From Tier-3 College to IBM: My Real Journey and Honest Tips
Have you ever wondered how someone from a tier-3 college lands a job at a big MNC like IBM, Oracle, or Wipro?
You're not alone.
Most students have these questions running in their minds:
How do I even get noticed by these companies?
Where should I apply?
What preparation is actually needed?
Is it just luck, or is there a strategy?
Today, I'm going to share my complete journey—the failures, the rejections, the small wins, and finally, how I got selected at IBM.
Honestly? It wasn't easy. But it wasn't impossible either.
Let me walk you through everything.
Who Am I?
Hi! I'm Saurabh Prajapati.
I'm currently working as a Software Engineer at IBM India Software Lab.
But before this, I was just another engineering student from a tier-3 government college—Government Engineering College, Patan.
No fancy placements. No big brands visiting campus. Just me, trying to figure things out.
And if I did it, trust me, you can too.
My First Job: Not What I Expected
After completing my B.E., I got placed in an on-campus drive at KNOVOS India Private Limited.
The role? Java Developer in the R&D Department.
Sounds good, right?
But here's the twist (and honestly, it was frustrating at first):
I had to work on .NET and C# instead of Java.
Yeah, I know. That wasn't what I signed up for.
But I decided to make the best of it. I learned .NET, worked hard, and gained experience.
Still, deep down, I wanted to work with Java and modern web technologies.
The Career Switch: Moving to Full-Stack Development
After almost two years at KNOVOS, I realized I needed a change.
I wanted to explore more. Learn more. Grow more.
So, I started looking for new opportunities.
And that's when I got an offer from Visilean India Private Limited as a Full-Stack Developer.
This was a game-changer for me.
I finally got to work with:
HTML, CSS, JavaScript
React.js
Backend with Java
I was learning, building, and enjoying the work.
Life was going well.
But then… something unexpected happened.
The First IBM Rejection: A Reality Check
One day, while casually scrolling through my phone, I got an email.
"IBM has an opening for Java Developer. Apply now."
My heart skipped a beat. I applied immediately.
They sent me a HackerEarth assessment link.
I gave the test. There were two coding questions.
First question: Solved it perfectly.
Second question: Only 33 out of 100 test cases passed.
I was hopeful. I thought, "Maybe they'll consider me."
But a few weeks later, I got the news:
"Position already filled. You were not selected."
Honestly? It hurt.
But I didn't give up. I kept working at Visilean and kept learning.
The Second Chance: A LinkedIn Notification Changed Everything
A few months later, I was scrolling LinkedIn.
A notification popped up:
"IBM has openings. If interested, share your resume. I'll refer you."
I immediately sent my resume.
The person referred me, and within a few days, I got a call for an interview.
But first, I had to complete another HackerEarth assessment.
This time, the position was for Full-Stack Developer.
The Assessment
They asked me two questions:
A DSA question (Easy to Medium level)
A React-based UI question (Fix a Navbar design)
I solved both within the time limit.
And guess what?
I got selected for the next round!
The Technical Interview: Nervousness and Hope
Two weeks later, I got a call from IBM HR.
"Congratulations! You're selected for the second technical interview. When are you available?"
I picked a time. The interview was scheduled for Friday.
It was online, so I prepared well.
What They Asked
Basic array-based DSA question
Technical questions on Java and JavaScript
Scenario-based questions (real-world problem-solving)
The interview lasted around 1 hour 15 minutes.
After it ended, I was nervous. I kept thinking:
"Did I do well? Will I get selected?"
The Final Round: Meeting the People Manager
A few days later, HR called again.
"You're selected for the final round. This time, it's a behavioral interview with the People Manager."
But here's the interesting part:
They told me to come to the IBM office for the interview.
And they also mentioned biometric verification.
I was confused. "Why biometric? The final round is still pending, right?"
But I went anyway.
The Behavioral Interview
The People Manager asked me:
Why do you want to work at IBM?
What are your future goals?
How do you handle pressure and challenges?
The conversation was smooth. It felt more like a discussion than an interview.
And then, at the end, the manager said:
"We have two offers for you."
I was surprised. Two offers? Before the final interview result?
I listened to both and chose the one that felt right for me.
Then I met the HR, thanked her for the opportunity, submitted my documents, and completed the formalities.
And just like that, I was officially selected as a Full-Stack Developer at IBM.
How I Prepared for the Interview
Let me be honest with you.
I didn't prepare for months or follow a huge study plan.
But I was consistent.
Here's what I did:
1. Practiced DSA on GeeksforGeeks and LeetCode
Focused on easy and medium-level problems
Solved questions from Striver's DSA Sheet (Thank you, Striver!)
2. Brushed Up on Core Concepts
Java basics
JavaScript fundamentals
React.js
3. Stayed Calm and Confident
I reminded myself that I've worked on real projects. I have experience. I just need to show that.
My Honest Tips for You
If you're from a tier-3 college like me and dreaming of working at an MNC, here's my advice:
1. Ask for Referrals
Referrals increase your chances of getting noticed.
Connect with people on LinkedIn. Don't be shy. Just send a polite message.
2. Follow Company Career Pages
Big companies like IBM, Oracle, and Wipro post openings regularly.
Turn on notifications. Apply as soon as you see a relevant role.
3. Keep Practicing
Solve coding problems regularly. Stay updated with the latest tech trends.
Even if you don't get selected the first time, keep trying.
4. Don't Lose Hope After Rejection
I got rejected by IBM once.
But I didn't stop. I kept preparing. And the second time, I made it.
Rejection is not the end. It's just a redirection.
What's Next?
I've been working at IBM for 1 year and 7 months now.
And honestly? It's been an amazing journey.
In my next article, I'll share:
What it's like to work at IBM
The internal culture and environment
Projects I've worked on
Stay tuned!
Written by:
Saurabh Prajapati
Full-Stack Software Engineer | IBM India Software Lab
Specializing in GenAI, React, and Modern Web Technologies
