The Journey of an EC Student to a Software Dream Job: A Path Less Traveled
As an Electrical and Computer Engineering (EC) student, my placement story at Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology (SJCE) is one that reflects a personal and academic journey more complex than a typical sojourn. This journey is marked with trials and choices that ultimately led me to a place where traditional expectations and personal ambition intertwined.
Academic Roots in EC
My passion for electronics and digital logic drove me towards EC. Inspired by the blend of theory and practical projects, I successfully pursued my undergraduate studies with a notable Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of over 8. Throughout my first and second years, I focused on developing strong foundational knowledge in circuitry, digital logic, and computing.
Paths Crossed and Choices Made
Even as I excelled academically, my placement goals were high. Intrigued by the stories of successful seniors, I attended a placement talk organized by the LCC SJCE during the fourth semester. These talks introduced me to software-related courses like Computer Organization and Architecture (COA), Computer Networks (CN), Operating Systems (OS), Data Structures and Algorithms (DSA), Database Management Systems (DBMS), and various programming languages. These subjects seemed to promise a world of opportunities and high pay packages.
Fueled by these dreams, I made a decision that irrevocably shifted my academic path. Between my fourth and fifth semesters, I switched from my Electrical and Computer Engineering books to Computer Science (CS) books, delving deeply into the language-infused world of software engineering. My motivation stemmed from a blend of interest and the potential impact that a strong software placement could have on my future career trajectory.
The Plunging Vow
Although this shift marked a new direction, my journey was marked with self-doubt. In my sixth semester, I reached a pivotal point that tested my resolve. First, during National Instruments' stringent recruitment process, I faced a setback due to inadequate preparation. This experience served as a wake-up call about the importance of thorough preparation and practical exposure.
Secondly, at ShoreTel, my academic performance was the deal-breaker. Missing the cut-off by only a single point left me at a crossroads. This experience highlighted the intricate relationship between academics and professional aspirations.
Despite these setbacks, my perseverance brought me success with Novell/Microfocus. My placement was a fortunate turn of events. Drawing inspiration from the well-known adage, I associated my placement with preparation meeting opportunity, resulting in a stroke of luck. Qualifying for the written test with the highest score, I was invited for an interview the very next day.
The Crucial Decision and the Interview Experience
The journey was far from smooth. The first interview, which lasted 45 minutes, tested my core CS knowledge, leaving me in a state of anticipation. The second interviewer's EC question, however, hit me harder than I could have imagined, causing my pace to slow. Despite my efforts, I made a mistake, and the interviewer's subsequent laughter was the signal to leave. Nevertheless, a third opportunity emerged shortly.
Despite the initial technical interview hurdles, my HR and final interviews were surprisingly smooth. The interviewers' questions, ranging from personal fluctuations in CGPA to main challenges during my studies, were answered with honesty and confidence. The final moment came around 10:00 PM, and the result awaited by dawn.
A Lesson Learned and Reflections
My journey is a testament to the idea that sometimes, paths less taken can lead to unexpected destinations. While my initial dreams of electronics failed to materialize, the software path opened a new vista of possibilities. The placement experience was both a challenge and a reaffirmation of the importance of perseverance and adaptability.
Now, as I reflect on this journey, I wonder whether my academic decision to switch from Electrical to Computer Science was the right path. Although the road was not easy, I am at peace with the outcome. Academics and professional aptitude are interconnected but not mutually exclusive.
My current role at Novell/Microfocus serves as a reminder that the meeting of preparation with opportunity indeed creates remarkable turns in one's life. As an electrical engineering graduate who chose the path of software, I remain open to other opportunities that may come my way and reshape my dreams.