In the second year of my BSc in Computer Science, I found myself grappling with a common sentiment echoed in the halls of my college: “B.Tech > BCA > B.Sc. CS.” It felt like a hierarchy where my degree was somehow ranked last. Many of my peers seemed to have their sights set on engineering, while I was tucked away in the corner with my B.Sc. It was a bit disheartening, but I had heard a new wave of thought: skills matter more than degrees.
Holding onto this belief, I made a commitment to myself. I decided to learn everything I could about web development. I started with the basics — HTML and CSS. It was like unlocking a new language; each new line of code was a step into a world of creativity. I pushed myself further, diving into JavaScript and dipping my toes into ReactJS. I was eager to build something meaningful, and with every small project I completed, my confidence grew.
But then came the daunting task: applying for internships. I wasn’t entirely sure what I was doing; I just knew I wanted to gain experience. With my college being labeled a tier-3 institution, I felt the weight of my uncertainty. Still, I pushed forward and began applying for every job I could find. It didn’t matter what the position was; my curiosity and hunger for experience fueled my determination.
The first few months were tough. Day after day, I received rejection emails. “Unfortunately, we have decided to move forward with another candidate.” It was disheartening to see those words repeatedly. Sometimes, I would complete assignments for companies, pouring hours into them, only to be met with silence. It felt like a never-ending cycle, and I was starting to get tired.
But just when I was about to give up, something incredible happened. I received a call from a company scheduling an interview for a ReactJS intern position. I could hardly believe it! After a series of interviews and discussions, I finally got the news I had been waiting for — I was selected for the internship.
This experience taught me so much about perseverance. It showed me that while my college’s reputation might not have been stellar, my skills and determination mattered more. I realized that the journey to finding opportunities might be filled with challenges, but consistency and faith in oneself could lead to the right moment.
Looking back on my internship from a year ago, I feel grateful for the lessons I learned and the growth I experienced as a developer. The skills I gained and the challenges I faced during that time have shaped my journey and prepared me for future opportunities. I’m excited to carry these insights forward as I continue to pursue my passion for development and writing.
