Working with International Teams in Tech

In today's tech world, companies are hiring talent from all over the globe. This is not just a trend - it is happening because there is a real need for specialized skills in tech. For example, in newer fields like blockchain and cryptocurrency, finding experienced developers can be really challenging. That is why many companies are looking beyond their local talent pool and hiring internationally.

Let me share my personal experience. I was not actively job hunting when I got my current role. Two companies actually found me through LinkedIn and made interesting offers. They offered great benefits like working from home (which is not common anymore), health insurance, bonuses, and high-end equipment. But what really caught my attention was the chance to work in blockchain technology - something completely new to me after working in education tech and Internet of Things (IoT).

The hiring process was straightforward. I had an English interview with HR, followed by a coding test that was not too difficult. After passing those, I had two more interviews - one with potential teammates and another with a senior manager.

Here is where it gets interesting - I did not realize I would be working with people from different countries until my first day. At my previous job, we mostly spoke Indonesian, only using English for technical documentation. So imagine my surprise when I joined my new team's video call and saw names from all around the world. Despite my basic English skills, I managed to introduce myself, and everyone was super friendly and understanding. While I originally joined to learn about blockchain, I found myself improving my English skills too.

The Good and Bad of Working in International Teams

Let me break down what I have learned about working with international colleagues:

Benefits

1. Global Networking: You build connections worldwide, which can lead to exciting job opportunities, project collaborations, or even chances to work abroad.
2. Learning from Different Perspectives: Working with people from various backgrounds brings new ideas and approaches to solving technical problems. It is like having access to a global knowledge base.

Challenges

1. Language and Communication: Sometimes things get lost in translation. Simple discussions can take longer when everyone speaks different levels of English, and cultural differences can affect how we communicate.
2. Working Across Time Zones: When your team is spread across different countries, scheduling meetings can be tricky. Someone might be having breakfast while another is getting ready for bed.

Working in an international tech team has been incredibly valuable for my career growth. It is not a common opportunity in Indonesia unless you work for major tech companies. This experience has taught me not just technical skills, but also how to work effectively in a global environment - something that is becoming increasingly important in today's connected tech world.

Thanks for reading.