I am Naveen Kumar Pallagani, a 2024 Electronics and Communication graduate from ANITS, Visakhapatnam. Today, I am working at AlterSquare as a Jr. Software Developer, and it feels like a big step forward in my career.
I did not take the traditional placement route. I missed out on campus drives. I tried to self-learn everything. It worked for a while—until it did not.
What changed everything was combining hands-on internships with structured upskilling through NxtWave.
If you are from a Tier 2 or Tier 3 college and aiming for a job in tech, here is exactly what worked for me and what can work for you, too.
How It All Started for Me
I have always been curious about tech. During college, I learned Java, Python, and DSA entirely through YouTube. I followed many creators and constantly explored trending technologies.
After graduation, I picked up the MERN stack—again through YouTube. It was exciting, but I soon realised that knowing tech alone was not enough to crack job opportunities.
So I began applying for internships on LinkedIn and other platforms. That is how things started falling into place.
My First Internship Experience (And What It Taught Me)
I landed a 6-month remote internship with a startup based in Delhi. It was a frontend development role with a ₹20,000 monthly stipend.
The work was good, but being a startup, they did not provide me with proper payslips or documentation. I knew this would create problems during full-time job applications.
So I made a tough choice, I resigned to focus on structured learning and long-term career growth.
When I Realised I Needed More Than Just Skills
During college, I was preparing for GATE, so I did not focus on campus placements.
By the time I decided to switch to job hunting, most of the good opportunities were already gone. I started applying through job portals, but I received a poor response.
That is when I realised what I truly needed—placement-focused training and help in areas I had not practised enough, like aptitude and interview readiness.
I joined the NxtWave’s Full Stack Course in October 2024, hoping it would bridge the gap.
Joining NxtWave: A Step That Changed My Direction
When I joined NxtWave, I was still wrapping up my internship.
Managing both was hectic, but I had a clear goal in mind: to secure a placement in a good company within 6–7 months. Since I already had some knowledge of MERN, I fast-tracked through parts of the course.
What kept me going was the dream of getting placed and the structure that NxtWave provided.
How the Right Support Helped Me Improve Fast
NxtWave made my preparation complete, not just in tech, but in how to face interviews confidently.
Their aptitude training filled a massive gap in my skill set. The practice tests, logical reasoning exercises, and problem-solving modules were exactly what I needed.
My Success Coach made a big difference. She tracked my progress, kept me motivated, and reminded me that placement is not just about code, it is also about communication, mindset, and consistency.
My First Interview. My First Offer
In May 2025, I appeared for an interview at AlterSquare through NxtWave placement support
I went in feeling confident. I had practised enough questions. I knew how to explain my internship work. And most importantly, I knew I was ready.
I cracked the interview on my first attempt and received a full-time offer as a Junior Software Developer.
Why Doing Internships Early Really Helped Me
Here is what I realised:
- Internships teach you real-world challenges. You work with teams, meet deadlines, and build usable products.
- Upskilling programs like NxtWave provide a structured approach. You learn how to think, explain, and solve problems, just like in interviews.
- Together, they make you job-ready. Not just technically, but mentally and professionally.
For students from Tier 2 and Tier 3 colleges, this approach was very effective.
My Family, My Support System
My father is a veterinary doctor, my mother is a homemaker, and my elder brother works as a backend developer at Wells Fargo.
It was my brother who first encouraged me to consider a career in the IT field. He helped me understand the industry and motivated me to explore different tech roles.
Financially, our family has been stable, but like every middle-class household, we value career stability and security. Getting placed made my family proud, and for me, it was a moment of clarity:
“I can grow in this field. I just need to keep learning.”
Advice for Tier‑2 and Tier‑3 College Students Like Me
- Start with internships. Even if it is a small company or unpaid, it builds your experience.
- Do not depend only on YouTube. It is great for learning, but not enough for placements.
- Choose a platform like NxtWave that focuses on both technical skills and aptitude.
- Stay consistent. Placement is not about being perfect; it is about being prepared.
“If you have skills, structure, and persistence, you will get placed. No matter your background.”
Final Words
I did not crack a GATE seat. I missed out on college placements.
But I still got a good job in tech because I chose to upskill the right way.
If you are stuck, confused, or wondering if you are too late, you are not.
Start where you are. Use what you have. And never stop learning.
