Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today, Abhishek. Can you start by telling us a little bit about your background and how you got into software engineering?
Abhishek Rawat: Thank you for having me. I’ve always been passionate about technology and computers since I was a kid. I pursued a degree in Computer Science from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT). During my time there, I got involved in various coding competitions and internships, which solidified my interest in software engineering. After graduation, I joined Microsoft as a software engineer.
Interviewer: That sounds like an exciting journey. What attracted you to Microsoft specifically?
Abhishek Rawat: Microsoft has always been at the forefront of technological innovation. The opportunity to work on products that impact millions of users worldwide was a significant factor. Additionally, the culture of collaboration and continuous learning at Microsoft is something that really appealed to me.
Interviewer: Can you tell us about a project you’ve worked on at Microsoft that you’re particularly proud of?
Abhishek Rawat: One project that stands out is the development of a new feature for Microsoft Teams. We were tasked with improving the real-time collaboration experience. My team and I worked on implementing a more efficient way to handle video streaming and data synchronization. It was a challenging project, but seeing the positive feedback from users was incredibly rewarding.
Interviewer: That sounds impressive. What does a typical day look like for you as a software engineer at Microsoft?
Abhishek Rawat: A typical day starts with a stand-up meeting with my team where we discuss our progress and any blockers we’re facing. Then, I spend a good portion of my day coding, reviewing code, and writing unit tests. I also attend design meetings and collaborate with other teams to ensure our solutions are aligned with the overall product vision. In the evenings, I like to spend some time learning about new technologies and tools.
Interviewer: How do you stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in software engineering?
Abhishek Rawat: I make it a point to read tech blogs, attend webinars, and participate in online communities. Microsoft also provides a lot of internal resources and training programs that help us stay updated. Additionally, I attend conferences and workshops whenever possible.
Interviewer: What advice would you give to aspiring software engineers who want to work at a company like Microsoft?
Abhishek Rawat: My advice would be to focus on building a strong foundation in computer science principles and to get hands-on experience with coding through projects and internships. It’s also essential to be proficient in problem-solving and algorithms, as these are key areas of focus during the interview process. Lastly, be passionate about what you do and always be willing to learn and adapt.
Interviewer: Great advice. What do you enjoy most about working at Microsoft?
Abhishek Rawat: The best part about working at Microsoft is the opportunity to work with some of the brightest minds in the industry on cutting-edge technologies. The company’s commitment to innovation and its support for employee growth and development make it a fantastic place to build a career.
Interviewer: Thank you for sharing your insights with us today, Abhishek. It’s been a pleasure talking to you.
Abhishek Rawat: Thank you! It was great speaking with you as well.