Q1) Let us begin with the interview; please introduce yourself
briefly.
-> Yeah, so thanks for inviting me. Myself Abhinav Awasthi, Final
IT, and currently I am working as a Software Development Engineering Intern at
Zeta.
Q2) What does “coding” and “tech” mean for you?
-> Right. So, “coding” and “technology” for me is maths,
problem-solving, and critical thinking. Back when I was in class 9th, I was
introduced to JAVA, and no idea whatsoever about BTech., CSE, IT etc. I knew
about Mechanical, Civil etc. to some extent but not much. So I developed
interest in it in class 9th and 10th and 9th, got good marks and then only
found out about all the other things. Then one thing led to another, and I
ended up here at HBTU Kanpur. Then, I was introduced to Codechef, Codeforces by
my seniors, which as I said, was majorly problem-solving.
Q3) For a beginner in college, how late is too late to start
coding, for grabbing a placement?
-> It's never too late. Depending upon the time you have left,
you can opt for a different course. It is always better to start early. In the
first year, you should always try and explore as much as possible; in the
second year, get into it seriously and in the third year, you should reach a
certain level of expertise. For example, if you have 6 months, to complete a
Data-science course, you'll get placed. Not at a very high package, but
decently. If you've 2 years in hand, go for DSA, and Full-Stack Development.
So, the earlier the better.
Q4) You mentioned things like Full Stack and Data Science; there's
a very hot question doing rounds, DSA or Development (or any other similar
course). Your opinion?
-> Whilst preparing for the JEE, we study subjects like Maths,
Physics, and Chemistry, but after we get into college—and this is something
which has been asked me quite a few times—what was the need? It is not the
subject(s), but, the problem-solving skill and attitude, it helps develop in
you. Similar is the case with coding, and problem-solving. Be it Front-End,
Back-End, Data Science, or anything. It is to inculcate a thinking ability of
sorts. When in companies, in jobs, you're presented with a task and you've to
complete it and you may or may not have the required knowledge, but it is the
problem-solving attitude and skills that are necessary. So, as for your
question: Dev VS DSA, is not the right viewpoint to look at it, but instead DSA
and DEV.
Q5) You were someone who did a lot of internships in you're
placement journey. How would you guide the juniors on how to start and grab
opportunities?
-> I would like to begin with my journey:
My 1st semester was chill with nothing much going on. In my 2nd
semester, I started Codechef, Codeforces and in my 3rd Semester, I acquired
Expert Rank or 5 stars in both. Parallelly, I had started my YouTube channel
and it is when Geeks-for-Geeks reached out to me, asking to make content for
them. So, I joined GFG and worked for them for a year almost. Along with GFG, I
worked with Zion Trade and joined LinkedIn. It was my semester. Mind you I had
started searching for internships in my 4th Semester. After coming back from
LinkedIn, I searched for more and had three options: Byjus, ZScaler, and Zeta,
and chose Zeta. For the juniors, I would recommend, don't go behind
opportunities. There is a dialogue in 3 Idiots about this. I am one example,
always go for skill, and the opportunities will follow. Because if you have
skills, people will reach out to you, because they NEED good people. So five
steps in all: You know DSA, you know processes, you know CSE fundamentals,
you've prepared with an interview-specific mindset, and have a top-notch
project—you're good to go!
Q6) How to create balance if a person is trying to learn multiple
things like competitive programming, development, AI/ML etc?
-> Incase of CP if you already know the basics, start
participating in the online contests, you can refer codeforces for the same.
For DSA you can
Let's say if you're spending 4hrs per day on coding, 2hrs on
contest and 2hrs on DSA. During weekends you have more time so you can spend
more hours on projects. Aim on making projects which interests you. If you're
just making it for the sake of adding it in your resume, you won't be able to
learn much from it. For example I made projects like crackdsa, notes.crackdsa
purely out of interest. Moreover CS fundamental is a one time study where you
make your own notes and use it for revision before going for interview.
Q7) What'd you suggest to pursue web development or app
development with respect to the current scenario?
-> Choosing between App development or Web development is based
on your interest. Any big firm have a great diversity they don't see the
technology you specialise in, they only see if you've worked on something in
the past or not. If you're hired in Google and they tell you to work on Java
script you can't say that you don't know it, you'd have to study and implement
the task given using your thinking abilities.
Q8) Can you tell us more about your job description in Zeta?
-> I'm a software developer intern at Zeta. I'm working with the
reliability operations team. Zeta is the only company in India which is working
to diversify the banking tech. I'm specifically working with HDFC Bank on it's
pay app. We have to ensure that it's server isn't lagging , transaction are
going smoothly etc. In linkedIn I was in site infrastructure team where we built
internal tools for LinkedIn which are used by employees for internal
management.
Q9) How has your experience been so far, working in the corporate
sector and for the Tech-Giants?
-> It has been really good. People complain a lot about
work-life balance, and the routine life. But, the companies are focusing a lot,
towards addressing the mental effects of sitting on a desk for longer hours, to
keep the work-force motivated. A lots of perks, vacations, holidays—in fact,
I myself have a Goa vacation lined up, in the coming few weeks—so yeah, for me,
it has been absolutely fantastic.
Q10) Any closing remarks for the juniors and the audiences of this
interview?
-> Like I said, the corporate world is enjoyable, and there is
not much pressure. BUT only for those who have an interest. Without interest,
or without developing interest, be it a day, an hour or an even a minute would
feel boring and forced upon. So, cultivate interest, for which, the correct
time is now in the college. You cannot do it after getting placed because you
simply won't have the time and energy, so do it NOW. That is all.