This is why 4 years B.Tech alone isn’t always enough to land an internship/job

I recently bagged an on-campus internship opportunity at ‘Hevo Data’. Despite being a third-year undergraduate student pursuing a B.Tech in CSE, none of the knowledge gained during my studies contributed to obtaining this internship.

Who am I?

Let’s start with a bit about me. I’ve been passionate about design for six years now, kicking off back in 2018 with a slow 4GB RAM laptop struggling to handle Photoshop.

In 2020, I officially stepped into the design world, landing my first job as a Graphic Designer and Social Media Manager. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to work with various design agencies, freelance clients from around the globe, and even worked with multiple startups. Over four years, I made the exciting transition from Graphic Designer to UI/UX Designer. During this journey, I juggled multiple roles, from Graphic Designer and Video Editor to Digital Marketer and Content Planner.

Beyond my design endeavors, leading communities has become a significant part of my life. Whether it’s serving as the IT Officer for the ‘Nepalese Students’ Club,’ co-founding a stutter community called ‘PWS Nepal,’ connecting with people who stutter worldwide, representing as a star ambassador for ING Skill Academy, heading the Design domain at Google Developers Student Club, or leading a Design Community at KIIT University, these experiences have honed my leadership and communication skills.

But, the most crucial factor that led to securing this internship was my ability to maintain confidence despite my flaws. Understanding how my personal growth has shaped me and overcoming numerous challenges has boosted my confidence. Ultimately, it’s about having inner confidence and self-awareness, using setbacks as learning experiences and growth opportunities.

What was the internship drive like?

The internship drive kicked off like any other university recruitment drive. We got the usual mix of aptitude and coding questions, with a focus on SQL-related questions — the only time my B.Tech skills came into play.

I passed the first round and then got an email for the second round. This round was unique. We were told to shoot an introduction video stating our journey from childhood to KIIT. This was fun to do. Here came my experience of making a few videos for my inconsistent YouTube channel, really handy.

I submitted the video and got the result the next day. The mail stated that we were having an offline PPT session followed by assignments and interviews. This whole process took 2 days. I found it to be unique that this company was focusing on giving assignments that had some real work to do instead of having GDs, coding rounds, etc.

After these assignments were done, I got shortlisted for an HR interview. I went in for the HR interview. It was pretty chill. The interviewer and I had chats about my family background, experiences, stammering, and interests. The interview went pretty well. I came back to my hostel. And in no time, I was again called for another interview where another interviewer again took my HR interview. Why an HR interview again? Yes, I had the same question.

After I entered the interview room, my question was answered. The interviewer very calmly asked about my stammering. I still remember how he listened to my story of how my stammer started, how it went to its peak, and how it has come to almost an end due to a lot of factors. We had a great conversation regarding how my stammer has never been a hurdle in my professional life, and how I have been communicating with my clients and job providers in the past and have done the job pretty well. This was a wholesome conversation.

Despite initial disappointment at the prospect of being overlooked due to my stammer, my spirits lifted when I received the internship offer from Hevo Data. My happiness knew no bounds, marking the beginning of an exciting journey ahead.

Why B.Tech alone isn’t enough to land a job or internship?

I’ve noticed many individuals diligently focusing on securing high grades, often disconnecting from the real world in the process. While they excel in theoretical knowledge and theorem proofs, they struggle with basic conversations and lack confidence in social interactions.

This approach isn’t ideal. Besides mastering the curriculum, there are essential skills and attributes one should possess:

1. Practical Experience: Hands-on experience, like internships or real-world projects, offers invaluable insights and skills.
2. Communication Skills: Effective communication is crucial in any professional setting, whether it’s presenting ideas, collaborating with colleagues, or networking with clients.
3. Adaptability: The ability to adapt to new situations, technologies, and environments is vital in today’s dynamic workplace.
4. Problem-Solving Skills: Employers value it if you can identify issues, analyze problems, and develop innovative solutions.
5. Teamwork: Collaborative skills are essential for working effectively in diverse teams and achieving collective goals.
6. Leadership Abilities: Whether leading a project or taking initiative, demonstrating leadership qualities sets you apart.
7. Resilience: The capacity to bounce back from setbacks and learn from failures is crucial for long-term success.
8. Self-Awareness: Understanding one’s strengths, weaknesses, and personal development areas is key to continuous improvement.

Conclusion

In conclusion, my journey teaches us the power of never giving up and growing personally. While my B.Tech education provided a foundation, it was my passion for design, coupled with real-world experiences and leadership roles, that propelled me forward. I’ve learned that success isn’t just about grades; it’s about seizing opportunities, building important skills, and facing challenges with strength and determination. Starting this new chapter with Hevo Data, I want others to see that every setback can lead to something better. Let my story inspire you to follow your dreams, tackle obstacles, and find your path to success, no matter what comes your way.