Software Developer

Name: Suraj Gorai

1)Which company have you been placed in, and can you describe your job role?

I am currently employed as a software developer Intern at a British telecom company, where I secured a position through campus placement. Additionally, I have received two off-campus offers, one from Mercedes Benz Research and Development and the other from Faxoc Jobs & HRMS.

2)Which clubs were you a part of, and how did they support you?

I was a member of three clubs — SDS, LEO, and EEESOC. SDS and EEESOC were instrumental in assisting me during my initial days. Whenever I faced challenges, I sought guidance from senior members who directed me towards a career in the software domain. Particularly, EEESOC seniors provided resources that proved beneficial for my software career.

3)What technical skills are necessary for EEE students?

For those interested in the software domain, proficiency in areas like machine learning, app development, or web development is essential.

4)When did you decide to choose between tech or core, and when is the best time to choose your career domain?

I have been deeply interested in computer science and coding since my school days, so I opted for the software domain. In my opinion, the second year is the ideal time to decide between the software and core domains.

5)When should you start preparing for internships and what platform did you use to secure one? Where did you complete your internship, and if not, what was your alternative? Is having internships essential for securing good placements?

I pursued an off-campus internship as Angular developer at Faxoc Jobs & HRMS, a startup. Internships hold great significance; interviewers often inquire about your internship experience and the technologies you utilized. Internships offer valuable insights before job placements.

By the end of the second year, decide between pursuing a technical or core job and prepare accordingly to secure internships. For a career in the software industry, focus on excelling in data structures and algorithms (DSA) and showcasing relevant projects on your resume.

6)What GPA is necessary to qualify for interviews with core/software companies?

GPA plays a crucial role, with many companies shortlisting based on GPA. A GPA of 8.5 is considered good, while 8 is the minimum requirement for entering the software industry. Electrical engineering students need to compete with computer science graduates in this industry.

7)What other activities, except academic studies, did you engage in during 4 years of b.tech (including projects) and how did they help in your placement and internship?

During my second year, I took part in a national hackathon and secured the third position, earning a cash prize of 1 lakh and a pre-placement offer from Mercedes Benz. Additionally, in my third year, I clinched first place in a hackathon hosted by ECESOC. I highly recommend engaging in hackathons. Furthermore, I served as a l designer in Bitotsav and Pantheon.

8)What was the selection procedure of your company? How did you prepare for it and what was the toughest part of the interview?

The interview process consisted of four rounds: a coding round, two technical rounds, and one HR round. The coding round was challenging. In the technical rounds, I had to write code while sharing my screen and also answer puzzles and logical reasoning questions. The second technical round focused on discussions about my internships, hackathons, and college activities, directly from my resume. The HR round centered on my future plans and basic questions.

9)Please tell us something about the Training and Placement Portal of our college.

The training and placement portal provides a comprehensive list of companies scheduled to visit our campus, along with information on any national hackathons available for student participation. This platform significantly aids in the student placement process and ensures successful outcomes.

10)What are your future plans?

I am currently interested in exploring the field as a software developer, and later on, I will decide on my next steps.

11)If we don’t get placed in the right company according to our aspirations, then what should we do?

We need to realize that setbacks are not the end of the road; there are numerous opportunities ahead. It’s crucial to concentrate on developing skills, which will eventually lead us to our dream job.

12)What would be your message/advice for your juniors in different years respectively?

In the first year, it’s beneficial to explore various areas such as web development, DSA, core subjects, clubs, and designing. Later, focus on determining your field of interest. My advice to juniors would be to put in a lot of effort, and eventually, you will succeed in landing your dream job.

13)Is competitive coding important?

Yes, It is important as it enhances problem-solving speed and it helps to tackle non-standard DSA questions effectively.

14)Which platform did you use for competitive programming?

I initially practiced on LeetCode and GeeksforGeeks, and later utilized platforms like Code Chef and Code forces.

15)Are online courses important?

Online courses are indeed available. However, merely possessing a certificate from an online course without acquiring the necessary skills is not valuable. It is essential to have the appropriate skills to meet the company’s expectations.