Ellie
Graduate of Humanities and Sciences
Joined in 2017
Data Science Engineer
Data Science Department
Global Data Supervisory Department
What are your current responsibilities?
As a data science engineer, I am in charge of implementing a recommendation system. The Data Science Department, where I work, utilizes the Agile development method, which repeats implementation, testing and deployment in small units. All members of the development team collectively conduct logic implementation, testing and deployment without dividing responsibilities by process or function.
Since we are a “scrum team” that includes members from outside the Data Science Department, it is even more important for us to cooperate to ensure smooth coordination. We discuss what kind of algorithm to implement, the kind of environment to establish, the coding rules to follow within the team, the manner in which we conduct the deployment and other details. It’s all hammered out through an exchange of opinions across the development team.
What do you find challenging and exciting about your job?
I think the fun and interesting part of this job is that I get to work on a large-scale service that is used by many customers. I get so excited when I think about how I’m connected to all the users on the other side of my internet connection. My first task as an on-the-job trainee was to optimize email titles, and that was the moment I felt the real thrill of connecting with customers. I remember the anticipation I felt between sending emails and then later waiting for notifications and responses from customers. Since this service has been embraced by so many users, it’s easy to feel like you’re contributing to society.
What is your message to students?
When I was a student, I studied natural language processing and machine learning, which is knowledge I am now using to the fullest, to extract technical terms and develop recommendation algorithms. I think Rakuten is a workplace where you can put to use whatever you learned as a student, while also continuing to develop your knowledge and skills. New graduates are encouraged to be proactive and independent, to make the most of an environment where you can apply what you have learned and take chances. Since I am surrounded by many excellent senior engineers, I feel like I work in the ideal place to continue developing my skills. If you like challenges, I strongly recommend applying to Rakuten!
What does your typical workday look like?
I often eat breakfast at the company cafeteria. My routine is to buy my morning coffee to start my mental engine for the day. I mainly spend my mornings in meetings and checking my schedule. I also tend to have lunch in the cafeteria, but if I have enough time, I’ll sometimes take a walk near the office. In the afternoon, I concentrate on programming, so I consider my lunch to be a very valuable time to relax. In the evening, I sometimes participate in voluntary study sessions. Every day I feel that I am improving my skills while also having fun.
SCHEDULE
- 08:00
- Breakfast in the Rakuten Cafeteria. I buy a cup of coffee at Rakuten Cafe and go to my desk.
- 09:30
- Morning meeting. We have a scrum team meeting every morning and practice Agile development.
- 10:00
- Checking and replying to emails. I look over my tasks and make a schedule for the day.
- 11:00
- Lunch in the Rakuten Cafeteria. When I have time, I go window shopping around the stores near the office or take a walk along the river.
- 12:00
- Programming. I work productively and efficiently, completing my tasks according to the schedule I planned in the morning.
- 18:00
- In-house voluntary study group. Conducted whenever there is something we want to study.
- 19:30
- Leave the office. Go home and relax.
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- Security Engineer
- Information Security / Privacy Governance Specialist
- Technology Management
- Product Management
- Development Support（Q&A, etc.)