Software Development Engineer
Name: Pushkal Kishore
Q1. In which company have you been placed in? Please describe your job role.
Ans:- Currently, I got offer from two companies. Firstly, the company called SignalX.ai from where I have been offered as a 6-month internship role of a SDE. Secondly, I got the FTE from a company named Truminds Software System where also I got the role of a SDE.
Q2. Which clubs and societies were you a part of ?
Ans:- I was a part of NSS executive body and EEESoc.
Q3. When and how did you decide between core and software job? Also mention the ideal time to choose according to you?
Ans:- I was inclined towards a software job from the beginning of the first year as I have immense interest on coding and I didn’t like those core electrical subjects. Though I suggest 2nd year to be an ideal time for deciding between core and software job.
Q4. What are the skills that a student interested in software domain should focus on?
Ans:- A strong hold in DSA and lots of CP are the only requirements to get placed in the software domain through college placement. A resume will require two and three projects, but the main emphasis should be on DSA. No need to waste your time in WedDev, AI / ML etc.
Q5. How much CGPA should one maintain in order to be allowed to sit in an interview for any software company?
Ans:- A CGPA of 8 and above can be considered a safe one. But also try for 8.5 also as some companies set a high CGPA for eligibility.
Q6. How can one use time effectively and manage their time between academics, extracurricular activities (along with projects, learning job-based skills) and social life?
Ans:- In order to succeed in the core domain, you must study every day, no other options. If you want to enter the software domain, you should study only 1–2 days before your exams. For better grades, study 4 days prior to the exam. Focus on CP and DSA the rest of the time.
Q7. How early should one start preparing for internships and which platform did you use to grab it? Where did you pursue your internship from and if not, then what was your alternative? Is it necessary to have internships for good placement?
Ans:- I would say that you should be clear about the domain you want to get into by the end of second year. Then accordingly you should start preparing from the second year, at max by the end of 3rd semester as six months is enough for preparation of DSA and projects.
I personally preferred CodeForces for CP and LeetCode to practice DSA problems. I pursued my Internship from Truminds software systems which was an on campus internship. If you manage to grab an internship, it would definitely give you an edge over others. Otherwise, if you don’t get one then it’s not a big deal, just improve your skills based on your domain and engage in projects.
Q8.How important is GIT and GITHUB for a student interested in software domain and up to what level should one explore it?
Ans:- GIT and GITHUB are very important. Without them nothing can be built. It facilitates the creation of collaborative projects, assists in maintaining code bases, and facilitates the merging of code of many people. There is no rocket science involved in learning it, it’s very simple.
Q9. How did you prepare for you placement and what was the toughest part of the interview?
Ans:- I started preparing for my placement from the beginning of 1st year. I knew I have interest on coding and started to pursue it. Actually, I have also got the summer internship from campus interview. I was working on a really tough project and on that I have spent a lot of time upon that project. The project was though interesting and the interviewer got interested on that project topic and started questioning me some DSA problems based on the project. I felt that was the most challenging part of the interview.
Q10. How important is LINKEDIN and how to maintain an a good LINKEDIN profile?
Ans:- LinkedIn plays a crucial role in securing a good job in the software/core domain, particularly for off-campus placements. Maintaining an updated and well-crafted LinkedIn profile is essential. Posting any achievements, you acquire enhances your profile’s visibility. When recruiters visit a college, one of the first things they notice is your LinkedIn profile. A well-curated profile sets you apart from the rest of the crowd.
Q11. How important role does Competitive Programming play as far cracking a placement is concerned and is it necessary to be good at the same?
Ans:- If you are really passionate about software jobs then you will feel excited while doing CPs. In codeforces, if you get position of expert or rank like that kind you will get in list of top coders by which it will help you to ace any tough interview so to land any job and will build your base really strong than compared to others. But, CP at times may restrict your overall preparation. So along with CP it is also important to indulge yourself in decent projects.
Q12. What other extra-curricular activities did you engage yourself during four years of BTECH?
Ans:- In extracurricular activities, I served as a member of the NSS Executive Body, contributing to the organization of blood donation camps and participating in Prabhat Feri. Being a part of the NSS executive body was not only enjoyable but also provided valuable experiences.
Q13. What are your future plans?
Ans:- As of now I just want to work as a software developer and decide later for further things.
Q14. What would be your advice to your juniors in different years?
Ans:- The only advice I would give to our juniors interested in the software domain is to focus on developing a profound understanding of Data Structures and Algorithms (DSA) and engage in extensive practice in Competitive Programming (CP).