Working in TikTok is not only about videos and trends, but also real opportunities for career growth. The company's employees shared their stories and tips on how to build a career in one of the largest Internet companies in the world.
Aiperi Jaanbaeva, Almaty, Operations Manager, @adzhaanbaeva
About me
I graduated from KIMEP University in 2022 with a degree in Business Administration with a specialization in Marketing.
Along with my studies, I worked in an American marketing agency. I worked with Influencers all over the world and realized marketing campaigns. This activity awakened my interest in digital marketing and content in social networks, where I was responsible for collaborations.
About career at TikTok
Last year, representatives from TikTok reached out to me through LinkedIn. At the time, I was a recent graduate. My strengths were my international study experience in the US and Europe: I had participated in the FLEX and Erasmus+ programs, as well as hands-on experience working in a marketing agency. The process of getting an offer took a few months.
At the moment I am working as Operations Manager at TikTok LIVE. I am in charge of developing the LIVE ecosystem in the regions of Eastern Europe, Central Asia and the South Caucasus. I also help content creators to develop on the platform.
About the features of the job
One of the peculiarities of working at TikTok is the incredibly fast pace. You learn something new here every day. We have an international team — I like the internal atmosphere.
There is a disadvantage: the platform never sleeps. Therefore, unexpected situations can arise that require immediate attention.
About plans
I will continue to develop and grow my career by improving the quality of content in our regions.
My goal is to help promote quality content to make it more interesting and healthy for users.
Aizhana Danabekova, 35, Dublin, Quality Analyst, @aizhana_danabekova
About me
I came to Dublin in 2017 to be provided with a Master's degree in Cultural Sociology at University College Dublin. That same year, I started working as a social media intern and content creator at the non-profit organization Ripplezoo. I wrote articles about global issues and human rights, interviewed people and helped organize charity events. These experiences helped me deepen my knowledge of using social media for promotion and write my master's thesis on "Social Networking as a Collective Phenomenon in Virtual Environments".
About career at TikTok
In January 2019, I started working as a content moderator at Majorel, where I reviewed online content on a daily basis. My job was to improve the quality and safety of online content through analyzing and evaluating user profiles, videos, photos, and text.
I wanted to try my hand at TikTok. I applied for jobs through the TikTok Careers website. In August 2021, after four attempts and passing all stages of interviews, I received a job offer.
I started at TikTok as an Ads Service Specialist, and after nine months, I was promoted to Quality Analyst. In this role, I am involved in evaluating the quality and effectiveness of video content to maintain the safety and reliability of the TikTok platform.
About the features of the job
TikTok is a platform used by millions of people to express themselves, create and socialize. Our mission is to inspire users to be creative and bring joy.
Working at TikTok is characterized by a dynamic and innovative corporate culture. The company values the creativity and initiative of its employees. One of the key advantages is the opportunity to work in an international team, which allows you to exchange experience and ideas with colleagues from all over the world.
We create and grow together, make meaningful contributions to the company and support the communities we serve. Because we are responsible for the security of the platform, we have to review sensitive content, which is sometimes emotionally taxing. That said, the company always supports the well-being of its employees through comprehensive support programs.
Why choose TikTok
I chose TikTok because I was attracted to its innovative nature and rapid growth in the global market. I found the opportunity to be part of a team creating unique content and influencing global social media trends extremely exciting and challenging.
In addition, TikTok offers ample opportunities for professional and personal growth and maintains an inclusive environment where each employee's skills, experience and unique perspectives are valued.
Zhanna Tereshchenko, New York, Threat Researcher at TikTok, @zterechshenko
About me
Immediately after graduating from Nazarbayev University with a degree in Political Science and International Relations, I entered the doctoral program at Penn State University. Here I studied two specialties: "International Relations" and "Social Data Analysis". Afterward, I spent three years as a postdoctoral fellow at the Center for Social Media and Politics at New York University.
About career at TikTok
Since I studied social media and interacted with Twitter and Meta data in my postdoctoral program, working as a researcher at TikTok was an obvious career path for me.
I joined the company in 2022 as a Threat Researcher in the TikTok Science Lab. We do research and advise colleagues on issues related to user security and platform integrity.
About the features of the job
One of the features of working at TikTok is the collaborative environment. For example, a few of the company's principles that I like the most are Grow Together and Champion diversity and inclusion. During my time here, I've gotten to know and work with some of the smartest people from different fields, from whom I learn a lot.
I've always wanted to feel valued for my contributions and see the benefits of research results in social media. TikTok has given me that opportunity.
About plans
I plan to continue working in my field and connect the world of academia with industry.
