Valentin's Frontend journey at Datadog: From Intern to Software Engineer

We had the pleasure of chatting with Valentin Melusson , who graduated from Ensimag ( Grenoble INP - Ensimag ) in 2024. He joined Datadog as a frontend software engineering intern in February 2024 and transitioned to full-time software engineer in September 2024.

Valentin is originally from Paris and obtained a technical diploma from Université Paris-Saclay before moving to Grenoble for engineering school. Outside of work Valentin is an avid rugby fan, having played high level rugby at Massy and in the U16 French Team during his school years.

Q: Why did you choose to intern at Datadog?

A: I’ve always wanted to work in a large company, so I focused on finding one for my end-of-studies internship that offered an international environment, diverse subjects, and opportunities for personal and professional growth. Datadog checked all of those boxes. Here, you can learn from top experts in the field, and the company’s culture fosters inclusion and authentic relationships. It was the ideal setting for me to grow both as an engineer and as a person.

Q: How did your school program prepare you for the challenges you encountered during your internship?

A: My education gave me a solid engineering foundation that helped me stay adaptable and curious in the face of new challenges. Before my internship at Datadog, I had limited frontend experience, but I was able to quickly learn and apply new technologies to complete my tasks successfully. This ability to adapt was largely due to the training I received, first during my technical diploma and then over the three years at Ensimag.

In reality, frontend offers just as many intellectually stimulating challenges as other areas of computer science.

Q: What made your experience unique?

A: The technical aspect was a big highlight for me. I gained a lot of knowledge, developed new skills, and had the opportunity to refine existing ones. From the start, I was treated as a full member of the team, and joining such an amazing group of people made the experience even better. I genuinely enjoy coming to work, and that sense of excitement is truly priceless. On a personal level, the company fosters a dynamic environment, allowing me to meet and connect with people from all departments and levels. This aspect really enriched my experience.

Q: What would you say to students hesitating to pursue a career in frontend?

A: I would encourage them to challenge the stereotypes that often surround frontend development. During our studies, we tend to focus less on frontend, which can lead to misconceptions about the field. But in reality, frontend offers just as many intellectually stimulating challenges as other areas of computer science. Plus, the results are more immediately visible, which adds an extra layer of satisfaction. From my experience, it's worth putting aside those stereotypes and giving frontend a try—you won't regret it.

Q: What advice would you give to students interested in joining Datadog?

A: My advice is simple: don't underestimate your abilities, even if you're facing complex topics you haven't encountered before—you are capable of mastering them. At Datadog, success comes from being motivated, curious, and hardworking. If you bring these qualities, you can truly thrive here. Datadog is an incredible place for developers to grow and excel, so go for it!

Don't underestimate your abilities, even if you're facing complex topics you haven't encountered before—you are capable of mastering them.

Q: Any tips for interviewing with Datadog?

A: The key piece of advice is: practice.

I understand the temptation to believe that if you code regularly, have worked on projects, or completed internships, you're already well-prepared for interviews. You might think reviewing a few algorithms will be enough to get by.

I’ve been in your shoes, and I know it’s easy to feel confident and think you’ve practiced enough. However, in reality, mistakes can still happen during interviews, and it's better to invest time preparing properly than to risk missing out on an opportunity.

Take the time to train thoroughly, ace the interviews, and you'll be glad you did when the process is over.

If, like Valentin, you'd like to join Datadog, head to our career website!