This article was written on September-11, 2023
About 1 year and 4 months ago, a close friend shared a trainee job opportunity with me. The role focused on data-driven marketing at an international company that promised full training. Everything about it sounded exciting—except for one thing:
“Understanding SQL and database relationship management, having worked with large and complex data sets.”
At that point, I had no idea what SQL was. But I was determined. So I told the HR team the truth:
“I don’t know SQL yet, but give me two weeks to learn it—and I’ll take the test after that.”
To my surprise, they agreed. And that marked the beginning of one of the best chapters in my life.
Trainee Life: Learning By Fire
I got the role and joined as a trainee, where it felt more like they were hiring me to learn rather than to work. It was tough. I was anxious—worried that I wouldn’t fit in or keep up. Some lessons were completely foreign to me. I asked hundreds of questions, submitted dozens of revised homework, and rewatched the same video lectures over and over—while running on the treadmill, doing laundry, or eating meals.
I did everything I could to make the content click. Some days were full of training sessions, and I still stayed up at night trying to write or translate sample code into words I could understand.
Thrown into the Deep End
After just six weeks, the team needed help urgently—so I was placed into a live project halfway through training. I joined a team supporting a globally recognized FinTech company. The scale was overwhelming. People were working 24/7 across the globe. On my first day, I logged into the system and thought:
“Whoa. How is there so much going on?”
My first few meetings? Total blur. The codebase was massive, and the processes highly technical. I was terrified of making a mistake. But thankfully, my first team lead was incredibly patient and kind. Knowing I came from a non-tech background, he spent nearly an hour every day explaining things and guiding me.
Growth in a Supportive Environment
Fast forward to 1 year and 2 months later, I’ve grown so much. There’s still a lot to learn, but I’m far more confident. I’m extremely grateful for the supportive culture, amazing colleagues, and a workplace that truly values work, life, and learning.
Now I understand what it means when people say:
“A plant thrives in the right pot.”
Wisdom I Took With Me
I’ve been lucky to have mentors throughout my freelance and entrepreneurial journey, and I want to leave a few lessons that helped me get this far:
- If you’re not skilled yet, offer to work for free.
Some experiences and test environments can’t be bought. If someone lets you try something in exchange for your effort—take it. It’s all gain. - If you want to be remembered, do the work no one wants to do.
Hard, messy, or “impossible” work usually comes with no competition—and huge impact. People remember those who take on challenges others avoid. - If you don’t have it or know it yet, work harder than those who do.
Your time will come. Just keep moving.
Final Thoughts
Don’t limit yourself. Don’t box your life in.
You can be anything. You can do anything.
You just need to believe it’s possible—and start.
Your life is yours to design. If you’re clear on what you’re doing, keep going. ✌️
Everything happens at the right time, in the way that’s meant for you.
Intera Phongsawat 