Decoding SiteMinder's Engineering Graduate Program

SiteMinder’s third annual Engineering Graduate Program is about to kickstart once again and, over the next six months, grads will be nose-deep building, learning, connecting and becoming part of the ever-growing #TeamSiteMinder.?

Ahead of the new wave of fresh faces, we caught up with Johnny Estilles – the mastermind behind the program, on what inspired its launch, what makes it unique for engineering graduates, his advice for participants, and how he stays updated with the latest trends.

What inspired you to create this program?

It stemmed from a recognition of the gap between academic knowledge and industry expectations. I wanted to build a bridge that not only equips graduates with the technical skills needed in the real world but also nurtures their ability to think critically and solve complex problems. The idea was to create an environment where continuous learning and practical application go hand-in-hand, setting graduates up for long-term success in their careers at SiteMinder.

What makes SiteMinder’s graduate program unique??

Real-world technologies, problem-solving and cross-functional collaboration. We believe in immersing graduates in technologies that have a tangible impact on the business. The program also focuses on industry best practices, ensuring that graduates are not just learning about the tech, but also how to become better engineers.

What advice would you give to incoming graduates to make the most of their time in the program??

This program is as much about personal and professional development as it is about technical skills, so be sure to focus on building relationships, communication skills and your ability to work effectively in a team.

How do you stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in engineering, and how do you pass that knowledge on??

By engaging with a variety of resources, including industry publications, online courses and technical communities. I also make it a point to participate in hackathons, attend tech conferences and contribute to open-source projects, which keep me in touch with the latest trends. To pass this knowledge on to graduates, I incorporate these insights into our training modules, hold regular knowledge-sharing sessions and encourage a culture of curiosity where graduates are motivated to explore and share their findings with the team.

What key skills do you think are most valuable to graduates entering the engineering field today?

As technology continues to evolve rapidly, the ability to quickly learn and adapt to new tools and methodologies will set apart those who thrive in the field from those who struggle to keep up.

Two grads-turned-SiteMinder-stars, Leila Jorg Barbosa and Stacy Marie Pelito , have benefited immensely from SiteMinder’s Graduate Engineering Program. Here, they share the lessons they’ve learned and debunk common engineering stereotypes.

Is there a memorable lesson or experience from the graduate program that you intend to share with the incoming batch??

Leila: Socialising was one of my favourite experiences. The chance to share absolutely anything with Johnny and my fellow grads, and build the bond we currently have, is something I will never forget and will love to share with the incoming batch.

Stacy: One of the first lessons that really stuck with me was a problem-solving task. Once I completed it, I found myself thinking about how I could have approached it differently to sharpen my skills. I realised I’d traded efficiency for speed. I remember just wanting to finish it quickly, but was that really the best way to go about it?

What advice would you give to incoming graduates to make the most of their time in the program??

Stacy: Don’t put too much pressure on yourselves. Finding the right pace when trying to learn something new is a key factor in really understanding the topic at hand.

Leila: Absorb everything you can. Ask questions, ask questions, ask questions! I cannot emphasise how important staying curious is, especially in tech.

Is there a common perception of engineers that holds true?

Stacy: We never stop thinking of better ways to do things. Most engineers want to complete tasks as efficiently as possible. If there’s a way to automate something, we’ll automate it. If something can be done in 10 lines as opposed to a hundred lines, we do it.

And, is there a common perception that’s NOT true?

Leila: That engineers don’t go outside. Most engineers here at SiteMinder, including me, love to travel. I’ve shared many memories travelling around the Philippines with my fellow grads, and even though we’re on different teams now, we still plan trips and look forward to more adventures in the future!

#TeamSiteMinder #Engineering