How I Landed My Dream Job at Microsoft!

Summary

Asif Ibal’s journey from a non-IT background to landing his dream job as a data engineer at Microsoft is a testament to perseverance and continuous learning. After facing numerous rejections and setbacks, including failed interviews at top companies like IBM and TCS, Asif built his skills in SQL, cloud computing, and Python. Through persistence, networking, and refining his resume, he secured multiple job offers and eventually joined Microsoft in 2024. His story highlights the importance of embracing failure, staying adaptable, and keeping focused on long-term goals in the competitive tech industry.

Takeaways

• 😀 Failure is part of the journey: Rejection and setbacks can be painful, but they provide important lessons and bring you closer to your goal.
• 😀 Continuous learning is key: Asif’s career progression was largely fueled by his commitment to learning new technologies like SQL, Big Data, cloud computing, and Python.
• 😀 Leverage networking: Building strong connections, both online (e.g., LinkedIn) and offline, can open doors to opportunities and referrals that are crucial for career growth.
• 😀 Adapt to market demands: Keeping an eye on emerging technologies and trends, like cloud computing and data engineering, can help you stay relevant in the ever-changing tech landscape.
• 😀 Resilience through rejection: Asif faced multiple rejections before landing his dream job, but each rejection provided valuable insights that helped him improve.
• 😀 Align short-term and long-term goals: It’s important to set achievable, short-term goals that align with your ultimate career vision, as this keeps you focused on progress.
• 😀 Job market awareness matters: Understanding salary expectations and the hiring process at top companies like Microsoft, Amazon, and Google helped Asif strategize his career transitions.
• 😀 Don’t settle for one offer: Asif received multiple offers in a competitive job market, emphasizing the importance of keeping options open and negotiating for the best possible outcome.
• 😀 Take initiative to improve: By actively learning new skills and offering to work on new projects, Asif was able to advance in his career and gain recognition from managers and clients.
• 😀 Career growth is a journey, not a sprint: The path to your dream job requires patience, hard work, and a willingness to pivot or adapt your strategy when necessary.

Q & A

What inspired you to pursue a career at Microsoft despite not having a technical background initially?

I was inspired by the opportunities available in top tech companies like Microsoft, Google, and Amazon. I saw the potential for growth and success, even though I started with no coding experience. My goal was always to find a way to make my dream a reality through hard work and constant learning.

What was the first company that hired you, and how did it shape your career?

I was first hired by Cognizant, a service-based IT company. It played a crucial role in shaping my career by giving me the foundational skills in SQL and data engineering. This job helped me understand the IT landscape and pushed me to learn new tools like Informatica Power Center, which later became important in my career.

How did you overcome the initial challenges when learning SQL and data engineering tools?

I started with basic training in SQL at Cognizant, and while the learning curve was steep, I found support from colleagues and seniors who guided me. I made sure to practice daily, and slowly built my confidence in writing SQL commands and using tools like Informatica Power Center.

What made you decide to shift from a service-based company like Cognizant to a product-based company?

I realized that product-based companies like Microsoft, Google, and Amazon offered bigger challenges, higher learning opportunities, and better salary packages. I wanted to grow faster and work on more innovative and impactful projects, which is why I started preparing to make the switch.

How did you manage to keep your motivation high despite facing multiple job rejections?

Rejections were tough, but I treated each one as a learning opportunity. I used the feedback to improve my skills, refine my resume, and adjust my job search strategy. Additionally, I kept my long-term goals in mind and focused on improving every day. My friends and mentors were crucial in keeping me motivated.

What was the most valuable lesson you learned from your job failures and rejections?

The biggest lesson I learned was that failure is a necessary part of growth. Each rejection brought me closer to my goal by helping me identify areas for improvement. It taught me resilience and the importance of persistence in achieving success.

How did networking and using platforms like LinkedIn help you land new opportunities?

Networking was key to my career progression. I reached out to people in my network, asked for referrals, and connected with professionals who had the experience I wanted to gain. LinkedIn helped me discover job opportunities and also served as a platform to learn from others' experiences and insights.

What advice would you give to someone who is unsure of which job role to target in the tech industry?

I would advise them to take the time to learn about different roles in the tech industry, such as data engineer, data scientist, or cloud engineer. Once you understand the skills and technologies involved, choose a role that aligns with your strengths and long-term career goals. Also, don’t be afraid to reach out to mentors or professionals in the field to get guidance.

How did you balance upskilling with job responsibilities during your career transition?

Balancing upskilling with job responsibilities was challenging, but I set clear goals and created a learning plan. I made sure to dedicate time outside of work to study new technologies like Python, cloud computing, and big data. I also used real-world projects to apply what I learned, which reinforced my skills.

What role did persistence play in your journey to Microsoft, and how can others apply it to their own careers?

Persistence was the key to my success. Even when things didn’t go as planned, I kept learning, applying, and improving. I didn’t let failures stop me. Others can apply this persistence by setting small achievable goals, learning from setbacks, and always pushing forward, even when it feels tough.