Senior Experiences

The job search was intense but rewarding. I started preparing in my junior year with LeetCode and system design. Applied to 50+ companies, got 8 interviews, and 3 offers. The key was persistence and continuous learning. Don't get discouraged by rejections - each one taught me something valuable. Focus on fundamentals, practice coding daily, and build meaningful projects that showcase your skills.

My passion for aerospace led me to SpaceX, but the journey wasn't easy. I was rejected twice before finally getting an offer. What changed? I built a rocket engine simulation project and documented everything on GitHub. Employers want to see passion projects that align with their mission. Don't just chase big names - find companies whose values match yours.

I pivoted to UX Research despite studying Psychology. The transition required learning new skills - I took online courses in UX design, conducted user research projects, and built a portfolio from scratch. Don't let your major limit you. Companies value diverse perspectives. My psychology background actually gave me an edge in understanding user behavior.

Networking was everything for me. I attended every career fair, joined professional organizations, and reached out to alumni on LinkedIn. My breakthrough came through a coffee chat with an alumna who referred me to McKinsey. The case interview prep was brutal - 3 months of daily practice. But the effort paid off. Build genuine relationships, not just transactional connections.

Investment banking was my goal since sophomore year. I knew the hours would be brutal, but I wanted the experience. The recruiting process started early - summer after junior year. I spent countless hours on financial modeling, case studies, and mock interviews. Work-life balance is challenging, but the learning curve is incredible. Know what you're signing up for.