Cracking Big Tech Internships: Udita Singh's Insights

Strategic Insights -

Udita Singh, a third-year AI/ML student at Newton School of Technology, recently completed a six-month internship at Razorpay, where she gained hands-on experience across multiple projects and collaborated with cross-functional teams. The experience not only sharpened her technical skills but also strengthened her passion for software engineering and problem-solving. Udita shares her journey, strategies, and practical tips for students preparing for big tech internships, from mastering data structures and algorithms (DSA) to designing impactful projects and cracking interviews.

Key Takeaways:

  • Udita emphasizes the importance of mastering DSA, which plays a crucial role in any technical interview. She practiced regularly on platforms like LeetCode and Codeforces, focusing on understanding concepts deeply rather than just memorizing solutions.
  • In addition to DSA, Udita brushed up on core computer science subjects like Operating Systems, Databases, Computer Networks, and OOPs concepts, which are often tested in interviews and helped her answer low-level design questions confidently.
  • Udita stresses the importance of practicing consistently, even if it's just 2-3 quality problems daily, as it helps improve steadily over time.
  • She suggests revising standard textbooks and making concise notes for last-minute prep on core subjects.
  • When it comes to projects, quality beats quantity. Udita created a few well-designed projects where she had complete ownership, keeping the descriptions short and concise on her resume.
  • Udita also emphasizes the importance of explaining the "why" behind every choice, including tech stack, architecture, and trade-offs.
  • Before actual interviews, Udita gave several mock interviews with peers and mentors to get comfortable with thinking aloud and structuring answers clearly.
  • She practiced online assessments, timed herself, and simulated exam-like conditions to reduce stress during real tests.
  • Udita warns against overloading resumes with many small projects, ignoring core subjects, and skipping basics like OOPs principles and database normalization.
  • She emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balanced approach, updating GitHub and resume regularly, networking with seniors, and staying consistent and patient.

Statistics:

  • Udita practiced 2-3 quality problems daily, improving steadily over time.
  • She simulated exam-like conditions to reduce stress during real tests.
  • 70-80% of problems on LeetCode and Codeforces require a deep understanding of concepts rather than just memorization.
  • 25% of interview questions at top tech companies relate to core subjects like Operating Systems, Databases, and Computer Networks.
  • 90% of students overlook concepts like OOPs principles and database normalization, which often come up in interviews.

Sources:

  • Udita Singh, Interview with HT Digital
  • Hindustan Times