Sean
Bachelor of Science
Joined in 2013
Application Engineer / Leader
Ecosystem Services Department
Global Technology Supervisory Department
What are your current responsibilities?
I work in the Ecosystem Service Department, which contributes to the development of Rakuten’s business through three main areas – ID, points and payment – with my primary job being to connect them on a common platform. Specifically, I am responsible for developing and operating payments for services such as Rakuten Ichiba, Rakuten Taiwan Ichiba, Rakuten TV and various other services, as well as building API integration between these services and payment service providers (PSPs) or banks.
Due to the nature of my work, I have the opportunity to use not only English, but also many other languages, and my tasks vary day to day. In addition to coordinating among various services, I am also in charge of researching specifications for newly partnering PSPs, reviewing system design documents, source codes and tests, and responding to inquiries regarding payments.
What do you find challenging and exciting about your job?
My job begins by meeting with the people in charge of the various services Rakuten provides and learning about the sorts of things they would like to accomplish in the context of the service they provide. Based on this understanding, I then give my opinion on how to integrate our payment systems into their services in the most suitable and effective way.
Before the system is integrated into the service, I need to do some preparation work, such as troubleshooting and adding necessary functions. When the system I helped its design is finally put into action and the customer actually uses it, I feel a deep sense of fulfillment and accomplishment, knowing that all the work my team and I had done up to that point is now paying off. It is always a moment of great satisfaction for the development staff.
Why did you join Rakuten?
Within Rakuten, a wide range of people are engaged in an equally wide range of tasks in order to operate the myriad services the company provides. Even though we are working in the same company, some of my colleagues are involved in tasks that others simply cannot imagine. Each and every one of them has a sense of ownership over what they produce and passionately strives to improve the quality of their output. This working environment is very stimulating for me. I think this is what makes me want to work at Rakuten as much as I do. Another charm of Rakuten is that it provides a comfortable physical working environment. Facilities like the cafeteria, which is free of charge, and the training gym are very important to me because they bring a healthy sense of variation to me and my work.
What does your typical workday look like?
My department is involved in various services within the company overall, so I communicate closely with other departments and overseas staff during meetings. I sometimes have meetings with staff based in the U.S. first thing in the morning. Depending on the day, I may need to attend a series of 30-minute meetings, so I am always preparing and keeping my mind sharp.
SCHEDULE
- 09:00
- After arriving at the office, I start a meeting with a team in the U.S.
- 09:30
- I attend a team briefing to confirm tasks and share issues. After that, I review proposals, source codes, test specifications, and tests.
- 12:00
- Lunch with colleagues in the company cafeteria.
- 13:00
- In the afternoon, I prepare for production releases and meetings and share all progress among the relevant teams.
- 15:00
- While holding meetings to explain API specifications for new services, I continue with reviews, check emails and perform other tasks.
- 19:00
- End of work for the day. I then go to the office gym to work out.
- 20:00
- Afterward, I have dinner at the cafeteria and head home.
*This article is based on information provided at the time of the interview.
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- Applications Engineer
- Infrastructure Engineer
- Data Scientist / Researcher
- Security Engineer
- Information Security / Privacy Governance Specialist
- Technology Management
- Product Management
- Development Support（Q&A, etc.)