Success Story: In India, many students start preparing for competitive entrance exams like the JEE and CAT well before finishing their class 12th. The aim is clear, to gain admission into prestigious institutions such as the IITs, NITs, or IIMs, and eventually secure a job with global tech giants like Google, Microsoft, or Amazon. With this goal in mind, students often devote long hours to studying, pouring their time and energy into the process. But does a degree from a top institution guarantee a job at a major company? The simple answer is no. Success isn’t defined solely by where you study, it’s shaped by your determination, planning, consistency, and focus. Arnabi Mitra is a perfect example of how these qualities can lead to success, regardless of the institution you come from.
Arnabi Mitra hails from West Bengal. She completed her education up to class 10 at St Margaret's School, before moving on to Bethune School for her class 11 and 12 studies. While most students after their A-level equivalent rush towards institutes like the IITs, NITs, or IIITs, Arnabi chose to follow a different path. She pursued her BTech at the Government College of Engineering and Leather Technology (GCELT) in West Bengal, an institution that may not carry the same prestige as an IIT. However, this did not stand in the way of Arnabi’s passion. Her determination and drive proved far more powerful than the name of the college she attended.
After graduation, Arnabi got her first job at Infosys. During her time there, Arnabi held several roles, starting as a System Engineer Specialist, then progressing to Digital Specialist Engineer, and eventually becoming a Power Programmer. She spent nearly two years gaining valuable experience in these positions. However, it wasn’t long before she realised that her ambitions extended beyond the scope of her current work. She wanted to pursue something greater, something that would challenge her further.
While working at Infosys, Arnabi started working on her skills. She devoted herself completely to coding and practice for 5 to 6 months. During this, she strengthened her grip on data structures, algorithms and theoretical computer science. Her hard work paid off and she cleared the Amazon interview. Today, she has been in this role for more than three years and is working as a successful Software Development Engineer (SDE).
The annual salary of an SDE i.e. Software Development Engineer in companies like Amazon, Microsoft ranges from Rs 15.6 lakh to Rs 31.1 lakh. This package entirely depends on skill, experience and interview performance.
Arnabi Mitra is actively guiding others through her YouTube channel, where she shares insights and advice for those preparing for coding exams and interviews. According to her LinkedIn profile, she currently works as a Software Development Engineer (SDE) at Amazon. She has developed a strong understanding of data structures and algorithms, with a clear passion for coding and an interest in theoretical computer science. Arnabi’s journey is a powerful reminder that graduating from a top-tier college is not the only route to landing a role at a leading company. What truly matters is hard work, clarity of direction, and unwavering dedication.