She started DSA in TCS and cracked Samsung and Microsoft | 7LPA to 35LPA

TL;DR

Swati Jha shares her unique journey transitioning between tech giants TCS, Samsung, and Microsoft.

Transcript

You got your first offer from TCS, right? Yes, that’s correct, but it wasn’t an on-campus offer. There's an exam called TCS CodeVita, which is an all-India competition. It happens every year. Correct. The pattern involves six questions that need to be completed within six hours. You have to allocate that six hours of time in one go. Through this, I... Read More

Key Insights

• 👨‍💻 Swati Jha navigated her career journey through tech giants, emphasizing the importance of competitive coding platforms like CodeVita for securing job offers.
• ❓ There are significant differences between job roles; TCS Digital has no bond obligations while TCS Ninja requires a one-year commitment.
• 🧑‍💻 A structured DSA preparation routine is essential for successful tech interviews and was instigated by Swati after her initial job offer.
• 💦 Work culture varies significantly among tech companies; Swati's experience with strict regulations at Samsung contrasted with Microsoft’s dynamic environment.
• 🏝️ During economic recessions, job hunting requires strategic approaches like leveraging LinkedIn for referrals to improve chances of landing interviews.
• 😫 Realistic expectations about job offers and acceptance must be set; Swati underscored the shift in demand from tech giants to service-based companies during downturns.
• 🈸 Time management and persistent effort in both job applications and interview preparation were crucial throughout Swati’s transitions to ensure success.

Questions & Answers

Q: What led you to participate in TCS CodeVita?

I joined TCS CodeVita because it is an all-India coding competition that offers a pathway to interview opportunities with TCS. Although my first offer was not from an on-campus placement, excelling in CodeVita was essential for securing the chance to interview for the TCS Digital position. I saw it as an opportunity to showcase my coding skills in a competitive environment.

Q: How did your experience differ between TCS, Samsung, and Microsoft?

My time at TCS was brief, where I learned the importance of DSA but felt constrained by my short tenure. Samsung provided a structured yet challenging work environment where I faced mandatory tests. In contrast, Microsoft offered a more balanced approach, emphasizing project discussions and managerial aspects during interviews, which showcased my experience more holistically.

Q: What strategies did you implement for job applications during the recession?

I focused on networking through LinkedIn, where I tailored messages for referrals by including specific job IDs. I allocated dedicated time daily to apply for jobs and connect with professionals, recognizing that securing a response required reaching out to more individuals due to the high level of competition during the hiring freeze.

Q: How did you manage your DSA preparation alongside full-time work?

I dedicated evenings to DSA preparation after work, ensuring I practiced coding regularly to prepare for interviews. Balancing full-time work and preparation required diligence, and during my tenure at Samsung, I structured my day to maximize productivity, often starting early and utilizing my lunch breaks efficiently.

Q: Can you describe the interview process at Samsung compared to Microsoft?

At Samsung, I underwent three rigorous rounds which included a practical coding test, a technical interview focused on DSA, and an HR round. Microsoft’s process was quicker, with multiple rounds occurring in a short span. I faced focused behavioral questions alongside technical assessments, emphasizing my past projects and managerial capabilities.

Q: What was the significance of DSA in your job search?

DSA was critical in my job search, as assessing algorithmic skills is a standard across tech interviews. Initially unaware of its importance during college, the realization hit me after facing multiple rejections. Pursuing DSA rigorously allowed me to confidently tackle coding problems, significantly improving my interview performance.

Q: How did your expectations of working in tech evolve during your transitions between companies?

My expectations evolved significantly; initially, I viewed TCS as a stepping stone but quickly understood the value of a proactive culture at Samsung. However, I craved more flexibility and innovation, leading me to choose opportunities at Microsoft where I felt my contributions would have greater impact and a more dynamic work environment.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Swati Jha, a software engineer who graduated from BIT Sindri in 2021, discusses her career path from TCS to Samsung and Microsoft. She highlights her experience with rigorous hiring processes and the importance of DSA preparation in securing her position.

• She participated in TCS CodeVita, where she excelled and got an interview, leading to her selection in TCS Digital, which has no bond obligations unlike TCS Ninja. Swati managed to switch to Samsung and subsequently Microsoft despite tough market conditions.

• Throughout her journey, Swati emphasizes the challenges of preparing for coding interviews while working and shares insights on effective job-hunting strategies in the current competitive landscape.