“Breaking Bugs to Building Dreams” – sounds epic, right? Well, my journey was less like an “epic warrior” and more like a “clumsy adventurer stumbling upon a treasure chest.” Picture this: a girl from the sunny shores of Vizag, dreaming of IIT glory, only to face a hilarious montage of rejection letters. My dreams weren’t shattered; they were more like a dropped ice cream cone on a hot day – messy and disappointing.
Growing up, I was convinced I’d be a genius, solving equations and building robots. Instead, I became a master of “Ctrl+Z.” After countless attempts to crack the IIT/NIT code, I ended up at a college I’d never even heard of, pursuing a BCA. It was like ordering a pizza and getting a salad – unexpected, but hey, it’s food.
The Unexpected Lifeline: HCLTech’s TechBee Program
Then, out of nowhere, HCLTech’s TechBee program swooped in like a superhero in a slightly confusing costume. “TechBee?” I thought. “Is that like a tech-themed bee farm?” My parents, bless their souls, were more enthusiastic. They saw potential where I saw a giant question mark.
The selection process was a chaotic comedy. 150 of us crammed into a room, all vying for four spots. Imagine a tech-themed Hunger Games, but with laptops instead of bows and arrows. Somehow, I survived. Maybe it was my charm, or maybe it was my ability to look really confused and hopeful at the same time.
The Leap of Faith: Leaving Comfort for Challenge
Leaving Vizag for Bhimavaram was like moving to a different planet. Goodbye beaches, hello…classroom training! I learned Java, communication skills (which I desperately needed), and how to survive on instant noodles. It was like a tech boot camp, but with more caffeine and less push-ups.
HCLTech’s culture was amazing. They had mentors who were like tech-Gandalf, guiding us through the coding wilderness. At every step, I found mentors who were always ready to help and encourage me. Even when the world faced the pandemic and everything shifted to online learning, HCLTech never missed a beat. We continued to learn, grow, and receive our stipends—all while working remotely.
Chennai was… an experience. My first day was a monsoon masterpiece. Flooded streets, followed by scorching heat. It was like the weather couldn’t decide if it wanted to be a tropical paradise or a sauna. I learned to navigate flooded streets in flip-flops and carry an umbrella and sunscreen at the same time. Talk about multitasking!
Now, let’s talk about food. As for the famous biryani? At first, it tasted like tomato rice with a spicy twist, and I couldn’t quite get on board. I know, I know, Chennai folks, please don’t come after me. Three years later, I’ve finally embraced the magic of Talapakatti biryani! Now, I’m hooked. “Sometimes, it just takes time to appreciate the true flavors—and the city, too.”
Then came the real world: debugging. My first bug hunt was a disaster. I spent hours staring at the screen, convinced the code was mocking me. But then, I found it – a rogue semicolon! It was like finding a missing sock after weeks of searching. I felt like Sherlock Holmes, but with more coffee.
And let’s not forget the funnier moments. In my early days, I was handed 10,000 records of test data. I thought, “Wow, I’ve got some serious work ahead of me!” So, I dedicated my entire day to testing these records, one by one, with all the seriousness of a determined intern. Fast forward to the end of the day, when I realized – wait for it – this was test data! My innocence was adorable, but that moment was a little like discovering I’d spent the whole day running in place.
Hyderabad: New Beginnings, New Challenges
After 3 years working in Chennai HCLTech. Then, Hyderabad! Working on GenAI projects, was like stepping into the future. Imagine telling my younger self, the girl who struggled with basic algebra, that she’d be working on cutting-edge AI. I’d probably laugh and ask for more pizza. It was the kind of work that made me feel like I was contributing to something big, something that could shape the future. A far cry from the days of struggling with “Hello, World!”
Balancing work, MCA, and Kuchipudi? It’s like juggling flaming torches, but I manage. HCLTech’s support is incredible. They understand that life isn’t just about code; it’s also about dancing, laughing, and occasionally tripping over your own feet. They’ve helped me keep my passions alive, even when the tech world threatens to swallow me whole.
Looking back, I realize that my journey wasn’t a straight line; it was more like a squiggly line drawn by a toddler. But every twist and turn led me here. From almost becoming a tech-themed bee farmer to debugging a leading MNC’s AI, it’s been a wild ride.
So, if you’re feeling lost, remember my story. Embrace the chaos, laugh at the setbacks, and remember, even a Vizag girl can become a tech wizard. And if you ever find a rogue semicolon, give me a call. I’m a pro at those now, with 4+ years of bug-busting expertise.
