What are the best parts of working in travel? Current Seattle-based Expedia Group Graduate, Avinash Naidu, explores this question and more while also sharing what life at EG has been like so far. After having interned at EG as Product Manager in the Shopping team during the summer of 2023, Avinash rejoined in 2024 to join the Graduate Program after completing his college degree from Willamette University.

Find out Avinash’s top 5 reasons why it’s great to work in the travel industry, below.

Avinash Naidu | Product Manager Graduate | Seattle, WA, USA

Tell us about your team and your role

My team is focused on the One Key Loyalty Experience across all brands. We aim to enhance the rewards redemption experience and facilitate externalization. Additionally, we optimize the US and UK experience, such as adjusting the earn rate on Vrbo for blue and silver-tier travelers.

As a Product Manager I construct product requirements and ideate feature development across various pages and experiences. Initially, I focused on Pre-Notification Banners and Universal Navigation loyalty components, like the rewards widget in the header. My role now includes burn toggle requirements for lodging, activities, cars, and ground transportation, as well as Pillar Page requirements across all brands. For the Vrbo Earn Rate Change, I developed the trips page requirements. By working with diverse teams I have built relationships with multiple product, Experience Design, and engineering teams.

How did your university experience help to prepare you for working at EG?

I graduated from Willamette University in 2024 with a major in Business and minors in Psychology & Philosophy, and I was also a student-athlete, playing football for 4 years. The small class sizes (less than 30) enabled me to form strong relationships with professors and gain confidence in asking questions to further my growth. This experience translated well into building connections with my manager, director, team members, and stakeholders.

Why did you decide to apply to work at Expedia Group?

I was attracted to EG not just because of its standing in the travel industry, but because I resonated with its values, mission, and purpose. Travel broadens perspectives, promotes cultural understanding, and offers new experiences. I am aligned with the value of choosing fearlessly, learning through trial and error, and embracing the opportunity to fail forward. Expedia Group is also great with is it’s emphasis on growth and mentorship, which was why EG initially stood out to me when I was searching for opportunities in the Seattle area to apply to.

5 reasons why it’s great to work in the travel industry

1. Opportunities there are to make impact
The travel industry is ever-expanding. As an Intern, I learned about EG’s positioning as a tech company, not just travel. The advancements in airline, hotel, and credit card app interfaces and online travel portals, all offer fascinating opportunities to optimize user experiences.

2. Your own passion for travel
Traveling to various states, countries, and continents has deeply enriched my understanding of new cultures and cuisines. Each journey is a learning opportunity, offering a newfound appreciation for diverse places, and helps with appreciating different cultures.

3. Variety in the role
Working across all EG brands with different teams has granted me insights into the mechanics of EG’s business and technology. In loyalty, understanding numerous touchpoints in EG’s end-to-end experience is essential. Every day offers a new learning opportunity about EG’s operations.

4. Using our own experience as travelers
As an avid traveler, I consistently evaluate product solutions from a user perspective. Considering the traveler’s journey enhances my work, and testing the experience during personal trips allows all employees to uniquely engage with our product.

5. Our mission
I am driven by EG’s mission to power global travel for everyone, everywhere. I firmly believe in equal access to travel, and in choosing fearlessly, learning from mistakes, and advancing confidently.

Why would you recommend a career at EG?

I highly recommend a career at EG due to its empowerment of employees to develop their careers and skills while fostering collaboration across teams. EG’s processes promote personal and professional growth, and the product enables users to broaden their worldviews. As someone who values travel experiences, I am motivated by the chance to facilitate similar experiences for others through my work at EG.

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