Dropping IIT JEE Preperation for Remote internship in U.S based Startup

Summary

In this engaging interview, Shan, a 19-year-old in his drop year for IIT-JEE, shares his journey into coding, which began during a school boot camp in the COVID era. He highlights his internship at Merlin AI, a U.S.-based startup, and discusses the importance of networking and practical experience over traditional education. Shan's insights challenge the conventional education path, suggesting that early coding experience and internships can lead to success without the necessity of a Tier 1 college degree. His story emphasizes the shift toward a more efficient educational landscape driven by technology and real-world opportunities.

Takeaways

• 😀 Shan started coding in 9th grade during the COVID-19 pandemic after joining a coding boot camp organized by his school.
• 🎓 He managed the coding boot camp in his school and continued to enhance his skills over the next two years.
• 💼 Despite not getting into a Tier 1 college, Shan secured an internship at Merlin AI, a US-based AI startup, during his drop year for IIT-JEE preparation.
• 📅 The interview process involved demonstrating his coding knowledge, including React and Next.js, which impressed the interviewers.
• 🔄 Shan emphasizes the importance of networking and proof of work over traditional college education for career success.
• 🌐 He is currently managing F Labs and is involved in a community called Founder House in Ahmedabad, which focuses on Web 3.0 startups.
• 💬 Shan believes that the trend is shifting away from traditional education paths, allowing younger individuals to enter the tech workforce earlier.
• 📝 He plans to pursue an online degree as a backup option if he doesn't get into a Tier 1 college.
• 🚀 The changing landscape of technology is helping individuals skip traditional educational routes and find opportunities in startups.
• 🤝 Shan's supportive parents understand his unconventional path and encourage him in his coding and internship endeavors.

Q & A

How did Shan start his coding journey?

Shan began coding in the 9th grade during the COVID-19 pandemic when his school organized a coding boot camp. He initially participated online before joining offline sessions, where he continued to develop his skills.

What role did Shan take during the coding boot camp?

In his second year, Shan became the head of the boot camp, managing the program and overseeing other participants.

What led to Shan securing an internship at Merlin AI?

The co-founders of Merlin AI were impressed with Shan's work and reached out to him for an interview. His knowledge and skills in coding made a positive impression during the interview process.

What were the key topics discussed during Shan's interview for the internship?

Shan's interview covered basic topics such as React and Next.js, as well as more in-depth questions about his projects and how he handled various coding scenarios.

What are Shan's plans for his education and career in the next few years?

Shan plans to either continue his education by securing a spot in a tier-one college or pursue an online degree if that doesn't happen. He is also committed to continuing his internship at Merlin AI.

Why does Shan prioritize networking over traditional education?

Shan believes that building a strong network is essential for finding good job opportunities, which he sees as more valuable than the educational pedigree of a college.

What initiatives is Shan currently managing or involved in?

Shan is managing F Labs and has started a 'Founder House' initiative in Ahmedabad, collaborating with peers interested in Web3 and startup culture.

How has Shan's perspective on education evolved compared to his peers?

Shan has observed a shift among his peers toward gaining practical experience early on, rather than solely focusing on traditional educational paths like IIT-JEE, which he believes is a more effective way to prepare for careers in tech.

What is Shan's view on the future of education and employment in technology?

Shan is optimistic that the landscape is changing, with more students realizing the importance of skills and internships over conventional college degrees, and he feels that this trend will continue.

How did Shan find opportunities within the Web3 community?

Shan connected with the Web3 community through Twitter, where he sought out local groups and found opportunities to collaborate with experienced individuals in the field.