Being an engineer is a career path with many ups and downs. You might have one day where you figure out a tough problem and feel absolutely amazing. But then the very next day, you get stuck on a seemingly easy problem for hours. You end up feeling completely defeated. And your goal of becoming a better engineer seems far fetched.
In this post, we’ll share how Rupesh Dabbir went on to bag 14 offers from major tech companies while working full time and being self-taught. Let’s hear it from him:
1. Every person, be it in the tech or the non-tech field, has a career goal or a dream company that they want to work at. Did you have any goals as such?
To be honest, no. I just wanted to hone my skills, do well when it came to the fundamentals, and become a better software engineer. Going into a specific dream company was not the goal.
2. Were there any obstacles stopping you from becoming a better software engineer?
I wouldn't say obstacles, but I would say that information is abundant, and getting through the right information in itself is a big challenge. There is an infinite number of resources. For instance, consider algorithms. There are so many resources out there that it is difficult to find a tailored experience for you.
Keep an eye on your inbox for the first email.
3. What made you realize that you need an interview prep course?
I knew that I had some gaps and had to work on specific concepts and get my knowledge of fundamentals right. When you're interviewing at FAANG, it's always good to have your gaps covered, especially your knowledge of fundamentals. And that's where I decided I need to seek help from Interview Kickstart (IK).
4. How did you come across IK?
I was doing my research for technical interview prep courses and reading some reviews on Quora. That is how I came across IK. Then I went through IK's website and understood what the curriculum encompasses. I attended the Free Masterclass Webinar, where I got a hands-on experience on what I was getting into, and that's how I was convinced. IK delves deep into the fundamentals of each topic, and this is what impressed me the most. So I decided to give it a shot.
5. Did IK help you achieve your goal? If yes, how so?
Definitely! IK provides a solid platform to strengthen your interview game. I wanted something quick and fast—a reboot of topics such as algorithms and data structures—and that is exactly what I got. I've also had the pleasure of meeting some of the best/brightest minds in the industry (faculty and students included). It was a humble experience, to say the least.
6. If you had to pick one thing that you felt was outstanding about IK, what would it be?
I'd pick two—the curriculum (IK covers different patterns in each category) and the instructors who are hiring managers from FAANG companies. They are super helpful!
7. Any advice for our existing cohort?
Sure! I think many engineers try to focus on solving a significant number of problems (quantity over quality). People ask me, "How many problems did you solve?" I didn't solve 500 or 600 problems. But I think what matters is how you solve the problem. Understand the problem very well and then understand the fundamentals behind each problem. This, in turn, will help you gauge the patterns of problems. And once you remember these patterns, it is going to be really useful when you see an unknown problem.
When I interviewed at Google, I was faced with an entirely new set of problems. The Google interview process is very different. But I wasn't nervous. Understanding patterns gave me the confidence to face new problems and think about which problem-solving strategy I could apply to solve google interview questions.
8. Anything else that you would like to say to people who are thinking of considering IK for their interview prep?
The IK team has done a phenomenal job in making sure students get the right resources to set their path for success. I got 14 offers, including FAANG. If you are looking for more than just a Bootcamp to improve your algorithmic skills or interview skills, I would wholeheartedly suggest IK.
Join a live, technical interview preparation webinar with our founder who will take you through how to nail complex Technical Interviews—the Interview Kickstart way! What’s more? It’s absolutely FREE! Details to join this workshop will be sent by email after you register.
.png)
