Tencent's Algorithm Competition Launches Careers of Three Engineers

In an era where data-driven decision-making is paramount, Tencent, a leading internet platform company founded in 1998, has positioned itself as a pioneer in harnessing technology for user enrichment and enterprise digital transformation. The Tencent Advertising Algorithm Competition serves as a compelling case study, showcasing how a single initiative can transform the career trajectories of aspiring engineers. This article delves into the stories of three participants—Zhang Chang, Li Qiang, and Wang Zhaobing—whose experiences in the competition catalyzed their successful careers within Tencent.

Launched to bridge the gap between academia and real-world applications, the Tencent Advertising Algorithm Competition attracts thousands of students globally each year. Participants engage in teamwork, applying their theoretical knowledge to solve complex problems using anonymized data from Tencent’s advertising systems. This competition not only tests technical skills but also fosters creativity and strategic thinking, essential attributes in the technology sector.

Zhang Chang, who participated in the 2018 competition while studying computer science, focused on developing predictive models that assess user behavior in response to advertisements. His innovative approach involved understanding how consumer interests fluctuate throughout the day. "Before the competition, I had no background in advertising. However, it provided me with insights into the industry's core goals—making accurate, efficient decisions at scale," Zhang stated. His competition experience led to a position at Tencent in 2019, where he has since contributed to enhancing the firm's advertising algorithms, including a notable innovation that improved click-through rates by two percent.

Similarly, Li Qiang entered the competition in 2017 as a master’s student at Dalian University of Technology. He and his team developed a model that predicted purchasing behavior, despite the time lag between ad clicks and actual purchases. "Analyzing data revealed patterns that helped us bridge the gap between consumer behavior and advertising efficacy," Li reflected. Following his success, he joined Tencent, where he now oversees systems that process millions of ad requests daily, continuously refining models to align with evolving consumer behaviors.

Wang Zhaobing, the third engineer, participated in the inaugural competition in 2017 while studying at the University of Hong Kong. Unlike his peers, Wang approached the challenge independently, focusing on user behavior sequencing to enhance prediction accuracy over time. His methodical approach earned him a top ten finish, and he credits the competition with providing a practical application for his academic knowledge. Today, as the lead of Tencent's Platform & Content Ads Algorithm Team, Wang implements the strategies he developed during the competition, significantly impacting ad delivery across Tencent’s platforms.

The stories of Zhang, Li, and Wang highlight a transformative journey, revealing that competitive platforms can offer more than accolades; they can unlock unforeseen career pathways. As competition registration opens for the 2025 Tencent Advertising Algorithm Competition, which will delve into multimodal generative large language models, potential participants are encouraged to embrace the challenge. "Completing just one scenario will be a huge advantage for fresh graduates looking for employment. That’s the real significance of it," remarked a current participant, Nova.

With mentorship from Tencent engineers and opportunities for internships and permanent positions, the competition is set to continue shaping the future of technology talent. As the digital landscape evolves, initiatives like Tencent's algorithm competition are vital in preparing the next generation of engineers to meet the demands of a rapidly changing industry. By investing in such educational programs, Tencent exemplifies its mission of placing users first and leveraging technology for societal benefit.