Software Engineer, New College Grad - 2025 (Foster City, CA) - job 6 of 10

As a Software Engineer, New College Grad at Visa, you’ll engage in writing optimized, secure, and scalable code, while following industry best practices like unit testing and code reviews. You'll also formulate creative solutions to meet both product and technology roadmap goals and work collaboratively within an Agile environment across different teams to develop effective technology solutions that satisfy business needs.

To excel as a Software Engineer, New College Grad at Visa, candidates should possess strong programming skills in languages such as Java, Python, or C++. Familiarity with Agile methodologies, problem-solving capabilities, effective communication skills for cross-functional collaboration, and a willingness to learn and adapt are also vital for success in this role.

Visa is dedicated to the professional development of its employees, particularly new grads. As a Software Engineer, you’ll benefit from mentorship programs, training sessions, and opportunities to work on a variety of projects. This supportive environment encourages learning through hands-on experience and collaboration with seasoned professionals.

During the onboarding process, new Software Engineers at Visa can expect a comprehensive orientation that introduces them to the company culture, values, and tools. Additionally, you’ll participate in training sessions tailored to enhance your technical skills and integration into your team, ensuring a smooth transition into the workplace.

While prior internship experience can be beneficial, it is not a strict requirement for the Software Engineer, New College Grad position at Visa. We value passion, versatility, and a willingness to learn above all, and we encourage any candidate with a strong academic background in computer science or related fields to apply.

When answering this question, consider highlighting your strengths in specific programming languages along with examples of projects where you effectively utilized those languages. Display enthusiasm for continuous learning and adapting to new technologies, which is crucial in the tech industry.

Reflect on any group projects or collaborative experiences during your studies or internships. Emphasize your role in effective communication, problem-solving, and adaptability, showcasing how these skills contributed to the team's success and project outcomes.

Outline your problem-solving process, which typically includes understanding the problem, brainstorming potential solutions, and implementing the best one while anticipating challenges. Provide a specific example illustrating how you successfully addressed a technical challenge in the past.

Discuss your commitment to best practices such as writing unit tests, conducting code reviews, and adhering to coding standards. Mention how you ensure maintainability and performance in your code, facilitating smoother collaboration within teams.

If you have experience working in Agile settings, share your familiarity with concepts like sprints, stand-ups, and retrospectives. If you haven’t worked directly in Agile, express your eagerness to embrace these methods and your understanding of their importance in software development.

Share a brief overview of a project that required you to learn something new. Highlight your proactive approach to gaining knowledge, the resources you utilized, and how you effectively applied your new skills to complete the project successfully.

Express genuine enthusiasm for Visa’s commitment to innovation and technology, and how you see this position as an opportunity to grow in a supportive environment. Discuss your eagerness to contribute to impactful projects and learn from experienced colleagues.

Illustrate your organizational skills by discussing how you determine priority based on deadlines, project importance, and team collaboration. Mention techniques you use, such as task lists or project management tools, while ensuring that you're flexible to adapt as project needs evolve.

Identify qualities such as adaptability, problem-solving skills, and a strong desire to learn and improve. Use this as an opportunity to share your personal experiences reflecting those characteristics, which will reinforce your fit for the position.

Acknowledge the importance of constructive criticism for personal and professional growth. Provide an example of how you've used feedback to make improvements in your work, showing your receptiveness and resilience when facing challenges.