How a HerFuture Girlie Secured Her Dream Internship at Booking.com - And How You Can, Too
Meet Laura, a second-year Computer Science student at VU University, and a proud HerFuture member. Her journey with us is nothing short of inspiring. But it wasn’t just about attending one or two events - Laura’s success is a testament to the power of being part of a strong community, taking advantage of opportunities, and embracing a long-term growth mindset. Through HerFuture, she connected with various companies including Booking.com, and now, she’s preparing to start her summer internship with them! Let’s dive into her experience.
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Hi Laura! Could you please introduce yourself?
Hi! My name is Laura. I was born in China and grew up in Spain. I’m currently in my second year of Computer Science at VU University in Amsterdam.
How did you first hear about HerFuture?
I first discovered HerFuture through social media. I saw that a new community was launching and that their first event was coming up, so I decided to check it out. I attended the launch event and signed up for other events, although some had limited spots, so I didn’t always get in. The Booking.com Inhouse Day was actually my second event with the community.
What was it about Booking.com that made you apply for the internship?
I first met Booking.com at the HerFuture launch event, where I had an insightful conversation with them. We reconnected at the HerFuture x Booking.com Exclusive Inhouse Day, where one of the Booking.com recruiters shared more details about the company and their internship program. During the event, they introduced their internship program, and later, she sent me a message on the HerFuture app with more details about the opportunity.
What was your biggest takeaway from the Inhouse Day?
Booking.com invited three people from their graduate program to share valuable insights. The most impactful advice for me was that it’s okay to make mistakes and just try. I knew I didn’t have the most coding experience, but I took a chance and applied for the internship - and to my surprise, I got it!
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Did their advice help you during the application process?
Yes! They shared great tips on preparing for both technical and behavioral interviews, including which data structures and algorithms to focus on. After the panel discussion, I also spoke with Booking employees to learn more about their experiences - how they got hired, what it’s like working there, and more.
How has being part of HerFuture helped you in your journey?
HerFuture has been so much more than just events - it’s a long-term strategy for personal and professional growth. Being part of the community has helped me develop confidence, expand my network, and gain exposure to opportunities I wouldn’t have known about otherwise. It’s not just about attending a single event and getting an internship; it’s about ongoing learning and support that prepares you for these opportunities when they arise.
How was your overall experience at the event?
At first, I felt a bit intimidated because I had never been in such a large building before. Where I come from, buildings are much smaller! But it was an amazing experience. Connecting with other attendees and Booking employees was inspiring. Many employees had just started working there, so it was interesting to hear about their fresh experiences.
The event itself was a lot of fun. The treasure hunt was a great way to explore the office - it had so many floors, doors, and surprises! There was even a bouldering wall. We didn’t win the challenge, but it was a fantastic and memorable experience.
What motivated you to apply for the internship?
I wanted to go through the application process and challenge myself. Since I had never applied for a STEM-related role before, this was a great opportunity to test my skills and see how well I was developing.
Can you tell us more about your internship role?
I don’t have all the details yet, but I’ll be assigned to a specific team - whether it’s front-end, back-end, or full-stack development. My placement will depend on the team’s needs and my interests. I’ll be working closely with a team of four, gaining hands-on experience, and contributing to projects that make a real impact.
Do you have any advice for other HerFuture members?
Just try! You have nothing to lose by applying. There’s a saying, "You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take." Take that shot!
Anything else you’d like to share?
I think HerFuture is an amazing community, and it will open many doors for women in tech. I’m excited to see how it continues to grow and empower others!
Laura’s journey is a perfect example of how being part of a strong community, embracing learning opportunities, and staying proactive can lead to incredible career breakthroughs. It’s not just about attending an event - it’s about the long-term support and growth that HerFuture offers. We’re so proud of Laura and can’t wait to see her thrive at Booking.com this summer!
Inspired by Laura’s story? Stay engaged with HerFuture, build your network, and seize the opportunities that come your way. Your dream internship or job might be closer than you think!