Support Engineer to SDE at Microsoft | She did NOT do DSA in college

TL;DR

Sreeja shares her journey from a Tier 3 college to a software engineer at Microsoft.

Transcript

[Sreeja]- Coding culture wasn't much hard. Right? Hardly there used to be people who were interested in coding or competitive coding for that matter. To be honest, I didn't do much in the first year. I just spent my first year having fun. Our college students didn't have any internship in their minds. [Fraz]- So the biggest issue is how to manage t... Read More

Key Insights

• 🖤 Sreeja's initial lack of coding background in a Tier 3 college highlights the importance of self-motivation and seeking opportunities for growth.
• 🤗 Internships serve as significant turning points for students, offering real-world experience that builds confidence and opens doors to future opportunities.
• 👶 Consistency and dedication in practice are crucial for mastering new skills, especially in competitive coding and technical interviews.
• ❓ Leveraging online resources and communities can enhance learning outcomes and provide essential support during the preparation phase.
• 💨 Transitioning within a company, like Sreeja did, can be a strategic way to advance one's career while minimizing risks associated with layoffs or job searches.
• 💪 Building a strong resume with relevant keywords is essential for passing ATS filters, increasing chances of getting shortlisted by recruiters.
• 😤 Engaging in hackathons can significantly bolster one’s resume and practical skillset, demonstrating initiative and the ability to work on team-based projects.

Questions & Answers

Q: What inspired Sreeja to pursue coding seriously after her first year in college?

Initially, Sreeja did not engage with coding during her first year, prioritizing enjoyment over academics. However, upon joining her college's coding club in her second year and receiving guidance from seniors, she discovered her interest in coding and began to understand its value, particularly through competitive programming platforms like CodeChef.

Q: How did Sreeja secure her internship opportunity and what impact did it have on her career?

Sreeja found her first internship opportunity through a WhatsApp group related to her college's tech fest, where a startup was seeking interns. This experience was pivotal as it offered her practical coding experience and sparked her interest in hackathons, further motivating her to develop her skills and pursue a more active role in tech.

Q: What are some strategies Sreeja used to manage her time effectively while preparing for a switch to software development?

Sreeja adhered to a strict routine, waking up as early as 4 AM to study for 3-4 hours before her workday. This schedule allowed her to focus intensely on coding practice without distractions, and she supplemented her preparation with resources like LeetCode and YouTube tutorials to cover various topics systematically.

Q: What was Sreeja's experience during the interview process for the Software Development Engineer role at Microsoft?

Sreeja's interview process involved an exploratory call followed by a Data Structures and Algorithms round where she successfully tackled challenging questions. Ultimately, she secured the offer after several weeks, crediting her thorough preparation and confidence in her abilities.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Sreeja began her journey at a Tier 3 college with minimal coding culture, initially focusing on enjoying her college life before realizing the importance of coding and internships.

• After gaining first-hand experience through an internship, she developed confidence and achieved success in hackathons, ultimately securing a pre-placement offer from Deloitte.

• Transitioning from a support role to a software development position at Microsoft involved diligent preparation in data structures, algorithms, and system design, supported by a strong belief in her capabilities.