Roadmap to Crack Microsoft and Amazon | Step by Step Guide From 1st Year to 4th Year

TL;DR

Maliha, a software engineer at Microsoft, shares her coding journey and tips for success.

Transcript

When I used to code, Maliha used to ask me, how do you remember this thing? Sometimes you write int, sometimes you write void, where do you need to leave space, where do you need to give indentation? In between classes, sometimes for 2 hours, sometimes for 4 hours, I used to have such breaks. And sometimes classes would also get cancelled. So I use... Read More

Key Insights

• 😨 Overcoming initial fears of coding is a common challenge, often addressed through practice and mentorship.
• 👨‍💻 Effective time management strategies are crucial in balancing academic responsibilities and coding practice.
• ❓ Participation in internships provides valuable experience, even without guaranteed job offers, and contributes to professional growth.
• 💪 Building a strong foundation in programming languages and DSA is essential for job placement and interview success.
• 💦 Project work and practical applications enhance resumes and demonstrate competence to potential employers.
• 🧑‍🎓 College students should identify and prioritize their goals while minimizing distractions to achieve academic and career success.
• 🖐️ Networking and feedback from peers and mentors play an essential role in improving coding skills and industry preparedness.

Questions & Answers

Q: What initial fears did Maliha face regarding coding?

Maliha had significant fear of coding initially as she had not been exposed to it during her school years, where she focused on biology and mathematics. The unfamiliarity with syntax and programming conventions made her hesitant. However, with regular practice and guidance, particularly from her brother, she gradually began to understand and appreciate coding.

Q: How did Maliha balance her engineering curriculum with coding practice?

Maliha managed her time effectively by utilizing breaks during college, such as between classes or during unexpected cancellations. This time was dedicated to coding practice, assignments, and project work. Her approach included carefully studying core subjects during class to minimize home study time, allowing more focus on coding later.

Q: What was Maliha's experience during her internship at Uber?

During her internship at Uber, Maliha dedicated herself fully, working from early morning until late at night and striving to implement feedback from her managers. Despite her hard work, she did not receive a pre-placement offer (PPO), which left her feeling disappointed yet motivated to improve for future opportunities.

Q: How did Maliha prepare for job interviews after her graduation?

Maliha prepared for job interviews by focusing on core programming languages and data structures and algorithms (DSA). She practiced coding on platforms like LeetCode, engaged in contests, and enlisted her brother to help reinforce concepts. This preparation proved vital during her interviews with both Microsoft and Amazon.

Q: What subjects did Maliha focus on to ensure successful job placements?

To secure a position, Maliha concentrated on essential subjects including one programming language, DSA, and computer fundamentals encompassing operating systems and object-oriented programming. She also pursued web development projects to enhance her resume, combining technical theory with practical applications.

Q: How important was project work for Maliha's career progression?

Project work was crucial for Maliha's career progression as it demonstrated her ability to apply her coding knowledge in real-world scenarios. She developed a portfolio through projects that showcased her skills, especially in web development, which helped her stand out to potential employers during the hiring process.

Q: What advice did Maliha give to college students starting their coding journey?

Maliha emphasized the importance of knowing one's priorities and goals. She encouraged students to avoid distractions and to choose productive activities, such as coding practice over socializing, particularly during the early years of college. She highlighted that this commitment would pay off in the long run.

Q: Why did Maliha choose Microsoft over Amazon after receiving job offers from both?

Maliha chose Microsoft based on positive feedback about the company's work environment. While both offers were nearly equal in terms of package, she felt a stronger alignment with Microsoft’s culture, leading her to make that decision despite not having prior experience with Amazon.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Maliha and her brother discuss their coding experiences, focusing on overcoming initial fears and challenges in learning programming languages and data structures.

• They share practical strategies for managing study time, balancing core engineering subjects, and coding practice during college, including the importance of projects and internships.

• Maliha reflects on her journey from internship struggles to landing a role at Microsoft, highlighting the relevance of perseverance and effective time management.