trainee

Quick Q & A with a Software Engineer Trainee

We sat down with Mario Gil, a former Wizeline Software Engineer Trainee, for an inside look at the program and how it impacted his career.

Meet Mario

Mario Gil became a full-time software developer at Wizeline after graduating from our Software Engineer Trainee program earlier this year at our Guadalajara, Mexico office. Mario is planning to enroll in Wizeline’s work abroad program and live in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, for a year. When he isn’t coding, Mario enjoys spending time with friends, reading fiction short stories, and walking his dog.

What were you doing before you started the trainee program?

After I graduated, I started in a junior developer role at another company. Unfortunately, I was not encouraged to bring new ideas to the table and was really limited in how much I could influence the team. Luckily, a friend referred me to the engineer trainee program at Wizeline where I found a much better environment for growth.

“It’s a great challenge to be treated with respect and at the same time be given true engineering responsibilities.”

What was your experience like as a Trainee?

I built strong, lasting relationships and went through the “screw things up, surprise yourself, face-palm, and laugh at how easy you think everything is going to be from now on” process several times.

What was your favorite part of the program?

Honestly, the best part for me was having a great manager who tore down every preconception I had on management. I also liked that Wizeline is very horizontal. Everyone eats meals together, and you are treated with kindness by a random coworker almost every day. As engineers, we are encouraged to disagree with each other. It’s a great challenge to be treated with respect and at the same time be given true engineering responsibilities.

Why did you stay at Wizeline?

Signing the full-time contract was a huge milestone for me. It made me look back and realize how much I had improved by working at Wizeline’s swift pace. I wanted more of that because I never want to swim in stagnant water.

What do you wish you had known before you started the program?

It’s okay to prioritize yourself and your well-being sometimes. Your wellness is part of the company’s success.

What advice would you give to someone who is considering applying to the program?

Feedback is gold. Almost everything is negotiable. Never give up completely.


David Salak

Posted by David Salak on June 4, 2018