SDE - 1

When I first began preparing for this role, I had very little beyond curiosity and a willingness to learn. I didn’t come from a top-tier background, nor did I have any big-name projects to showcase at the start. What I did have, however, was the mindset that consistency beats intensity. I started by mastering the basics—strengthening my foundations in data structures, algorithms, and core concepts related to the role I was aiming for. Instead of rushing through topics, I made it a point to understand the “why” behind everything I learned. That made a huge difference later when solving complex problems. There were moments of self-doubt, especially when I’d compare myself to others who seemed ahead of me. But over time, I realized that everyone has their own pace—and my journey didn’t have to look like anyone else’s. I focused on improving just 1% every day. Slowly but surely, I began to build confidence, one topic, one mock interview, and one late-night bug-fix at a time. What helped me the most was building a routine and sticking to it—even on the tough days. I also surrounded myself with a circle of peers who were equally driven. We pushed each other, discussed concepts, and celebrated small wins together. That support system made a huge difference. Finally, when the interview opportunity came, I didn’t try to be perfect. I focused on being prepared and authentic. I treated it like a conversation rather than a performance—and that helped me stay calm and clear. Looking back, it wasn’t one big breakthrough that got me here. It was a hundred little efforts that added up. If I can do it, so can you. Stay consistent, trust your journey, and never underestimate the power of small, steady progress.

The opportunity came through my college placement drive. As soon as I saw the company on the placement list, I knew I wanted to go for it. I began preparing early, focusing on the specific skills and topics that were commonly tested during campus interviews. I also attended pre-placement talks and tried to understand what the company was looking for in a candidate. Once the application process began, I made sure my resume was polished and reflected the projects and experiences most relevant to the role. Getting shortlisted was just the beginning—I kept my focus on preparation and gave it my best shot during interview round.

I believe I was selected because of a combination of strong fundamentals, a clear thought process while solving problems, and the ability to communicate my approach effectively. I didn’t just focus on getting the right answer—I made sure to explain how I was thinking and why I was making certain choices. That helped the interviewers understand my problem-solving mindset. Another key factor was preparation—I had practiced similar problems, worked on real-world projects, and stayed calm under pressure. I was honest about what I knew and didn’t try to bluff through questions I wasn’t sure about. I think that authenticity worked in my favour. Looking back, the biggest learning is that interviews aren’t about being perfect—they’re about showing potential. Even if you don’t know everything, being clear, curious, and coachable can go a long way.