What a Decade at Baidu Taught Me About Tech Growth and Mentorship

"I spent ten years at Baidu, experiencing fast and slow periods, confusion and certainty," says Zun Cheng, a senior engineer who has been involved in technical R&D throughout his tenure.

He divides his growth into three stages. The first stage, right after graduation, was all about learning the latest technologies and turning from a student into a professional. He focused on mastering new tools and building a solid technical foundation.

The second stage shifted his attention from pure technical learning to team dynamics, including architecture direction, technical planning, and how the team could become more battle‑ready and product‑oriented.

In the third stage, with a solid technical base, he began applying technology to products and business, moving through the IDL deep‑learning lab, the augmented‑reality lab, and finally the facial‑recognition department, exploring how AI can create real‑world value.

Throughout his career, mentors played a crucial role. His first manager taught him coding hand‑by‑hand and fostered a collaborative, technically‑driven culture. A later manager in the Tieba division influenced his work methods and processes, while his current director shaped his strategic thinking and approach to business direction.

As a mentor himself, Zun emphasizes helping new graduates transition from students to employees, offering guidance, cultural integration, and technical support. He encourages mentees to seek resources across departments and to leverage the many experienced engineers at Baidu.

He advises early‑career engineers to focus deeply on a narrow area, then gradually broaden their knowledge and develop independent judgment. He also stresses the importance of weekend learning to recharge and grow.

Reflecting on moments of doubt, he shares how conversations with senior colleagues and a brief stint in management helped him realize his preference for deep technical work, while still benefiting from management skills.

Ultimately, Zun hopes more colleagues find good mentors within Baidu, adopt effective work habits, and accelerate their growth.