Be consistent, the rest will follow
At a young age, Mounika Nandimalla has experienced her fair share of ups and downs. However, one trait that stands out in her character is her unwavering commitment to consistency. She refuses to settle for anything less and remains grounded despite her accomplishments. Currently, she is working with Micron Technology, Telangana, as their Associate Software Engineer, where she continues to demonstrate her dedication with humility. In an interview with Corporate Citizen, Mounika opens up about her campus placement journey, the importance of consistency, a few tips for her juniors on preparing for placements, and more
Mounika hails from the quaint and small town of Narayanpet, Telangana. Growing up in a humble household with limited financial resources, she never let her circumstances define her. "What truly matters are your dreams, and dreams don't recognise any barriers," Mounika smiled, embodying the resilience that has shaped her journey.
The beginning
"What kind of student were you growing up?" we asked. Without missing a beat, Mounika replied, "I was very studious." Her response was so prompt, she answered before the question was even complete. "Being studious comes naturally to me," she explained with a smile. "To achieve something in life, consistency is key. Hard work is the only path to true success." Mounika’s dedication to academics wasn’t a fleeting phase. Recognising the rewards of being studious, she carried this mindset throughout her educational journey.
To her juniors, she offered some heartfelt advice: "Be studious, because it yields the sweetest fruits of success. But don’t forget to balance it out with some chill time—it’s just as important." During her free time, she loves to watch movies, TV shows, and burn some calories by playing badminton or some field sport. With her blend of diligence and balance, Mounika proves that hard work paired with a little fun can lead to incredible achievements.
A stepping stone
The Covid-19 pandemic was undoubtedly one of the toughest times for many, and Mounika was no exception. Stranded within the four walls of her home, she faced an uncertain future. It was her Std. 12th Board exam year—a defining moment in her life.
"As it was a Black Swan event, even our college, like many others, was unsure how to manage the exams. The exam dates kept getting postponed," she reminisced.
While others relaxed at home, Mounika chose a different path. She rolled up her sleeves and devoted her time to revising concepts and learning new things. "Every time the exam dates were postponed, instead of taking it easy, I would study for almost 12 hours a day," she shared.
To recharge, she turned to comedy movies during her breaks, finding a balance between intense preparation and moments of joy.
Your advice to juniors? Focus on revision, stay consistent, and make time to enjoy your free moments too. For Mounika, this break became a stepping stone for her future. She not only prepared for her Boards but also gave her best while gearing up for the EAMCET- entrance exam for Engineering, Agriculture and Medical courses, setting an inspiring example of resilience and determination.
Ray of hope
After completing her Boards from Sri Chaitanya Junior Kalasala, Hyderabad, Mounika pursued a B.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering from G. Narayanamma Institute of Technology and Science, Hyderabad. It was during this phase of her life that she truly embraced the power of dreaming big. "When you dare to dream big, the universe conspires to help you reach your destination," she shared with a smile.
In her first year, Mounika learned about the Lila Poonawalla Foundation (LPF), which provides financial support based on interview performance. She seized the opportunity, aced the interview, and earned a scholarship that covered her education expenses.
"This gave wings to my dreams," she said. "I didn’t let my financial background become a roadblock. From that moment, there was no looking back."
With determination in her heart and support from the foundation, Mounika’s journey became an inspiring tale of perseverance and ambition.
"I wish to climb the ladder of success, continuously learn, grow, and of course, travel the world"
-Mounika Nandimalla
Placement tales
Talking about her placement journey, Mounika shared, "Knowing that I was blessed with the help I needed, I felt immense gratitude and wanted to make the most of it by working even harder. The college laid the foundation by teaching us the essential concepts, but the sessions with the LPF were revolutionary. LPF’s holistic approach covered both technical and personal growth, offering insights into programming, mind mapping and personality development. This support significantly contributed to both my academic and personal development."
She continued, "Apart from this, I dedicated myself to self-study—spending hours solving aptitude papers, learning interview techniques, and honing my skills for group discussions."
The icing on the cake came when Mounika sat for just one company placement interview and got through. "My happiness knew no bounds. It was a moment of pure joy, knowing that I would now be able to help my family," she beamed.
Now, a year into her corporate career, Mounika reflects on her future aspirations. "I wish to climb the ladder of success, continuously learn, grow, and of course, travel the world," she concluded with a smile.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR CAMPUS PLACEMENTS:
Focus on your niche: Pick your area of expertise and master it. This helps in identifying your passion, and during GD and PI rounds, this knowledge comes in handy. The more of an expert you are, the better impression you make during PI rounds.
Consistency in preparation: Overnight success is a myth. It is only your hard work that will take you a long way. Regular and focused preparation is crucial for success.
A balanced approach: All work and no play makes a student dull. Along with consistent studies, what grooms a student is getting involved in extracurricular activities. Participate in these activities to rejuvenate and maintain a well-rounded personality.
Self-study is important: Sure, your college and coaching classes can teach you a lot, but self-study broadens your horizons. It enhances your learning experience and boosts your confidence.
Make use of the Internet: The Internet is one of the best tools that can help and groom students. Apart from college and self-study, there are several courses and videos online that offer knowledge and guidance. Instead of doomscrolling on social media, go to YouTube or other sites that can help you with the campus placement rounds.