We caught up with Leonie Rodney, Data Science, Analytics Intern in London, about their experience at Expedia Group.
Tell us about your team
I am interning in the Experience Platform Analytics team, who help partners and developers to build and continuously improve the customer experience for every traveller and partner of Expedia Group. The team work on a variety of actions, such as, hypothesis generation and prioritization, experimentation design, impartial test analysis and recommendations – just to name a few.
Tell us about your role
My role in the team is a Data Science, Analytics Intern, but more specifically – Product Analyst. I am currently working on a project called “Homepage Traveller Discovery,” which is looking into the engagement and hotel conversion of the Expedia web and app homepage. In other words, I am looking into the total number of visitors to the homepage, how many of them interact with each module on the homepage, and then how many of them go on to purchase a hotel stay. This information will help the wider team to try and improve overall conversion rates. Similarly, I have done some test sizing, which means that I investigate requested data from the website or app and suggest a sample size and test duration for a proposed test.
What skillsets do you think are required to be successful in your role?
I think having a well-built mathematical background is extremely helpful, along with knowledge of statistics, i.e. A/B Tests, p-values, hypothesis testing, etc. Similarly, I would say that some experience with data querying and data visualization using SQL and R is quite important. Also, to be successful in this role, I would suggest that an individual is open to learning new techniques and skills whilst on the job.
What technologies/tools do you work with?
SQL (Qubole), R, Excel, Adobe Analytics
What’s your favorite thing about working at Expedia Group?
My favourite thing about working at Expedia Group are the work culture and the people. Since the day I started as an intern, everyone has been so welcoming and warm, and that hasn’t changed as I’ve progressed through my internship. The office is amazing, and the regular socials on the roof terrace allow you to socialise with others in the office that you may not interactive with regularly in terms of work.