Emoji Monkey Success Story: Abhishek Gupta

Introduction

I was in a hurry to complete the questions that were handed over to us for the unit test during one of our master’s exams. I saw Abhishek Gupta entering the classroom; he picked up the paper and spent the next 40 minutes or so writing only a single page of answers. Every 15 minutes, I was completing one page and observing his calmness in writing only that single page. I felt a little anxious about his result and somewhat surprised by his nerves. When the results came a week later, he had secured only three marks out of twenty, and I was not surprised this time.

This story is not about me; the protagonist of this story is my friend who started his life in a small town in Bihar coming from an average middle-class background. He completed his initial studies in Hindi Medium, and latter went on to work for some of the most renowned Software Companies in the world, like Microsoft, Visa, and Walmart. He has excelled in multiple technologies, contributing to both frontend and backend development. While some find inspiration in their circumstances or some in celebrities, I consider myself fortunate to find inspiration in the individuals around me. Among them, one person who has inspired me the most in my career journey is my friend Abhishek Gupta.

We started our careers with the same organization, and not surprisingly, he was also late on the joining date. The day he left for a different city to pursue his future aspirations, I remember parking my bike outside his PG that evening and having multiple glasses of tea, reminiscing about the last few years we had spent together.

Because not only he is a professional to take inspiration from, but he is also a friend who never misses a chance to be with us in every single small or big moment. It took me almost ten years to tell this story. So, without further delay, let’s hear his journey from himself and get ourselves some motivational boost.

Interview with Abhishek Gupta

Emoji Monkey : Welcome Abhishek !! Tell us about initial days of your learning !!

Abhishek : (With his ever-present smile), I come from a background of Hindi medium education and completed my twelfth examination from the Bihar Board. Then, I entered into a Bachelor’s Degree program in Computer Science. In the first year, my challenge wasn’t solving coding problems but rather forming sentences in English. To pass the examinations, I had to mug up answers and paragraphs. However, with constant effort over the course of a year, I became proficient in constructing sentences, and things gradually became easier .

Emoji Monkey : How the thought came to you to complete Masters Degree with Computer Science ?

Abhishek: For better career opportunities I had decided to complete Masters Degree in Computer Science. I had attempted entrance examinations for various institutes for MCA but couldn’t clear them the year I completed my Bachelor’s Degree. So, I dedicated a year to prepare specifically for the entrance examinations and eventually succeeded in the BIT Mesra entrance exam.

Emoji Monkey : During one of our internal tests why you wrote only one page ?

Abhishek : I was not prepared and had already calculated that best of three clause will apply and I will get some good marks in next two . (Both Laughed).

Emoji Monkey : We both started with Service based company, but you switched a bit early in your Career to Microsoft ? What was your thought behind going for Microsoft Interviews?

Abhishek : There was no such specific thought process. I just wanted to grow in my career and was giving interviews . Before I was able to crack interview for Microsoft I had failed in six interviews of different companies.

Emoji Monkey : At one point in your career , you were thinking of giving UPSC exams? Throw us some light on what happened?

Abhishek : I spent a month strategizing for the UPSC exams and bought the necessary books. I began preparing diligently for the exams. However, due to the regular demands of extra effort at the office, I found it challenging to allocate sufficient time for UPSC preparation. Consequently, I made a conscious decision to drop my UPSC preparation and focus solely on advancing my career in software.

Emoji Monkey : What are the skills that are required to crack interview of product based companies like Microsoft at fresher level?

Abhishek : The primary subject essential for cracking interviews at beginner levels in product-based companies is Data Structures and Algorithms. This is because many such companies prioritize these skills as they form a strong foundation for tackling various technical challenges. Additionally, since the specific technologies and skills required for the job may differ from one’s previous experience, proficiency in Data Structures and Algorithms remains a crucial factor in assessing candidates’ problem-solving abilities.

Emoji Monkey : As a fresher or at intermediate level or at expert level what are some good resources for DSA preparation ?

Abhishek : At the fresher level, ‘Data Structures and Algorithms Made Easy’ by Narasimha Karumanchi is a highly recommended reference book. Additionally, for practice, LeetCode offers a diverse selection of questions suitable for various levels of competition. Utilizing these resources can greatly aid in preparation for interviews at different levels in the Product Based Companies.

Emoji Monkey : How many questions are enough to be solved on Leetcode to crack interview of Product based companies and how many questions a day someone shall solve ?

Abhishek : Once you have a solid grasp of important concepts from books like ‘DSA by Karumanchi,’ solving 150 to 200 problems from LeetCode can adequately prepare you for interviews. Platforms like LeetCode offer study plans with sets of 150 or 75 questions tailored for interview readiness. Additionally, committing to regular practice, such as solving one question per day, can provide a steady foundation for initial preparations.

Emoji Monkey : What is the one difference that you found while working with Microsoft and your previous service based company?

Abhishek : Beyond the allure of global products and cutting-edge technologies, the intelligence and expertise of one’s colleagues play a significant role in motivation and success in the workplace. At companies like Microsoft surrounding oneself with smart, talented individuals can be inherently motivating and conducive to personal and professional growth.

Emoji Monkey : Why you switched from Microsoft to Visa?

Abhishek : While at Microsoft, I primarily focused on frontend technologies but desired to broaden my skill set to include backend expertise. Consequently, I made the strategic decision to transition to Visa in pursuit of career growth opportunities.

Emoji Monkey: How was your experience at Visa and why you switched from Visa?

Abhishek : While working as a Backend Developer at Visa, I found that the product I was assigned to undergo significant changes that were taking a considerable amount of time to finalize. Not completely satisfied with the roles and responsibilities, particularly the lack of core backend development opportunities, I made the decision to change organizations in pursuit of career growth.

Emoji Monkey : How is your experience at Walmart and what are your future aspirations ?

Abhishek : At Walmart, I have found fulfillment in my role as a Backend Developer, aligning with my career aspirations. Moving forward, I aim to delve deeper into the technology landscape and eventually transition into architect roles .

Emoji Money : How much you think System Design is important for Product Based Companies ?

Abhishek : At the beginner level, system design may not be a mandatory skill, but it becomes increasingly important at intermediate and high-level positions within product-based companies. As candidates progress in their careers, they can expect system design concepts to be a significant focus in interviews for more advanced roles.

Emoji Monkey : What is one thing you would like to suggest everyone working at Service Based or Product Based companies?

Abhishek : In addition to excelling in your current role, it’s essential to maintain transparency with your management about your career and technical aspirations. Don’t hesitate to express your readiness for more responsibilities and opportunities for growth. Proactively communicating these intentions can significantly contribute to career advancement.

Emoji Monkey : Thanks for your Valuable Time Abhishek & Wish you all the Best !!

Abhishek : Thank You !!

While Abhishek graciously accepts his transition from Hindi Medium to excelling in an English medium environment, as well as his move from service-based to product-based roles, many aspiring Hindi medium students or professionals aiming to switch sectors shall understand the significant efforts required for such transitions.

Conclusion

One key takeaway is Abhishek’s exceptional analytical abilities, which enabled him to overcome challenges and excel in his career. Wishing him the best of luck in all his future endeavors!

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