From Bennett to Microsoft (Off Campus) || Journey of Tanisha Sharma || Full Guidance || Problems BU

Summary

Tanisha Sharma, a former Microsoft intern and current SAP intern in Germany, shares her journey through college and internships in tech. From learning graphic design to diving into AI and full-stack development, she provides valuable advice for students aiming for internships. Tanisha discusses the Microsoft Engage program, including the interview process, project tracks, and mentoring. She emphasizes consistency, DSA preparation, and practical development skills as key to success. Tanisha also highlights the importance of networking, making connections on LinkedIn, and balancing academics with personal growth. Her story offers actionable insights for students looking to excel in tech careers.

Takeaways

• 😀 Tanisha Sharma is a former software engineering intern at Microsoft and is currently pursuing an engineering internship at SAP in Munich, Germany.
• 😀 The podcast primarily targets first- and second-year students, offering career guidance and tips for landing internships like the Microsoft Engage Program.
• 😀 Tanisha's early interests in graphic design and UX led her to explore software development, starting with front-end technologies like React and expanding to AI and DevOps.
• 😀 Tanisha emphasizes the importance of starting development work early in college, recommending a mix of front-end, back-end, and AI development skills.
• 😀 The Microsoft Engage Program selects interns based on resume screening and two rounds of online tests, with a focus on technical and coding knowledge.
• 😀 Successful candidates in the Microsoft Engage Program are assigned a mentor from Microsoft who helps them with project guidance and feedback over a month.
• 😀 The interview for an internship at Microsoft is rigorous, with both technical coding questions and behavioral questions about personal challenges and past projects.
• 😀 Tanisha advises first-year and second-year students to focus on DSA (Data Structures and Algorithms) alongside development to excel in interviews.
• 😀 In addition to DSA, Tanisha recommends using YouTube channels and resources like Striver, Aditya Verma, and HD Sheets for additional learning and practice.
• 😀 Tanisha's college journey includes managing a high GPA (9+ average), balancing academics with internships, personal projects, and self-study.
• 😀 A strong resume is essential for internships like Microsoft Engage, and Tanisha suggests maintaining good academic records and constantly applying for relevant opportunities.

Q & A

What was Tanisha's initial interest before moving into software engineering?

Tanisha initially had an interest in graphic design and UX design. She started exploring software engineering after her first year in college, focusing on front-end development.

How did Tanisha transition from graphic design to software engineering?

Tanisha transitioned by diving into front-end development early in her college years. Over time, she discovered a strong interest in artificial intelligence (AI), which guided her towards a more technical track in software engineering.

What key internship experience shaped Tanisha's career?

Tanisha's internship at **Microsoft** through the **Microsoft Engage Program** played a crucial role in shaping her career. It provided mentorship, a real-world project, and helped her secure a full-time internship opportunity.

What is the application process like for the Microsoft Engage Program?

The application process includes two rounds: a basic tech-related round and a coding round. After that, candidates must solve technical problems and explain their solutions. Successful applicants are then interviewed based on their project and work experience.

What did Tanisha learn from her experience at Microsoft Engage Program?

Tanisha learned the importance of **consistency** in her work. While she didn’t secure the internship directly after the program, she was later offered the position after a second-round interview, reinforcing the value of ongoing effort and preparation.

What advice does Tanisha give to students pursuing tech internships?

Tanisha advises students to start working on **development skills** and **Data Structures & Algorithms (DSA)** from the first semester. Building strong personal projects and having a solid **portfolio** are crucial for standing out in competitive internship applications.

Why does Tanisha emphasize the importance of networking?

Tanisha emphasizes networking, particularly through platforms like **LinkedIn**, because it helps students connect with industry professionals, gain mentorship, and learn about new opportunities in their career path.

How does Tanisha suggest managing time between college and career goals?

Tanisha suggests maintaining a **balance** between academic goals and personal time. She emphasizes effective time management, making space for both study and social activities, and staying consistent with long-term career goals.

What are some common mistakes students make when applying for internships?

Common mistakes include not having enough practical experience, focusing too much on academics without building a strong **project portfolio**, and not preparing for both **technical and behavioral interviews**.

How did Tanisha’s experience with personal projects help her career?

Tanisha's personal projects allowed her to showcase her skills and demonstrate hands-on experience, which played a crucial role in impressing her mentors and securing internships. It’s vital to have projects that reflect your technical capabilities.