Internship Experience and Growth Journey

Overview of Vocational Training

• Focus on vocational trainings such as carpentry and electronics.
• Emphasis on self-responsibility in hostel living (laundry, etc.).

Educational Background

• Attended St. Joseph's Academy in Dehradun, Uttarakhand from 5th to 12th standard.
• Participated in extracurricular activities and competitions.
• Developed interest in programming during 9th standard through the introduction of Java in the ICS curriculum.

Decision to Take a Gap Year

• Regrets about taking a gap year while friends went to college.
• Gap year influenced by uncertainty about college admission, especially concerning the JEE exam.

Internship Interview Process at a Company

• Applied in November 2022, heard back in January 2023.
• Interview consisted of two technical rounds via FaceTime and a telephonic interview, each lasting 45 minutes with a 15-minute break in between.
• Preparation involved practice from Alpha batch resources, with specific questions mirroring practice exercises.

Insights from the Interview Experience

• First round included challenging problem-solving questions; required breaking down problems into smaller parts.
• Coding interviews were conducted in Java due to prior knowledge and confidence in the language.
• Specific technical concepts, such as exceptions, were discussed during interviews.
• Waited three weeks for acceptance notification post-interview.

Parental Reaction to Internship Acceptance

• Parents were initially unaware of the significance of the internship but were happy for the opportunity.
• Explanation of the company's prominence helped parents grasp its importance.

Future Aspirations

• Plans to explore various areas of development: Android app development, web development, and blockchain technologies.
• Aims to leverage the internship experience for networking and skill development.

Choosing Java Over Other Languages

• Preference for Java based on foundational knowledge and confidence.
• Decision rooted in prior exposure and comfort with the language.

Importance of Skills Over GPA

• Emphasized the importance of skills and practical experience over GPA in the tech industry.
• Encouragement to focus on personal growth and skill-building rather than comparison with peers.

Advice for Students

• Persist in working hard and capitalizing on opportunities.
• Skill development is crucial for success; real-life skills can lead to job opportunities regardless of formal qualifications.
• Utilize free resources available online (e.g., YouTube) for learning and improving technical skills.
• Appreciate initiatives that provide support and resources for skill development.