IT Job Mkt More Democratic: Skills Shine Regardless Of College, Says Google SWE

Sagar Kumar, Software Engineer (SWE) at Google, is proof that pedigree doesn’t dictate potential. In an exclusive interaction with Bizz Buzz, he reflects on how the IT job market has become more democratic: “Regardless of the location or brand of the college, talent is being acknowledged.” Sagar, who began his journey at a Tier-III college and took his first job at TCS, shares how perseverance, strategic learning, and active community engagement helped him break into a top-tier tech role. He emphasises the importance of consistency in data structures and algorithms, hands-on practice in system design, and building a visible personal brand through LinkedIn and GitHub. “Start with a single tech stack, be active online, and let your work speak,” he advises. He also highlights mentorship, smart networking, and mental well-being as crucial ingredients for long-term success in high-performance environments like Google

How do you think the IT job market has changed in recent years, and what advice would you give to job seekers in today’s competitive environment?

Undoubtedly, the market has grown more democratic while also becoming more competitive. Regardless of the location or brand of the college, talent is being acknowledged. The good thing is that. However, job seekers are increasingly competing globally rather than just locally due to the rise of AI and remote labour. Building a personal identity, showcasing your work, and maintaining an active LinkedIn or GitHub presence are therefore more crucial than ever.

My recommendation is to focus on a single tech stack or field that you are passionate about. At first, avoid trying to be a jack of all trades. Additionally, the most important asset in today's economy is knowledge; therefore, never stop learning.

What role did networking and mentorship play in your career progression, and how do you recommend aspiring professionals leverage these tools for success?

An enormous one. I believed that hard talents were the key to success in college. Later on, though, I understood that networking and soft skills are equally important. I began interacting with people on LinkedIn to learn from their experiences rather than merely soliciting recommendations. Some of those discussions led to unexpected opportunities.

In particular, mentors helped me make sense of things when I was confused. They properly guided me and helped me steer clear of typical mistakes. If you're just starting, don't be afraid to ask for help. People are more helpful than you may imagine; all you need to do is approach them with humility and sincere interest.

When it comes to technical interviews, especially for companies like Google, what are your top preparation tips for mastering data structures, algorithms, and system design?

Consistency is essential for Data Structures and Algorithms (DSA). Think of it as a habit rather than a race. Every day, work through one or two problems and go over the ones you find difficult. Know the rationale behind each solution. Practice, articulating your ideas aloud as well. One aspect of it is technical proficiency; another is communication.

Start with the fundamentals when designing a system: how a URL functions, how databases grow, and how caching enhances performance. Next, design practical systems like Instagram or YouTube. Make use of tools such as Grokking the System Design Interview, but ensure that you use those ideas in practice interviews. Finally, practice interviews frequently. This is the most effective method for identifying blind spots and acclimating to pressure.

With the rise of emerging technologies like AI, machine learning, and cloud computing, how do you see these fields shaping the future of tech careers?

These are changing industries; they are no longer merely catchphrases. Systems are becoming smarter thanks to AI and ML, and they are becoming more scalable and accessible thanks to cloud computing.

Tech workers have a great potential here. Knowing how AI fits into your field can be quite beneficial, even if you're not working in it directly. Even conventional positions like backend engineering will eventually change to incorporate expertise of cloud infrastructure or ML pipelines, in my opinion. So, never stop learning. The tech industry doesn't wait, so choose one of these disciplines, get your hands dirty with little projects, and keep up to speed.

How do you manage stress and avoid burnout, especially when working in high-pressure environments like Google, and what tips do you have for maintaining work-life balance?

Particularly in high-performance settings, burnout is real. Setting boundaries, such as having clear work hours, unplugging after a while, and scheduling time for non-technical activities, was what I found to be effective.

I also make an effort to reflect regularly. I take a moment to question myself, "What's the pressure for?" if I'm feeling too overwhelmed. What am I able to give up? My sanity has been maintained by engaging in hobbies, conversing with friends, or simply going for walks. I would advise against exalting hustling. Your peace of mind is just as vital as your productivity.

What would you recommend to a computer science or IT graduate from a lesser-known institution who is trying to break into top-tier companies? What are the key steps they should take to increase their chances?

First, have faith that it is feasible. That change in perspective is essential. Second, avoid waiting for the ‘ideal moment.’ Begin creating things, such as personal blogs, open-source contributions, or projects. Let your work do the talking.

Third, have an active presence on social media sites like Twitter, GitHub, and LinkedIn. Showcase your work, interact with the community, and establish relationships. Lastly, make a conscious effort to prepare. Concentrate on a single business at a time, research their interview procedure, and adjust your strategy accordingly. Being the one who persists is more important than being the smartest person in the room.

Can you walk us through your journey from a Tier-III college to landing a role at Google? What were the biggest challenges you faced along the way?

The journey wasn't simple, coming from a Tier-III university. For small product-based businesses, there was little exposure, fewer prospects, and virtually no organized advice. Like many others, I started my career at TCS after graduating in 2021, and it was a terrific place to start. Working on real-world projects, creating end-to-end solutions, and—most importantly—gaining confidence as a developer were all opportunities I had at TCS.

However, at some point, I realized that I wanted to challenge myself even more, to work at the forefront of technology and be a part of an organization that values both innovation and impact. At that point, the desire to work at Google began to take shape.

It wasn't an overnight change. I had to balance a full-time job with intense interview preparation, system design, DSA review, and communication skills development. Dealing with self-doubt and imposter syndrome was the largest obstacle, not a lack of resources. It took a lot of introspection for me to feel like I belonged at a top-tier company because I came from a background where such organizations weren't common.

Every rejection served as a teaching moment, and every victory, even advancing past one round of interviews, was encouraging. That persistent work eventually paid off. I'm thankful for every stage of my life, from college to TCS to my current position at Google, as each one taught me something important for the next.

What strategies did you use to overcome the difficulties of preparing for top-tier company interviews, especially with a background from a Tier-III college?

I started by putting together a structure. I was aware that I needed to be especially ready if I wanted to compete against students from IITs or other elite universities. I, therefore, put a lot of effort into being an expert in DSA, system design, and problem-solving.

I used resources like LeetCode and InterviewBit and diligently kept a log of the questions I answered, the errors I made, and the solutions I came up with. That introspection accelerated my growth. I also made it a point to research the interview formats used by leading corporations and practice in scenarios that closely resemble actual interviews. Above all, I studied intelligently, not simply "hard." I made sure I grasped the principles rather than merely learning patterns, and I prioritized quality above quantity.