🎉😃🎆🥳‼️🌟– Translation: When the internship turns into a full-time offer! Meet Owen Hsieh, a former engineering intern who recently accepted a full-time position at Taboola as a software engineer. In a recent conversation with Owen, I learned more about the impact an engineer at Taboola has on their customers, the tech team environment and collaboration, and how his transition to his new role has been a wonderful start because of Taboola’s work culture.
First impressions on Taboola
After graduating from the University of Southern California in 2023 with a degree in computer science, Owen began an engineering internship at Taboola, working in a space he always knew he was interested in pursuing. “From day one, I felt welcomed and supported by my peers, which created an atmosphere of collaboration and encouragement.” Owen emphasized that his team never throws him in deep, allowing him to learn and grow in his role focused on the deep team. The structured approach to his onboarding allowed him to slowly acclimate without feeling overwhelmed.
“One thing I really appreciate is how friendly and welcoming everyone is. When I first started, people would start conversations with me, and the friendly atmosphere and willingness to help has made a significant difference to my experience” .
From in-house engineer to full-time engineer
“I think it’s amazing to see the impact of my work first hand,” shares Owen. “With things moving fast, I never feel like I’m just going through the motions or doing busy work. Instead, I’m constantly engaged in projects that make a difference.” Owen expressed how when he first started his full-time role, he was never given projects that were too far out of scope and that he has been given opportunities to work on things that are big “spanning” projects.
For example, his manager has supported his development by encouraging Owen to work on a new backend service project, which he hadn’t done on his own before. He shared how it was a great learning experience to have to do something new and coordinate with a different team.
Since joining Taboola, Owen has proudly worked on the Taboola Newsroom product, focused on the real-time analytics dashboard that provides valuable insights for publishers about article performance and user interactions. “I’m particularly excited about the Homepage For You tool, which allows publishers to select their website homepage based on individual user preferences. I love how this customization enhances the user experience by showing content that really resonates with each visitor, making it more engaging and relevant. It’s rewarding to contribute to a tool that allows publishers to connect more meaningfully with their audience!”
Work with people who care
“An important aspect is how Taboola has fostered a fantastic work environment that has contributed significantly to my personal and professional growth.” Owen shared that Taboola being his first professional experience in the “real world” has given him more confidence to do something new while learning and trusting himself. He emphasized how the environment here encourages people to grow together, celebrate successes and support each other through obstacles. “There’s a sense of community that makes me excited to come to work, and it’s a reminder of how powerful it is to be part of a team that truly cares about the growth and well-being of others.”
Although his journey at Taboola is still in the early stages, Owen expressed how he has grown through the great people he has met and by approaching situations with an open mind and a commitment to continuous learning. “Taboola’s superpower is its trust in people,” he shares. “Everyone has the autonomy to do their work, which fosters a sense of ownership and creativity, allowing us to contribute our best ideas.”
Highlights of #TaboolaLife
My conversation with Owen ended with him sharing some of the highlights he experienced during his time at Taboola. During AAPI month, she helped organize a catering event that included authentic pho. The experience of collaborating with colleagues in the New York office and researching local restaurants helped him feel truly valued as part of the community and team. He expressed, “This experience deepened my connections with the team and allowed me to contribute to a meaningful celebration of diversity within the company.”
Outside of work, you can find Owen enjoying a workout at the gym or attending concerts, something he shares keeps him energized and doing his best at work. These concerts have also been a great conversation starter, as the musical exchanges bring a fun dynamic to their work interactions, further fostering this community culture.
To learn more about why we’re consistently ranked as a great place to work, check out the Taboola Life blog. Visit our races page and find out your time. #TaboolaLife