Switched from TCS to Amazon in 2 Years | From 7 CTC to 45 CTC

TL;DR

Prankur shares his journey from TCS to Amazon, detailing preparation strategies and interview experiences.

Transcript

Hi everyone, I have been wanting to invite a guest from a long time who has directly switched from service based to product based company Today we have Prankur with us So Prankur had started his journey with 3-tier college. after that, he worked in TCS for 2 years. and directly switched to amazon as SD1. Now he is SD2 at amazon. So let's discuss th... Read More

Key Insights

• 🧑‍🎓 Understanding the significance of DSA in securing placement opportunities is crucial for software engineering students.
• 🧑‍🎓 Structured preparation plans can help manage time effectively, especially for students or professionals balancing jobs or studies.
• 🪗 Customizing resumes according to job descriptions improves the chances of being shortlisted in applicant tracking systems (ATS).
• 👨‍💻 Practical coding experience is essential; merely understanding concepts without applying them can hinder growth.
• 💄 Utilizing multiple job application platforms increases the opportunity scope, making it ideal to leverage LinkedIn, Naukri, and company portals.
• 💦 Internships and project work can provide critical experience and valuable insights that aid in interviews and future job applications.
• 🥹 Negotiation skills can significantly impact salary offers, especially when holding multiple job offers.

Questions & Answers

Q: What motivated Prankur to switch from a service-based company to a product-based company?

Prankur was motivated to switch after experiencing slow package growth and a lack of critical feedback in TCS. He wanted to work in an environment where he could receive constructive input on his code, as he felt that it was crucial for his professional development. The fear of stagnation pushed him to prepare for opportunities at product-based companies like Amazon.

Q: How did Prankur start his preparation for transitioning to a product-based company?

Prankur began his preparation by creating a structured study plan focusing on Data Structures and Algorithms (DSA). He utilized online resources like GeeksforGeeks and LeetCode to practice coding problems. He committed to consistent daily practice and supplemented his preparation with additional focus on computer science fundamentals and communication skills, realizing that this would improve his overall competitiveness for job applications.

Q: What mistake did Prankur mention regarding his college preparation, and how did he address it later?

Prankur admitted that during college, he often read solutions to coding problems without practicing them, which prevented him from fully grasping the concepts. After recognizing this mistake, he ensured that in his preparation for transitioning to a product-based company, he practiced coding extensively, solved problems independently, and reinforced his understanding through hands-on experience.

Q: Can you explain the interview process that Prankur went through at Amazon?

The Amazon interview process included an online test consisting of DSA questions, followed by two additional rounds that assessed his coding skills in a practical setting. Then, he faced a Bar Raiser round focused on leadership principles where he answered behavioral questions. Lastly, he had a managerial round that further explored his past experiences and project work, highlighting the emphasis both on technical skills and behavioral competencies.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Prankur began his career at TCS after graduating from a tier-3 college, transitioning successfully to Amazon within two years by focusing on coding, data structures, and algorithms.

• He emphasizes the importance of proper preparation—including self-study, practicing coding questions, and tailoring resumes when applying for jobs—as crucial for securing opportunities in product-based companies.

• Prankur's interview process at Amazon involved multiple rounds, including DSA questions and behavioral assessments based on leadership principles, showcasing the significance of both technical and soft skills.