Intern Diaries: Brew, Bat & Code

I still remember the crisp January morning when I took the leap and joined Zenduty. It was the semester break before my final semester at IIIT Kottayam, a time when most of my peers were planning vacations, and I was about to embark on a journey that would reshape my career.

Taking the Leap

I applied for the role of a Machine Learning Engineer at Zenduty, even though the job description called for some experience and, honestly, I had none. I was working as a research intern at another college at the time, so I wasn’t exactly a seasoned pro. When I first browsed Zenduty’s website, I was blown away by how they were already taking on big players in the industry.

I was skeptical about my chances, assuming my lack of experience would lead to a quick rejection. But instead of letting that stop me, I said, "Screw it, let’s take a shot!". The very next day, our HR, VJ, called. She explained the role and mentioned that, despite the experience requirement, she’d spoken with others and recommended me for an ML Intern position. That small gesture reassured me that Zenduty cared about potential, not just experience.

Serving the Code—The Interview

Before I knew it, I had a call scheduled with Vishwa, Zenduty’s CEO. I was a bundle of nerves. After all, talking to the CEO can be intimidating. But the conversation was refreshingly laid-back. Vishwa and I chatted about my projects, and then he tossed a problem statement my way to see how I approached a challenge. We discussed everything from statistics to the basics of statistical machine learning. His constructive feedback made me realize that at Zenduty, learning is as important as delivering results. Just a couple of days later, VJ called with the good news: I was in!

The First Day at Zenduty

Walking into the Zenduty office for the first time was an experience I’ll never forget. I was quickly set up with a MacBook and ushered into a meeting with Vishwa. He explained the product, the ecosystem, and how Zenduty integrates with various industry tools. At that moment, I learned that the ML team was still in the process of forming. I was entrusted with creating proofs-of-concept and prototypes, working directly under Vishwa.

Honestly, the thought of working so closely with the CEO was intimidating. But Vishwa’s approachable nature and willingness to brainstorm meant that those nerves quickly subsided. Every discussion felt like a collaborative session where ideas flowed freely, and I was encouraged to explore, experiment, and even fail; safely, of course.

Coach on Court

Not long after I settled in, Dharmendra Kumar joined our team as a mentor. I’ll always be grateful for the time we spent discussing my work, exploring new features, and strategizing about our ML application. His insights helped me understand not just the technical aspects, but also the importance of aligning our work with the broader vision of the company.

Chai Breaks, Badminton, and Brewing101

One of the standout aspects of my experience at Zenduty has been the culture. It’s a perfect blend of high performance and genuine camaraderie. Here’s a glimpse of what makes Zenduty special:

• Gaming and Sports: We don’t wait for Fridays to play. Our office courts light up on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and yes, even on Fridays for cricket. I might not be the star player on the cricket field, but my badminton skills are getting better every day, thanks to some truly competitive teammates.
• Chai Breaks and Casual Conversations: Imagine winding down after a busy day with a steaming cup of chai or coffee, watching the sunset, and sharing stories with colleagues. It’s in these moments that the most creative ideas often spark.
• Coffee Brewing Sessions: Recently, we had a coffee brewing session at the office. As someone who’s always been curious about different coffee styles, I learned a ton about brewing techniques, blooming coffee, and the origins of our favorite drink. Big shoutout to Alka—thanks to her, I might just become a coffee connoisseur by the end of this year!
• Collaborative and Learning-Driven: Every member of the Zenduty team is not only an expert in their field but also eager to learn and share knowledge. The collaborative environment here means that even when you face challenges, there’s always someone willing to help or offer a fresh perspective.

When Code, Coffee, and Camaraderie Collide

Looking back, my journey at Zenduty has been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride filled with learning curves, mentorship, and plenty of moments that made me laugh. From taking that bold leap of faith during my semester break to diving into challenging projects and experiencing an office culture that values both work and play, every day has been an opportunity to grow.

If you’re considering a similar leap, my advice is simple: take the plunge, embrace the challenges, and never underestimate the power of a supportive team. At Zenduty, every setback is a setup for a comeback. Be it in your code, on the badminton court, or over a cup of chai.

Stay curious, keep coding, and enjoy the ride!

Also, before I sign off, here's something from the top of my mind:

— Srihith Prudhivi, MLE-1 at Zenduty