🌟 From Tier-3 College to Google: A Success Story

 

Most of us are taught to believe that only IITians or students from prestigious institutes like NITs or IIITs get a fair shot at companies like Google. But here’s the truth: your college doesn’t define your destiny — your mindset does. 💯

This is the story of Arjun (name changed), a small-town student from a Tier-3 college with no campus placements, limited exposure, and a slow internet connection — but with big dreams.

🎓 The Beginning: A Tier-3 Reality Check

Arjun entered his college with the same dream many of us have — to get a good job and make his parents proud. But soon, the reality hit.

  • The curriculum was outdated.
  • Professors read from slides.
  • Placement talks were almost non-existent.
  • There were no peers talking about tech giants or competitive programming.

So, how did Arjun end up at Google? Let’s break it down.

🔍 Step 1: Self-Awareness & Goal Setting

Arjun didn’t start by solving 100 problems a day. He began with a very basic but powerful step: introspecting.

👉 “Why do I want to join Google?”

👉 “What do I enjoy doing in tech?”

Once he was clear about his goals, he stopped comparing his journey to others and decided to follow a routine tailored to him.

📚 Step 2: Learning the Right Skills

He asked seniors, browsed Reddit forums, followed tech YouTubers, and understood this simple formula.

“DSA + Problem Solving + Projects + Communication = Cracking Big Tech”

Key Resources Arjun Used:

  • Data Structures & Algorithms:
  • Coding Ninjas
  • CodingWithIITIans 🚀
  • LeetCode (150+ questions)
  • GeeksforGeeks (daily practice)
  • System Design & Projects:
  • YouTube + GitHub
  • Built a resume-worthy project using MERN stack
  • Open Source Contributions:
  • Contributed to GitHub repos
  • Joined GSSOC and Hacktoberfest

⏱️ Step 3: Time Management with Pomodoro

No coaching. No peer group. Tons of distractions. But Arjun discovered a game-changer — The Pomodoro Technique. 🍅

25 minutes of focused work followed by 5-minute breaks boosted his concentration and energy.
 (We wrote a full blog on this technique here).

💼 Step 4: Resume & LinkedIn Makeover

Arjun created a minimal, one-page resume with:

✅ DSA skills (with problem counts)
 ✅ Projects (GitHub links)
 ✅ Achievements (online contests, ranks)
 ✅ Keywords tailored to the JD

His LinkedIn was a mirror of this — active, engaging, and honest.

🔗 Check out our guide on creating perfect tech resumes

💬 Step 5: Mock Interviews & Networking

Arjun didn’t wait for luck. He took mock interviews from platforms like:

  • Pramp
  • Interviewing.io
  • Peer-to-peer mocks from Discord groups

He also cold messaged ex-Googlers on LinkedIn. Some didn’t respond. But a few replied with tips and referrals. 🙌

📅 The Interview Process

After 6 months of focused prep, Arjun got an online coding challenge from Google via a referral.

Round 1: Online Assessment

🧠 2 DSA problems (medium-hard)
 ⏰ Time limit: 90 mins
 ✅ Passed

Round 2 & 3: Technical Interviews

🧠 DSA + System design (real-time problem solving)
 🗣️ Communicated every step clearly
 ✅ Passed

Round 4: Hiring Manager Round

🗣️ Soft skills, past experiences, passion for learning
 ✨ Shared stories about how he learned without guidance
 ✅ Final round cleared

🏁 The Offer Letter

Months later, he got a call: “You’ve been selected.”

He cried. His parents cried. His roommates screamed.

A Tier-3 boy just bagged Google. 🎉

🧠 What You Can Learn From Arjun’s Journey

Here’s what you can start doing right now:

  1. Start Small, Think Big: Don’t compare your Day 1 to someone else’s Year 5.
  2. Prioritize Problem Solving: Do it every single day, even if it’s one problem.
  3. Build Real Projects: Show you can apply what you know.
  4. Use GitHub Actively: It’s your public portfolio. Check out ours
  5. Stay Active on LinkedIn: Post learnings, interact with recruiters, showcase work.
  6. Take Breaks, Avoid Burnout: Use Pomodoro or 52/17 method.
  7. Seek Mentorship: Cold message, join Discords, talk to alumni.
  8. Stay Consistent, Stay Curious 🧠

✨ You’re Not Behind. You’re on Your Path.

If you’re from a Tier-3 college or feeling stuck, remember this:

💬 “Your background doesn’t define your success — your effort and persistence does.”

Start today. Even if it’s just one step.

🔗 Useful Backlink for You:

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