Jing’s Journey: Jumpstarting a Tech Career at MetLife

If you’re just starting out in your tech career, this Q&A blog post is all about what it’s really like to join our global company, and how you can make the most of the first few months in the role. Today, we’re chatting with Jing Huang, a software platform engineer on the Digital US Technology team, who joined the company earlier this year and is already making an impact.

Jing, can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I’m Jing Huang, and I’m a software platform engineer currently based in MetLife’s Global Technology hub in Cary, North Carolina. On top of my day job, I’m also an online graduate student studying computer science at North Carolina State University. I’m really passionate about cloud engineering and machine learning. When I’m not coding or studying, you’ll find me assembling furniture or playing Mahjong, a classic Chinese strategy game played with tiles, with my family. Both are great ways for me to relax and recharge.

What drew you to join MetLife, and how did you prepare for your role?

I was drawn to MetLife because of its reputation for innovation and its commitment to employee growth and development. During my job search, I looked for a place where I could learn and contribute right away. To prepare, I brushed up on the latest technologies used in the industry, especially those relevant to cloud and web development. I also reached out to current employees on LinkedIn to understand the company culture and what to expect, which helped me hit the ground running. 

How do you see your work contributing to MetLife’s purpose?

For me, it’s all about using technology to solve real problems and make life better for our customers. Since day one at MetLife, I’ve wanted to be proactive and make an impact — big or small. Every initiative I work on is connected to MetLife’s purpose: helping people confidently navigate their lives.

One example of that is the Enrollment System, a web and mobile app that lets customers manage their benefits anytime, anywhere. We’re using cool modern tech like React, Redux and Spring Boot to make the experience smoother, faster and more secure. Working on this let me learn new tools and grow my skills, which is something I love about MetLife. There are opportunities to learn everywhere.

My first big challenge came in my second week, even before I got my official tasks. The team had a micro-frontend integration issue, and I volunteered to help, even though I’d never worked with micro-frontends before. I saw it as a chance to learn and make a difference, and was able to help resolve the issue. That experience gave me so much confidence and really showed me what it’s like here: You’re trusted to step up, innovate and learn as you go.

In my first eight months at MetLife, I’ve delivered key enhancements through our bi-weekly deployments, making a real customer impact from day one. In my role, the work we do isn’t just about writing code; it’s about solving real-world problems and helping our customers. That’s why my work feels meaningful: I’m building tools that genuinely make people’s lives easier.

“In my first eight months at MetLife, I’ve delivered key enhancements through our bi-weekly deployments, making a real customer impact from day one.”

What has your experience with collaboration, visibility and support been like so far?

Joining the team earlier this year, I felt welcomed and supported right away. Honestly, being new can be overwhelming, with the tools, the processes and just the size of a company like MetLife. But I was surprised by how connected I felt from the start.

Leadership made a huge difference. My manager gave me advice that changed my approach: Don’t wait for chances — create them. Build connections, stay curious, and turn challenges into opportunities. He backed up that advice with real guidance, helping me understand our product culture, coaching me for big events and always listening to my ideas. Having this support gave me the direction I needed.

Collaboration is also important here at MetLife. We work in an agile way, so there’s constant communication: Think standups, quick syncs and problem-solving together. Everyone is moving in the same direction, and the team culture is super positive. People say, “We’ve got your back,” and they really mean it. 

The visibility that I have was a surprise. In my short time at MetLife, I’ve worked on three different priority initiatives, including two fast-paced AI proof-of-concepts. These opportunities gave us visibility across teams and opened doors to learn from senior tech leaders. 

So, for me, leadership, support, collaboration and visibility have come together to make this an awesome experience so far. I’ve grown much faster than I expected, and I’m really grateful for that.

“In my short time at MetLife, I’ve worked on three different priority initiatives, including two fast-paced AI proof-of-concepts. These opportunities gave us visibility across teams and opened doors to learn from senior tech leaders.”

How do you stay motivated and continue learning in your role?

I stay motivated by setting small, achievable goals for myself and celebrating progress. The tech world changes quickly, so I dedicate time each week to reading up on new trends, watching tutorials or experimenting with side projects. Also, sharing knowledge with my teammates and learning from their experiences keeps things fresh and exciting. The constant encouragement from my manager and peers helps me push through tough challenges and stay focused on growth.

Any final advice for those who are early in their tech career?

If you’re just starting out, my advice is to stay curious, don’t be afraid to step up, and build genuine connections. Challenges will come your way, but try to see them as learning opportunities. Find mentors, ask questions, and always look for ways to help the team. Your growth will follow. 

Come work with me! What you'll build here matters.

Frequently Asked Questions