Tier 3 to Microsoft & Amazon | How did this student crack these Internships ?

Summary

The video script is a detailed interview with a student discussing their journey from their first year in college to securing internships at Microsoft and Amazon. The student shares insights on maintaining a high CGPA, the importance of grasping concepts in Data Structures and Algorithms, and the role of projects in their success. They also discuss the significance of effective communication skills for interviews and the value of participating in competitions to enhance learning. The interviewee emphasizes the importance of time management, consistent learning, and having a clear strategy for career growth, including the decision to target specific companies and the process of applying for internships.

Takeaways

• 📚 Consistent Academic Performance: Maintaining a good GPA is crucial, as it was a standout point for the interviewee with an 8.9 GPA.
• 💻 Building a Strong Foundation: The interviewee emphasized the importance of having a strong grasp of Data Structures and Algorithms, which supported their profile.
• 🔧 Practical Experience: Engaging in practical projects and development work is key, as it provides hands-on experience and enhances the resume.
• 👨‍🏫 Learning from Seniors: Interacting with seniors and learning from their experiences can guide you on what to expect and how to prepare.
• 👥 Networking and Friends: Building a good circle of friends can be beneficial, especially when preparing for placements and seeking guidance.
• 🚀 Targeted Preparation: Focusing on specific areas such as AI, ML, and web development can help in tailoring your skill set for desired roles.
• 📈 Continuous Improvement: The interviewee improved their coding profile and participated in competitions, which increased their visibility and recognition.
• 🗣️ Communication Skills: Effective communication is vital for placements, as it impacts how well you can express your ideas and solutions.
• 🎯 Goal Setting: Setting clear goals for internships and placements helps in staying focused and preparing accordingly.
• 📝 Tailoring Applications: Customize applications for specific companies by including relevant projects and skills that match the job description.
• 🤝 Importance of Internships: Securing internships can provide practical exposure and improve the chances of getting selected for full-time roles.

Q & A

What was the significance of CGPA in the selection process for the internships?

CGPA was not a critical factor during the internship selection process. The companies focused more on how well the candidate performed in the interview and the projects rather than just the CGPA.

How did the speaker start their journey in Data Science?

The speaker started their journey in Data Science during their second year by taking up courses and following both the curriculum and additional resources to build a strong foundation.

What was the role of projects in the interview process?

Projects played a significant role as they demonstrated the candidate's practical knowledge and skills. Interviewers often discussed the projects mentioned in the resume to gauge the candidate's understanding and experience.

How did the speaker prepare for the Microsoft off-campus recruitment process?

The speaker prepared by thoroughly reading the job description, including relevant skills and projects in their resume, and focusing on their coding profile and achievements.

What was the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the speaker's college experience?

The COVID-19 pandemic affected the speaker's college experience by limiting interactions with seniors and reducing the opportunities for practical experience due to lockdowns.

How did the speaker manage their time during the interview preparation?

The speaker managed their time by revising their concepts and notes in the five days leading up to the interview, focusing on Data Science questions, and ensuring they were well-prepared.

What was the structure of the interview rounds for the internships?

The interview process typically had one technical interview round followed by a second round that was a mix of technical and HR questions.

How did the speaker's coding profile contribute to their interview success?

The speaker's coding profile showcased their coding skills and projects, which helped them stand out during the resume screening process and added credibility to their technical skills.

What advice does the speaker give for building a strong resume for software roles?

The speaker advises including relevant projects, maintaining a good CGPA, highlighting achievements, and showcasing coding profiles to make the resume stand out.

What was the speaker's approach to learning and exploring new topics in their field of study?

The speaker's approach involved exploring new topics, understanding what is required and what is not, and dedicating time to learn and understand different areas of their field.

How did the speaker handle the pressure of securing internships and placements?

The speaker handled the pressure by focusing on their preparation, maintaining consistency in their studies, and ensuring they had a good understanding of the technical aspects required for the roles they were applying for.