Nota is a company of development experts. From front and backend, to AI and research, they all gather with the same mindset. Where development leads, Nota will go. To stay on top of the latest trends, Nota is an active participant in various seminars, exhibitions and workshops throughout the calendar year. When you think of the most prestigious developer training programs in Korea, Naver's Boostcamp and Google's Machine Learning Bootcamp will likely come to mind. Nota have been participating in both since their inception.
Google's Machine Learning Bootcamp – A closer look
Google's Machine Learning Bootcamp was established to meet the growing demand within the deep learning space. The camp provides first class education in machine learning through lectures and certification. Budding engineers are able to meet industry experts, hone their skills, and map out their careers.
By participating in prestigious programs, Nota provides attendees ample opportunities for personal growth and development. Participants have the chance to meet with a wide range of people, from other developers and researchers, to managers and more.
Meet Hoin Na, a backend developer in Nota's NetsPresso development team. After a shining performance at Google's Machine Learning Bootcamp, he decided to join Nota. Why did Hoin choose Nota? We talked to him to find out more.
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Bootcamp – How Nota met Hoin
Google's Machine Learning Bootcamp is a new and unique opportunity to delve into machine learning.
I'm curious, why did you participate in Google's Machine Learning Bootcamp?
[Hoin] I came to it in a roundabout way. Though I majored in mathematics in college, I have always been interested in machine learning and studied it on the side. I suppose I am a bit of an autodidact in that regard. Google's Machine Learning Bootcamp was the perfect opportunity to acquire a more rigorous and recognized level of knowledge. I applied as soon as I found out about it. More than 3,000 people applied, and I was lucky enough to be selected.
What did you do at the Bootcamp?
[Hoin] I had to complete a series of lectures from Professor Andrew Ng's Deep Learning Specialization course. Afterwards, I had to acquire one of three machine learning qualifications based on the knowledge I had learned. As a developer, I chose the TensorFlow Certification, which seemed the most practical for my purposes. For those that might not know, Professor Andrew Ng is considered an utmost expert in the field of AI, and his works have even been called a 'Bible of deep learning'. Based on this, you can imagine how useful a qualification like TensorFlow is!
Tech Talk, how Hoin and Nota joined forces.
Google's Machine Learning Bootcamp isn't just about earning certificates. It also aims to provide a pathway into the industry. The camp provides opportunities to meet various IT companies, and to take part in Tech Talks, career events and tours. Attendees are encouraged to apply for roles at affiliated companies. This is how Hoin met Nota.
What was your first impression of Nota?
[Hoin] I was interested from the get go, my first priority was Nota. To this day I have no regrets, I am delighted with my decision.
What was it about Nota that interested you so much?
[Hoin] I was interested in growth. If I am going to commit myself to a new company, I want to imagine a positive path forward, for me and the company both. After meeting Nota at their Tech Talk, I knew it was the place for me. When they introduced their AI model optimization, I understood that they were trying something new. The opportunity to work and develop myself within a growing and dynamic field was too good to pass up.
Long after the session had finished, I kept thinking about Nota, and NetsPresso in particular. The possibilities seemed endless. It was clear to me that Nota were trying something novel, and it had huge market potential. I knew it wouldn't be long before they made their mark on the scene, and I wanted to help, I wanted to be part of it. It was the kind of challenge that I love.
It seemed like a match made in heaven. Finding a company to grow with is not something that comes along very often. Hoin recognized this, and sent in his application immediately. Looking back, he recalls the process, and how he became more confident about his chances.
What was the hiring process like from your perspective?
[Hoin] The more I learned, the more I trusted the company. This really hit home when I was invited to a company coffee talk. I was able to meet with staff to learn more about the business, to ask questions, and to know what to expect were I to begin working there. I was even able to meet the project manager of NetsPresso, Nota's core technology. Though I was merely an applicant at the time, they warmly welcomed me, and gave me the opportunity to talk with some of the company's core developers about their work. After this, it was easy to imagine myself working there, and contributing to their success.
Nota's relaxed coffee talk culture introduces the applicant to the company, it's a nice way to see how they might fit together. It was this warm welcoming, before his formal interview, that impressed Hoin so much. It gave him the faith that Nota's work with NetsPresso could fulfill its potential.
What were you most excited about before joining the company?
[Hoin] The expectation that I could really contribute to the company. I was excited to work with such a high-level crew, people who I could learn from. Is that too clichéd? (laughs) It's true! On the company level, I could see that Nota offered support for personal growth through seminars and study, and I appreciated the relaxed and welcoming working culture.
Startups are inherently fast-paced and sensitive to change by nature, at Nota we try our best to stay up to speed. Hoin senses this too, and it is why he is such a good fit. We are aligned in our visions of growth and development, working hard together.
[Hoin] Myungsu (Nota CEO) often says that good colleagues are the best welfare. It is clear that he values every member of staff, and looks to support each person in developing their capabilities, allowing them to flourish within the company.
“Nota is a milestone for me”
Finally, what does Nota mean to you?
[Hoin] Nota is a milestone for me. It is such a dynamic place to work. The growth of the company, the culture, working towards my own goals, every day is different. But what's most important is that we are a team pulling in the same direction, with this anything is possible.
[Hoin] Working at Nota is a constant source of motivation. I want to become the best team member I can be, working on our goals together. Nota feels more like a tight-knit community, or family, than a company. It is a place where we work and collaborate together with enthusiasm and synergy. It's a place that strives for excellence, and pushes you to improve. I love working at Nota.
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Meeting Nota at Google's Machine Learning Bootcamp
As July drew to a close, Nota held a special office hour for Bootcamp participants.
Through this online session, participants were able to meet with the Nota crew.
It was an opportunity to ask questions about the industry at large, about Nota, or even about their own career paths and aspirations.
Going forward, Nota will continue to lead by example. We intend to further our participation in developer training programs and camps. We will work to remain at the cutting edge of the latest AI technologies, and look forward to meeting you in the future.