Starting a new professional chapter is always a mix of excitement, nervous energy, and curiosity. As a new joiner who has recently completed my training, Version 1 has been exactly that, and more.

Even at this early stage, I’ve already experienced firsthand what makes this company different — the culture, the people, the structured learning, and the everyday moments that leave a lasting impression.

In this blog, I want to share my journey so far — from how I got in, to what Day one was like, how the training has shaped me, and why I’m genuinely looking forward to what lies ahead.

The recruitment process

Honestly, getting into this organisation was exciting in itself, especially because of how referrals work here. People come in through different paths: some through referrals, some via public application links, and a few even reached out directly to the Talent Acquisition (TA) team.

The hiring process was structured and straightforward, with three main rounds:

1. HackerRank coding and aptitude test – this was an elimination round.
2. Technical interview – where we were assessed by experienced engineers.
3. General HR discussion – more about culture fit and expectations.

What really stood out was how responsive the TA team were throughout the process. Whether you were selected to move forward or not, they always communicated quickly via phone or email. That kind of transparency made a huge difference.

For me, the whole process took just 10 days, and I had my offer letter on Day ten! It was quick, professional, and respectful — especially compared to some other companies where you either get ghosted or don’t hear back for months. Kudos to the Version 1 TA team for making the process feel smooth and human.

First day – new faces, new energy

Before joining, we were already informed that the company was moving to a new office at Manyata Tech Park, Bangalore. There was a lot of excitement and buzz around this news. On day one, we moved into the new office space, and just three days later, we got to take part in the official grand opening. It felt special to be there right from the beginning and witness the space coming to life.

My first day itself was filled with happiness, excitement, and a bit of nervousness, especially since the corporate world would be a new experience for many of us. The HR team were incredibly warm from the outset and set our minds at ease. They guided us right from the building entrance to the training room.

Soon, we were introduced to the IT team, who gave us our laptops, chargers, notebooks, and bags — all within the first hour! Although the welcome kits weren’t handed out immediately (since we were a batch of 35 new starters), when they did arrive, they were beautifully packaged in a wooden container. This was a thoughtful gesture that made us feel truly welcomed.

Before lunch, senior regional leaders joined us and shared their own journeys, the company’s vision, and the organisation’s Core Values — No Ego, Personal Commitment, Customer First, Honesty and Integrity, Drive, and Excellence. Hearing these leaders speak and how engaged they were about the Values made it all feel very authentic.

One of the highlights of the day was a session with the Managing Director, Ganesh. He spoke with so much clarity and passion, that it honestly left many of us feeling motivated and grateful to be here.

Training structure – more than just code

The training here isn’t just about learning tech; it’s about building confidence, understanding the importance of teamwork, and learning how to communicate and collaborate effectively.

The first week was dedicated to communication training. We focused on empathy, teamwork, and Agile methodology. This foundation made it easier to connect with our batchmates and understand how projects work in the real world. Then came technical training, which was quite detailed and we worked across three different technology stacks, focusing on both frontend and backend development.

The tech stacks included:

  • React JS + Java Spring Boot + Oracle DB
  • React JS + Python Flask + Oracle DB
  • React JS + .NET ASP.NET + Oracle DB

This wasn’t just theory, we actually built real, functional projects using each stack. After every technical module, a senior developer would sit down with us individually, or in small groups, to review our work. They gave us detailed feedback on our code, suggesting ways to improve logic, structure, performance, and readability. These sessions were incredibly valuable; it felt like true mentorship, where we weren’t just told what to fix, but why it mattered and how it aligned with real-world development practices.

In each technical training, a senior staff member would also provide broader insights, detailing how well the code was structured, suggesting external libraries or tools that could enhance the

project, and sharing best practices followed in production-level applications. This blend of hands-on coding and professional feedback helped us gain a deep, practical understanding of full-stack development.

Following the technical stack training, we transitioned into broader software engineering and enterprise architecture topics. These focused on areas like Quality Assurance (QA), Data Analytics, and Cloud computing, tailored to the needs of our respective teams. These sessions also gave us a holistic view of how different roles collaborate to deliver complete, scalable solutions.

What felt different?

A lot of things, honestly.

First, the culture. From day one, everyone — whether a leader or a fellow trainee — was approachable, helpful, and kind. There’s a real sense of openness and transparency here. You can reach out to anyone, and they’ll genuinely try to help or find someone who can.

Secondly, the global exposure. We got to interact with experienced tech professionals from other regions. They shared insights about industry trends, the future of tech, and their personal journeys. All of which made our learning even richer.

One thing that was a genuine surprise was meeting a board member in our first week. As new starters, we didn’t expect it, but that moment made us feel seen and respected. It’s rare, and it meant a lot.

Bringing it all together

After the communication training, our trainer gave us a live demo of how a stand-up meeting works in real-world projects. Then we were asked to form our own Agile teams and pick any topic or product idea. The goal was to empathise with the user and create a product blueprint.

Once completed, we jumped into designing the database and frontend, followed by developing the backend using Java Spring Boot. That experience gave us a taste of genuine teamwork.

We also learned how to:

  • Work as a team.
  • Understand the role of a Scrum Master.
  • Break down and approach user stories.
  • Manage deadlines effectively.

Throughout this journey, our manager stayed in constant touch with us: checking on our progress and asking for feedback. Our office mentor did the same, dropping by often to encourage us. Having seniors who genuinely cared and listened made all the difference.

Engagement – it’s not just about work

Version 1 believes in celebrating people, not just performance. And that was really reinforced to us by the way they handled the onboarding process.

So far, we’ve experienced:

  • The grand office opening ceremony.
  • Fun events like Treasure Hunt and Family Day.
  • Town hall sessions, where leaders openly share company updates.
  • A casual High Tea with the MD.
  • And recently, we all enjoyed the Mid-Year Connect — a fun, relaxed evening with great food, music, and energy

Aside from the fun, this felt like a genuinely holistic experience where we were able to build connections, make memories, and feel like we were part of something bigger.

Voices from the batch – what my fellow trainees have to say

As I wrap up this blog, I thought it would be beneficial to hear from the people who have experienced this journey with me. So, I’ve asked a few of my fellow colleagues to share a short testimonial about their honest thoughts about their first few weeks at Version 1:

“Joining Version1, as a new starter has been an inspiring and transformative experience. From day one, I’ve felt welcomed and supported by a team that truly values learning, collaboration, and innovation. The company’s commitment to excellence and ethical values is clearly reflected in its culture and everyday work.

As someone just starting my professional journey, I’m proud to be part of an organisation that not only drives meaningful impact through its projects but also invests in the growth and development of its people.

Being here motivates me to give my best, learn continuously, and contribute to a future built on trust, technology, and purpose.” – Mansa PL

“As a new starter stepping into the professional world for the first time, joining Version 1 has been a remarkable entry point. The environment here is not just about work — it’s about growth, mentorship, and real-world learning. Every day presents an opportunity to expand my skills, take on new challenges, and contribute meaningfully to projects that make a difference.

What stands out most is the approachable and knowledgeable team that’s always ready to guide and encourage. Being part of a company that values fresh ideas, and continuous improvement, gives me confidence and excitement about the path ahead.

I’m grateful to start my career in a place where potential is recognised and nurtured.” – Sidharth Shah

Final thoughts

I’m learning something new every day here. Not just about myself but also about tech, people, and collaboration with others. And while I still have a lot to learn, I’m really glad this is where my career started.

Here’s to growth, good people, and collaborating on the great work ahead.

For more information on Early Careers at Version 1, visit our dedicated page.