Kakao Krew

Krew Stories 본문

Krew Interview

Q1 Is it fun to work
at Kakao?
Why?

It's fun to work at Kakao because I empathize with its vision of "making a better world." I also like Krews' work morale that differentiates Kakao from other companies - We ponder over and over again until we can share the results, which is a new and positive factor I've never experienced before in other companies.Anna, Business Platform Planner

I think Kakao is a company particularly fitting for the MZ generation. Young Krews, close in age, put forward exciting ideas. Moreover, Kakao listens to its employees' opinions since it values horizontal communication. Who else wouldn't enjoy working if one's opinion is well reflected in a project they join?Logan, QA Manager

An experience to design services that all citizens, including mothers and children, can use together. That is Kakao's most attractive winning attribute and competitiveness. I often invite opinions from my family and acquaintances to get as many ideas as possible while designing UIs. After all, we are all Kakao service users. Working at Kakao is like working in a fun situation where all citizens seem to work as guest Krews. That's why I love this job.Kate, UI Designer

KakaoTalk, one of the most loved apps, gets as many user reactions as it is loved. Occasionally, I get in a sweat about mistakenly causing incidents, but positive user responses make me feel rewarded as a service developer. Kakao has many talented developers. I think that I'm growing by exchanging various views with them on an equal footing, which is the biggest reason and pleasure for working at Kakao.Amy, Android Developer

Kakao is a place where various events other than work are held. The T500 event, which originated from a meeting held every Thursday at 5 PM, allows us to get informed of the company's primary policies or thoughts. At the year-end party, we can close the year with our team members and exchange feedbacks. In addition, we're given many opportunities to participate in tech seminars on various topics, which, I think, is excellent for personal growth.Nesoy, Server Developer

Q2 What are the similarities
and differences between
Kakao you imagined
before joining and
Kakao you have
experienced after joining?

Before joining the company, I heard that 'Kakao employees ride kickboards at work.' On the first day at Kakao, I remember being startled to see Krews actually riding kickboards inside. The atmosphere here is relaxed, but we never fail to deliver. I got a chance to implement my ideas submitted as an internship assignment right after onboarding, making me feel more responsible and enthusiastic about my work. Regardless of your rank, you can realize your idea if it is good enough.Clare, Service Platform Planner

There are so many great colleagues who work autonomously, think intensively, and create positive stimuli and synergy. The company has continued to develop various institutional foundations, and we have every reason to be proud of working for Kakao. The sabbatical leave system is by far the best among many distinctive features Kakao possesses!Ryan, Business Consultant

Kakao has many more horizontal and convenient systems than I expected. Instead of a polite bow, people here greet the leader with a bright smile, saying, "Hi, Michael!" Payments and meetings are all digitally available to the extent that I've never done paperwork so far. The company aims for open communication, and we can find most of the information required for our work on the intranet called Kakao agit. Kakao provides environments where Krews can focus only on their work by making them feel more comfortable.Talysa, Technical Writer

It is amazing how Krews never stop discussing intensively until the correct fit is achieved. Unique is the process of persuading their colleagues, and drawing conclusions from meetings where they exchange experimental ideas.Colin, BX Designer

Q3 What do you like most
about the Kakao culture?

I like a culture of saying whatever you want. Kakao operates 'agit,' an open workspace where all Krews can see what they wrote and what others wrote. It may not be easy to assert one's own opinion since it is a space that everyone can see, but most Krews exchange thoughts honestly and healthily. Occasionally, Krews passing by happen to leave a comment that could be the beginning of entangled threads. I think the Kakao culture has more pros than cons.Christy, Service Planner

Kakao has the "100:0" culture, which means they share everything among Krews. Krews strive to share their knowledge and experience. From little tips to technical know-how learned by countless hours, they exchange what they know with each other to learn and grow.Shaun, Data Engineer

It's not easy to come up with a new idea while working behind a desk or in a meeting room every day. So I try to utilize various places in the office and sometimes even hold meetings in the in-house cafeteria. A simple change of scene works well for me when I find myself at a momentary loss for solutions to complex problems or need to focus on some ideas. This immersive atmosphere, is one of the most significant advantages of working at Kakao.Renee, UI Designer

Q4 Impressions on
Kakao Krews

Krews, I think, are people who lead their lives autonomously and proactively to resolve problems either at work or in daily or corporate life.Audrey, Business Platform Planner

I notice everyone here spends much time boosting productivity. Just around me is a Krew who made a one-click distribution tool in Daum Cafe, and another Krew made the function to assign a person in charge when a VOC comes in. I made and shared a tool that scrapes Jira issues and automatically converted them into a weekly report format. Many Krews are trying to foster a good work culture where everyone mingles and enjoys working.Stella, Frontend Developer

Krews do not "Bite Back." They just support each other and speak up their opinion in any situation.
"Don't Know Don't Care?" That is not the case among Krews.
Not to speak of their work, Krews are interested in their colleagues' work and the matter of Kakao as a whole.Taylor, Business Consultant

When I first joined Kakao, I found it interesting that many Krews tend to ask "why" during conversations. Even in a small talk about the weather, they habitually added a rationale for "why." In actual work, Krews do not perform a task thoughtlessly. Instead, it seems natural that they ponder on why they should do the thing in that way. Krews say they never realized that they were talking like that. Presumably, figuring out the cause may have become a habit.Ayla, Hadoop Engineer

Krews are not afraid to speak out, check different opinions from various angles to make rational decisions, and like to learn new things all the time.Drake, iOS Developer

Ponder deeply, discuss extensively.
Krews think of options exhaustively to suggest their version of the best solution. However, they are open to different conclusions discussed while listening to feedback from their colleagues when their idea or suggestion is on the table.Helen, UX Designer

Q5 The most important value
when working

I believe corporate culture is essential. When corporate culture is established, personal growth and organizational vision can also be achieved. The department I'm currently working in tries to create a horizontal atmosphere where everyone can freely express their opinions and periodically conducts afterthinking sessions and job group studies to develop into a better organization. All these processes apply not only to individual growth but also to one's ongoing tasks. In the meantime, we can pursue our organizational vision, which makes work more enjoyable.Nano, Server Developer

I value a sense of accomplishment that comes with growth most, not just a sense of finishing. I feel the greatest pleasure when I overcome adversities, struggle to create something never tried before, find answers for unanswered questions, and finally present them to the world. There's nothing like being appreciated by others for what I've done. I believe it is true that the proper outcome only comes out into the world after the appropriate process.Luke, UX Designer

Our users, documentation rules, and organizational goals are the most important to me. Everything we do is to provide a better service to our users. Therefore, I first consider how our users will accept a document. I also value the rules of writing a document since user experience is compromised when a document is not provided according to consistent set of rules.To achieve the goals of my organization, I want to be faithful to my role based on these values.Danielle, Technical Writer

It is crucial to think repeatedly about 'why.' If you start working with a clear understanding of the background or reason why Krews communicated their opinions that way, you can minimize misunderstandings that may arise when judging only by the results. Moreover, I believe a clear purpose and intent of doing the work will serve as a strong motivation. So I constantly ask 'why?', and it becomes much easier to find an answer.Alice, HR Manager

Q6 Have you ever felt that
you grew one step
further at Kakao?

I guess I've grown a lot while working on branding/marketing for the MM service, the project I'm currently in charge of. The MM TF is run by a select few to accelerate its work progress, just like an in-house venture. Due to our corporate culture to respect each other's role and make rational decisions, we were able to take ownership over the project and immerse into the work. I learned a lot, starting from early branding to user-facing marketing.Dan, Marketer

Adding the "Multi-Profile" function to KakaoTalk was the biggest project that I've experienced by far. We had discussed extensively with various job groups and worked rigorously to successfully handle different types of data structures. Outwardly, it's like simply adding a few more tiers of the existing profile, but, in fact, this function came out into the world after our countless, difficult birth-pangs. A million emotions crossed my mind when I received the reviews that our users had used the Multi-Profile function well since its launch.Eric, Server Developer

A lot of information is open and available on 'Kakao Agit,' so we can study if we want to put our mind to it. Whenever not crowded with work, I read up to draw insights about business and domains of interest. Studying in-house systems, requesting the System Support Department to implement the necessary system, and eventually making the work process more efficient by transforming the organization's way of doing business were the moments that made me feel I'm really getting rewarded.Jade, Management & Planning

This question reminds me of a project that I voluntarily conducted with my colleagues for the single purpose of providing Kakao's better monitoring tool. Kakao has a well-established environment where Krews can freely develop what they want and immerse themselves in their work. Thanks to this environment I could propose and develop ideas with like-minded Krews. My department also actively supported and provided feedback on this task, which allowed us to achieve better results. It was a meaningful experience as the tool became a widely used tool throughout the company.Doz, System Engineer

I thought HR was an area where there was not much room for employees to intervene, but Kakao has completely changed my outlook on HR. Hearing Krews' opinions on the purpose and operating method of a system and reflecting them into the system served as momentum for me to gain a broader perspective as an HR Manager. I'm still inviting opinions from Krews, which will go on and on. I believe that both Kakao and I will grow further in a much better way.Mindy, HR Manager

Q7 Is there a task you think
you could try only because
you worked at Kakao?

While planning chat platforms, I feel the responsibility and weight of the word "the whole nation." My colleagues are also planning services with the thought that their parents and children may use them. We receive a wide range of feedback after launching the service, which makes me realize how influential the service is.All is possible because it is Kakao.Oz, Service Platform Planner

QR Check-In, I guess. I was fortunate to be able to participate in the service that the government needed for the whole nation. I was so attached to the project, so when the Shake function and Widget function came out, I myself went around to proudly introduce them to my friends.Kate, Privacy Policy Manager

It isn't easy to maintain a high level of security every time a new service is released. However, the Kakao Security Team makes its way forward by combining novel innovations devised by Krews and accumulated know-how. I think I could try implementing and operating a system that makes pre-emptive responses and consequence management because I work for Kakao.Minka, Security Officer

Kakao encompasses a wide range of businesses such as commerce, game, content, etc. Most of all, it leads all its businesses to success based on KakaoTalk, the nation's most powerful platform. Therefore, digital marketers need to create a new type of marketing solution in collaboration with various services. I guess it is a valuable experience that you can find only in Kakao that has made a great value beyond a simple advertising medium.Evan, Business Consultant

Q8 How does Kakao
help you pave your
career path?

I've never needed any further explanation when I say, "I work for Kakao." No one asks back, "What kind of company is it?" To that extent, Kakao is one of the best-known companies in this nation. It's the perfect opportunity and experience as a service planner.Katie, Service Planner

Kakao pursues various projects and non-disruptive services, which provides unique experiences and opportunities to collaborate with talented Krews that enables growth as a developer. We got to go through chains of meetings where we exchange various opinions while conducting a project. We can enhance our understanding of not only server but also client and planning.Jamie, Server Developer

I believe that Kakao is the only place in Korea where you can experience a large-scale traffic environment fostered by the massive service and various applications provided to countless users. Also, it gives an excellent work setting where you can experience Agile. If you can learn by carrying out relevant tasks while planning, developing, and verifying services at Kakao, I'm sure you will become a great expert in this field.Tate, QA Manager

While doing PR/communication work, I have gained the ability to look at a case from various angles and make quick decision. As Kakao grows more in size, its corporate responsibility is becoming more important and risk management more crucial.It is fullfilling as a communication officer to bring tidings as the 'mouth' of the company, rectify incorrect content, and check risks in advance.Lemo, PR Manager

Sometimes, I wonder, "What do little things I do mean to the world?" However, Kakao makes it easier for me to answer this question because I feel, in person,Kakao and I share the same vision, and the results of our work can help people. At Kakao, I expect my small efforts to lead to good results, just like the flap of a butterfly's wings. This serves as motivation for me to grow faster.Rhonda, Data Scientist

Q9 What is your goal
at Kakao?

I heard that the 'brunch' service was born from an in-house contest. I want to create a new service with like-minded colleagues based on my ideas if given the opportunity.Amanda, Service Planner

I thought about writing a book at Kakao, even before my first day, since I was deeply impressed by a book written by someone who had once worked for Kakao. To write a book, you need to have expertise in a field and understand it deeply enough to explain it to others. I want to grow into an expert in the domain I'm currently in charge of and write a book on a new technology or open source.Derek, System Engineer

I want to write many computer codes that survive the times to come. The Talk Server Part I belong to has a long list of open and novel projects in its new libraries and architectures. That means the life cycle of a code is very short. I want to make a code requiring no improvement so that it can work for a long time.Dy, Server Developer

I want to create services that solve urgent matters in people's lives. Kakao has conducted various services, and my heart flutters with the most enthusiasm whenever I rack my brain to troubleshoot a new problem. My goal is to find an answer to questions like, "Why didn't they change it this way?" and to design a convenient service for many people.Beth, UI Designer

Q10 What do you think
of Kakao?

Please include a hashtag
to phrase your thought.

#Turn_Into_Alter_Ego_As_Soon_As_ClockedInOlivia, Accountant

#If_There_Is_No_Tool_Available #Make_the_Tool_YourselfSean, Data Engineer

#Rewarded_As_Much_As_the_effort_Put_into_the Job
I am rewarded as much as my input.Heather, Network Engineer

#Novel_Innovation #Beyond_ImaginationHaley, Illustrator

#Freedom_And_Responsibility #Sharing_Culture #100_To_Zero_Principle #Trust_Each_OtherVictor, IR Manager

What Krews Do

1. Client

Krews develop various clients such as Android, iOS, Windows, macOS and provide users with an unrivaled mobile experience based on mobile and PC through the best services in Korea such as KakaoTalk, Daum app, and KakaoTV. You can develop your abilities to provide basic UIs and experience professional growth on each domain for various service functions, including text message, music, video, etc.

#Client#Android#iOS#Windows#MacOS

2. Front End

Krews develop the front end of Kakao web services, utilizing frameworks such as VanillaJS, React, and Vue.js and various front-end technologies. You can achieve professional competence as a front-end developer while extensively experiencing from desktop to mobile, Daum and KakaoTalk.

#WebService#FrontEnd#vanillaJS#react#vue.js

3. Infra (Network, System)

Network Engineering: Krews design, establish and run data center networks on time to conduct distributed processing of heavy traffic and process all Kakao traffic with stability. Also, they take charge of prevention, diagnosis, and restoration of network fault and automation of management.

System Engineering: Krews are in charge of establishing, operating, troubleshooting, and analyzing server/storage systems where Kakao's large-scale services are running.
Also, they develop applications to establish server system
automation.

#NetworkEngineer#System#DataCenter#HeavyTraffic#ServerSystemAutomation

4. Hadoop Engineering

Krews are operating all the Hadoop platforms in Kakao while researching and developing the necessary technology to run a large-scale Hadoop platform for big data.

#HadoopPlatform#ResearchAndDevelopment#BigDataManagement

5. Database (RDB, Appliance, NoSQL)

Krews operate all sorts of RDBMS/NoSQL technology while managing Greenplum and MongoDB.

DBA: Krews are in charge of tuning query/server settings, troubleshooting the database, and testing new functions and performance of the database.

Data Architect: Krews design architecture for service data operation and implement the relevant process.

#Database#DataArchitect#KakaoData#StableStorage

6. Cloud

Krews develop the entire cloud platform for Kakao and its community services. Also, Krews conduct research and development of physical/virtual machine/container service, storage service, and service data platform.

#Cloud#Platform Development#Machine/Container Development#Machine/Container Development

7. Server

Krews are responsible for reliable back-end support, from various services used by the whole nation, including KakaoTalk, Daum, to their advertising platforms creating business value and various enterprise platforms supporting all this.

#DevelopServiceBackEnd#DevelopNewServices#ImproveSytemStructure

8. Data Engineering

Krews build a system to collect, store, and process big data from Kakao's numerous services. The accumulated data is processed into an analysis system that helps decision-making and is used for recommendation services.

#DataEngineering#BigData#CollectStoreProcess#DevelopAnalysisSystem

9. Data Science (Machine Learning, Statistics/Analysis)

Krews play a role in prototyping a new product and increasing the value of existing products by analyzing vast data of Kakao and drawing insights. They utilize algorithms, machine learning, statistics, GPU programming to perform multiple roles from business strategy establishment to product implementation.

#DataScience#DataAnalysis#DrawInsights#MachineLearning#StatisticalAnalysis#Algorithm

10. Quality Assurance

Krews conduct QA across the whole process to provide high-quality service/platform stablity.
They set up QA processes and strategies calibrated for characteristics of service/platform and purpose and directionality of organization while analyzing user demands and collaborating with service teams to grow into a proactive service/platform QA team.

#QA#ResponsibleForServiceCompletion#QAActivity#QualityImprovement

11. Security

Krews establish and operate a comprehensive management system for information protection, including managerial, technical, and physical protection measures, to prevent leakage of vital corporate information by hacking, recurrence of a security incident, and secondary damage.

#Security#InformationProtection#KakaoSecurityGatekeeper

12. Technical Writing

Krews prepare and actualize guide documents for development tools and Kakao's technological assets to help developers understand them. They write technical documents for internal/external developers and potential clients such as API reference documents and developer's guide while managing complicated documentation projects. Also, Krews teach how to improve writing skills for their colleagues.

#TechnicalWriting#WriteGuidelines#WriteTechnicalDocument#DevToolTranslator#DevWriterTraining

Go See Tech Jobs

1. Service Planning

Krews plan various user-oriented services in the Kakao ecosystem such as Social Impact, brunch, and KakaoTV, while executing KakaoTalk-based services including KakaoMap, Order, Mail, Channel, etc. and operating subscription business. Also, they invent new services and business models proactively beyond existing services and establish strategies to secure competitiveness.

You can grow as a professional platform service planner while constantly trying a new challenge.

#UserOrientedService#KakaoEcosystem#DevelopBusinessModel#EstablishStrategy

2. Service Partnership

Krews plan, develop, and expand businesses based on various services/tools so that our partners can utilize Kakao services as their business platform. They also analyze the market, explore opportunities, find potential partners for Kakao's various business solutions while expanding the Kakao business ecosystem and driving its growth with partners.

#BusinessPlatform#DiscoverPartners#AnalyzeMarket#ExpandEcosystem

3. Business Consulting

Based on the advertising platform business, Kakao's core cash cow, Krews disseminate various KakaoTalk-based business solutions, including BizBoard, display/video/search/shopping ads, Talk Channel messages, Talk Alerts/Consultation, as a group of digital-based brand/performance marketing experts. They find various business partners that need marketing and digital translation to serve as their tech sales force. Also, Krews predict the market based on sophisticated data analysis, coming up with necessary solutions, and create meaningful efficiency.

#AdvertisingPlatformBusiness#TalkBusiness#DisseminateSolutions#BizConsulting#Sales

4. Business Planning and Partnership

Krews set strategic directions and management plans for Kakao businesses while inventing new business models and planning businesses. They also unfold implementation plans based on agreed strategic direction, discover key partners, and form alliances.

#EstablishStrateticDirectionality#ManagementPlan#NewBusinessModel#BusinessPlanning#DiscoverPartnersandEstablishPartnership

Go See Service Biz Jobs

1. UI

Krews implement UIs that consider usability based on a deep understanding of our services. Also, they deal with UIs for new projects occurring across KakaoTalk and overall Kakao services while improving usability through advanced designs. You can sharpen your expertise and competitiveness as a designer by experiencing various services as a whole, not limited to a specific service, and carrying out a wide range of related tasks.

#ImplementUIs#PerformNewProjects#ImproveUsability#AdvancedDesign

2. UX

Krews come up with practical design solutions so that users can utilize services more efficiently and conveniently.
If necessary, they conduct research on users to invite honest opinions and try creating a prototype when an interaction matters.
Krews design a better user experience from various angles and methodologies without limiting to a single field of work, so you can take the initiative in proposing a UX concept and realizing relevant service in close collaboration with the Planning/Design/Development parts.

#ImproveUserExperience#UserResearch#Prototyping#EnhanceConvenience

3. BX

Krews design a holistic experience for various Kakao brands and create all sorts of tangible and intangible assets accordingly.
They also establish and design concepts, visual strategies and research and draw insights from various brand assets and applications to execute brand strategies.

#DesignBrandExperience#EstablishConceptAndVisualStrategy#StudyBrandAssets

4. Illustration

Krews carry out a variety of creative work to develop Kakao-owned IP characters such as KakaoFriends and Niniz while planning stories and producing emoticons. Kakao IP is the company's representative brand asset much loved nationwide and encountered in various Kakao services. Therefore, you can grow fast through this work if interested in content creation and brand.

#kakaoFriends#DevelopCharacters#StoryPlanning#CreateEmoticons#CreativeWork

5. Marketing

Based on high understanding of Kakao technology and businesses, Krews ponder on mid-to-long term direction of a corporate brand to approach users as a good brand. Krews contribute to general service growth and branding by defining the Kakao style, aligning various service brands, positioning them, and planning and executing user-oriented brand communication/marketing.
Unlike consumer product, Kakao's service product constantly evolves,and its user communication is digital-centered to create more dynamic and diverse experiences.

#CorporateBranding#ServiceBranding#BrandCommunication#MarketingPlanning

Go See Design/Brand Jobs

1. Human Resources Affairs

HR creates the most suitable system and environment for Krews, such as recruitment/operation, evaluation/reward, welfare benefits, growth, labor relations, people analytics, etc. We allocate talents suitable for each organization and find the essence of people, work, and system while maximizing Krew's work efficiency by adopting a necessary approach like Flexible Working Hours.
You can experience rapid growth by pondering and implementing the system, culture, and work methods to accelerate innovation and business transformation at Kakao.

#Recruitment_Operation#Evaluation_Reward#WelfareBenefits#Growth#PersonnelManagement#HRDataAnalysis

2. General Affairs

GA is devoted to fostering the best environment where Krews can immerse themselves in work.
We strive to offer the optimal service based on original ideas and support for business success since every work and service by GA significantly affects Krew's work immersion.

#AssetManagement#FacilityManagement#WorkEnvironmentImprovement

3. External Relations/Public Relations

We inform the public how much effort Kakao exerts to achieve its vision of 'making a better work with technology and people' while coping with internal and external corporate issues. Also, we aim to contribute to stable service operation and management activities based on a rich understanding of ICT industry policies and services.

#Communication#Policy#PublicRelations

4. Legal Affairs/IP

Legal Affairs deals with legal issues arising from various Kakao services and manage and minimize risks involved. We manages and analyzes Kakao's IP assets, including patents, trademarks, designs, etc. and advise on all sorts of IP issues and set up relevant IP strategies. Also, we establish Kakao Privacy Policy and deal with various cases on personal information and privacy protection so that our users can use Kakao services with confidence.

#CopeWithLegalIssues#Compliance#ProtectIPRs#PersonalInformationProtection

5. Finance/Accounting

Finance/Accounting identifies the financial impact of businesses operated by Kakao and its community and performs related tasks from account closing to external audit, tax response, financial analysis, P/L management and prediction, and purchase.

#FinancialAnalysis#ManageProfitAndLoss#ClosingAccount#ExternalAudit#TaxResponse#Purchase

6. Investment/IR

Investment: The Investment department is responsible for all aspects of investment to ensure the Kakao community's future growth engine. Its main tasks for the Kakao community is to establish and review investment strategies, attract and execute investment, manage IPO, set up corporate governance strategy, prepare related contracts, conduct due diligence, and perform other legal analysis.

IR: To increase Kakao's corporate value, IR takes charge of timely delivering our business status and strategies to various stakeholders interested in Kakao, including shareholders, potential investors, and analysts. You can grow into an IR expert by preparing or participating in earnings announcements, analyst days, corporate disclosure, NDRs, and relevant conferences.

#InvestmentStrategy#AttracAndExecute#IPOManagement#ShareholdersMeeting#EarningsAnnouncement

7. Strategy

Krews examine the current business portfolio from an enterprise perspective and consider and signpost where the Kakao business should go for.

Krews also discover opportunities to innovate lifestyles and contribute to our society through technology while exploring and incubating innovative business opportunities in collaboration with investment and research/business organizations.

#NewBusinessStrategy#DevelopBusinessPipelines#Incubating

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