Taking on the challenges head-on

While many might give up when facing numerous hurdles during campus placement, we haveKurry Deepika, who, instead of giving up, takes on the challenge with full force and converts the obstacle into an opportunity. This feat has earned her a dream job. Currently completing her BTech, Deepika has been placed with VISA as their Software Engineer, and she is waiting to take the corporate world by storm. In an interview with Corporate Citizen, Deepika opens up about her campus placement journey, the turning point in her life, tips on how to prepare for placement, and more

She is humble, modest, and focused, and most of all Deepika is all geared up to embark on her corporate journey. Born in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, she was raised in Hyderabad. As she is about to set on a new journey, an excited Deepika said, “I know I'm still in my fourth year, but I'm excited and slightly nervous to kickstart my career. I've put in a lot of hard work to clear the campus placement rounds. Besides my efforts, many have supported me along the way – my parents, my city, the Lila Poonwala Foundation, and my friends.”

Striking the right balance

It's always a trial-and-error method until a student finds the right balance for their educational journey. Deepika remarked, shedding light on her successful academic journey, “Balancing both studies and extracurricular activities is quite a task.” She continued, “I enjoyed both studying and playing sports. Before leaving the house, I dedicated hours to studying, completing my homework, and revising. Once I was done studying, my mom encouraged me to go out, meet my friends, and enjoy playing games. I'd say studying helped me enjoy my playtime and playing sports gave me the focus to study harder. Hence, I urge all students to allocate equal time to studies and games because all work and no play makes a person dull.”

The turning point

Deepika is currently pursuing her BTech in Computer Science and Engineering with a specialisation in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning at BVRIT Hyderabad College of Engineering for Women. During her first year, she learnt about the Lila Poonawala Foundation (LPF), which supports aspiring students in achieving their dreams. "Receiving sponsorship from the LPF was truly a dream come true. The mentors there truly gave wings to my dreams," she expressed.

The LPF provided comprehensive support, from grooming to catering to the mental health of students, striving to provide them with a platform to achieve a fulfilling life. Reflecting on the grooming sessions, Deepika shared, “We were exposed to several sessions that knowingly or unknowingly prepared us for campus placements. Their certification courses were enlightening. LPF not only provided sponsorship to support my dreams but also helped me aim for bigger dreams and made me independent. They especially focused on empowering women, making us realise that we are meant for bigger things in life. I am eternally indebted to the foundation.”

Bring it on

Her three-year journey with LPF thoroughly prepared her for campus placement, complemented by the support provided by her college. Moreover, Deepika left no stone unturned in her self-preparation. Reflecting on her efforts, she shared, “I applied all the knowledge I had gathered so far. Recognising my talents and skills, I was determined not to settle for anything less than what I deserved. I was willing to put in my blood, sweat and tears to secure a good placement. I placed my faith in YouTube and other online platforms for learning and understanding coding. I researched roadmaps that would guide me towards my goal. I solved numerous aptitude papers and grasped all the latest topics and concepts for GD and PI rounds."

"Recognising my talents and skills, I was determined not to settle for anything less than what I deserved. I was willing to put in my blood, sweat and tears to secure a good placement."

-Kurry Deepika

Success often comes hand in hand with rejections, and Deepika experienced her fair share of them. “But I didn't give up,” she exclaimed with a smile. “I applied to over 15 companies before landing a job. Each rejection gave me the opportunity to understand myself better. I analysed my journey and made necessary changes along the way. Finally, my hard work paid off. I couldn't believe it when I received the job offer.”

She is about to embark on her journey with VISA. While she has yet to start working, Deepika has already outlined her future plans. “I aim to thrive in my current organisation, saving enough money to gift a house to my parents and eventually buy a car. Furthermore, I aspire to explore the world, enriching my knowledge while giving back to society,” saying this, she signed off.

TIPS TO PREPARE FOR CAMPUS PLACEMENT

Hone all the skills: Having skills is akin to holding a passport to your desired destination. Enhancing these skills positively influences students by fostering cognitive abilities, critical thinking, problem-solving prowess, and more. These proficiencies pave the way for them to reach their aspirations. Therefore, strive to optimise your skill set.

Know your fundamentals: Having a clear understanding of the basics of any subject prepares you to overcome any challenge. It lays a solid groundwork for all three stages of campus placement. Strong fundamentals not only boost confidence but also provide the courage needed to excel in any examination

Consistency is the key: Love what you do and do it every day. Achieving good marks or securing a placement requires consistent effort. Revise your subjects regularly, as the rewards of consistency are outstanding.

Keep yourself updated: All three rounds of campus placement thrive on your current affairs knowledge. For that read the newspaper daily, and stay updated with the company’s current happenings. Download apps that allow you to understand industry trends better. Thoroughly research the company that you are applying for.

Analyse your journey: Reflecting on your journey, whether marked by rejection or approval, provides you with an opportunity to better understand yourself. It helps you identify your strengths and capitalise on them while also addressing your weaknesses.