Associate Software Engineer

After the setback of not clearing the JEE, I found myself at a tier 3 private college, feeling the weight of my expectations and a sense of urgency to prove myself. My first semester was online, and as a newcomer to coding, I struggled to find my footing. It felt overwhelming, like I was trying to navigate a storm without a compass. In the second semester, I stumbled upon C++. It was a challenge, but I embraced it, dedicating countless late nights to grasp its intricacies. By the third semester, I was introduced to the world of Data Structures and Algorithms (DSA) through some seniors and YouTube tutorials. I quickly learned that mastering DSA was crucial for landing a job. This revelation set me on a relentless path, and I dedicated the next 10 to 12 months to mastering it, all while balancing my academics. My CGPA of 9.1 didn’t come easy; it was a constant struggle to juggle assignments, projects, and coding practice. As I progressed, I realized that DSA alone wouldn’t be enough. I needed to build tangible skills, so I dove into backend development with Node.js. I poured my heart and soul into creating projects that could showcase my abilities, feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety as I coded through the nights. When the sixth semester rolled around, the placement season began. I was filled with hope, but that hope quickly turned to despair. Despite my hard work, I wasn't receiving any interview calls. It felt like an invisible barrier was blocking my path. I watched as peers—some of whom I felt were less talented—secured opportunities at prestigious companies. I felt the sting of rejection, a bitter reminder that sometimes, effort alone isn’t enough. Desperate and determined, I convinced myself that I’d be content with a 6 LPA job—anything to finally break into the industry. But when the offers came in, I ended up at a service-based company with an 8 LPA salary. It wasn’t the glamorous tech giant I had envisioned; instead, it felt like a compromise, a harsh reality check. Now, as I reflect on my journey, I realize that at just 21, earning 50k per month isn’t so bad after all. This experience has taught me resilience, and it’s only the beginning. I’m back on my grind, fueled by the lessons learned from my struggles and determined to reach for that bigger goal. This time, I’m ready to seize every opportunity and make my mark in the tech world.

Our college had an online portal for placement applications, and on August 29, 2024, I took the plunge and submitted my application. The anticipation was electrifying, but after the online assessment, I found myself in a limbo of uncertainty. Days turned into weeks, and the wait for the interview felt agonizingly endless. Finally, the day arrived: September 18. I was scheduled for two interviews, and the pressure was palpable.

I guess I answered almost every question from the interviewer, which is why he selected me. On top of that, I was using examples when needed.