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From Frontend Basics to ₹7.2 LPA Software Engineer: How I Transformed My Career by Upskilling Right

26 June 2025
5 min read

I am Shivani C, a 2024 CSE graduate from Jaya Prakash Narayan College of Engineering (JPNCE), Dharmapur. Today, I work at Solera | DealerSocket as an Associate Software Engineer, earning ₹7.2 LPA.

But the truth is—I did not get here through luck or college placements. I got here because I made a clear decision: to upskill, the right way.

If you are trying to build a career in tech, especially as a student or job-seeker who feels left behind, my journey might help you see what is possible when you focus on skills instead of shortcuts.

Where It Started: Realising My Gaps

It started during a college mini-project. I was assigned the frontend. At the time, I was comfortable using HTML and CSS to build layouts. It gave me confidence, but also opened my eyes.

Because the moment we needed to connect it to a backend, I had no idea where to begin.

That was when I asked myself:

“If I graduate with only this much knowledge, who will hire me for a full-time tech role?”

The answer was obvious: no one. That moment pushed me to look for ways to build a complete skill set—not just frontend.

Finding the Right Path: Why I Chose NxtWave

I came across NxtWave through someone in my sister’s network who had already joined. He spoke highly of the curriculum, placement support, and the practical skills he developed through their platform.

I did my own research. What convinced me was not just the outcomes, but how NxtWave approached learning.

They were not just offering another coding course. They were offering a complete system, designed to take someone like me from basic skills to industry readiness.

I joined NxtWave’s Full Stack Developer course during my final year.

That one decision changed everything for me.

A Smooth Learning Experience—No Clutter, Just Clarity

From day one, I felt the difference.

Everything was structured. Each topic had a clear path. There was no “watch and forget” model. It was “learn and do” every day.

Their Code Playground changed the way I practised. I no longer waste time setting up software or resolving environment errors. All the packages were ready to go. It saved me time and frustration—and helped me focus on solving problems.

It was smooth, but not easy. And that was the best part.

The Skill That Changed Everything: Problem Solving

NxtWave’s coding challenges were different. You could not see hints until you cleared at least three test cases. At first, it was frustrating.

But then, I noticed something,

Each time I solved a tough problem, I was thinking sharper. My logic improved. I stopped second-guessing myself.

Problem-solving became fun—not scary.

This was one of the biggest game-changers in my learning journey. It made me ready to think like a real developer, not just a student.

My Learning Philosophy: Do Not Leave Gaps

I have always believed in doing things completely. I did not want to skip topics or half-learn anything.

Even if a topic took me longer, I stuck with it. I rewatched classes. I practiced more. I cleared every assignment—not for marks, but for mastery.

NxtWave gave me the tools. But I showed up every day and used them.

That consistency built real confidence in me—especially when it was time to face interviews.

No Placements in College? I Focused on Skills First

During the COVID-19 pandemic, placements at my college were stopped. There were no drives, no company visits.

Some students waited. Others gave up.

But I saw it as a chance. I thought, “If companies are not coming now, I will make sure I am fully ready when they do.”

So while others were preparing for what might come, I was already building skills for what would come.

First Interview. First Job. And It Was My Dream Role.

The very first company I applied to was Solera | DealerSocket. It was an offline drive organised by NxtWave, and I cleared it in my first attempt.

By then, I was not nervous. I was ready.

From explaining my projects to answering backend questions, I handled everything with confidence. My communication and presence in the room came naturally—because I had prepared for it every single day.

I got an offer of ₹7.2 LPA in a full-time role as an Associate Software Engineer.

My Support System: Family and NxtWave

My father runs a small food business. My mother is a homemaker. My sister works in IT and helped me with basic coding in my early days.

We come from a modest background. But one thing I always had was support—from home, and from NxtWave.

My Success Coach at NxtWave made a huge impact. On days when I felt tired or low, she checked in, encouraged me, and made sure I stayed focused. That kind of personal support is rare—and I am deeply grateful for it.

Why Every IT Aspirant Needs to Upskill Smartly—Right Now

The tech world is changing fast. Today, companies are looking for skills over resumes, and projects over percentages.

Degrees matter. But they are not enough. You need to be job-ready—with coding skills, logical thinking, and confidence to solve real-world problems.

If you are someone still waiting for placements, still unsure where to start—this is the time to invest in yourself.

I chose NxtWave because it gave me:

  • A clear learning path

  • A platform to practice deeply

  • And access to real job opportunities

And most importantly—it helped me believe I was ready.

My Advice to Anyone Trying to Upskill

  • Start with your gaps. If you are weak in backend or problem-solving, fix that first.

  • Stick to one path. Jumping between platforms creates more confusion.

  • Practice consistently. Coding is like fitness—you cannot skip days and expect results.

  • Use platforms like NxtWave. The structure and support matter more than you think.

  • Believe in progress, not perfection. I was not perfect—but I kept improving.

"One focused year can change your entire career."

Final Words

Today, my parents are proud. I have a job I love, a salary that gives me independence, and a skill set that will help me grow.

All of that became possible because I chose to upskill with purpose—and I stayed committed till the end.

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