My Journey from Denial to TCS: An Insider’s Perspective

Introduction

For many, joining TCS (Tech Mahindra) might seem like the dream job, but for me, it was a journey filled with unexpected twists and turns. In 2010, I, like many others, received an offer from TCS post-campus interviews. However, due to personal reasons, I decided to deny the offer. Fast forward three years later, I found myself joining TCS as a lateral hire. In this article, I will share my experience of transitioning from denial to becoming a part of TCS, offering insights and advice for those facing a similar situation.

Denying the Offer in 2010

The journey began in 2010 when I completed my campus placement process for TCS. Like many other graduates, I received an offer, which represented the opportunity to start my career with one of the leading IT companies in India. The offer came with a lot of excitement and expectations. However, my decision to deny the offer was not a decision made lightly. It stemmed from a mix of personal and professional reasons.

For me, it was a challenging decision, as TCS was indeed a lauded choice. The offer letter represented the step towards a bright career and future. Nevertheless, I had other commitments, such as a family ceremony, and I needed to fulfill these obligations first. Additionally, I was considering other job offers that would align better with my long-term career goals. These other offers provided more flexibility and better career prospects in terms of technology and skill set development. Despite the numerous advantages offered by TCS, the balance of personal and professional commitments led me to deny the offer.

The Gap Year and Self-Development

After denying the TCS offer, I took a gap year to focus on my personal and professional development. During this time, I engaged in several activities to enhance my technical and soft skills. I pursued relevant certification programs, completed internships in different sectors, and took up freelance projects. These experiences not only helped me grow as a professional but also provided valuable insights into my career aspirations.

One of the key milestones during this period was my participation in a tech hackathon. The hackathon provided me with a platform to showcase my technical skills and network with professionals in the industry. Through this experience, I gained exposure to new technologies and methodologies, further refining my technical understanding.

Transitioning to Lateral Hire

After carefully planning and charting out a strategy for my career, it was time to take the next step. Three years later, I decided to join TCS as a lateral hire. The decision to choose TCS as a lateral hire came after a thorough self-assessment and analysis of my skills and experience. During this phase, I made sure to highlight the relevant skills I had acquired during my gap year and how they would benefit TCS.

The lateral hiring process at TCS was quite rigorous. It involved a detailed evaluation of my background, skills, and potential contributions to the company. I was interviewed by both HR and technical teams to ensure that I could fit seamlessly into the company culture and meet their expectations.

Upon clearing the interview process, I joined TCS as a lateral hire with a streamlined conversion process. The transition was smooth, and I integrated well into the organization. This experience also opened up new opportunities for growth and development within the company.

Conclusion

Denying an offer and joining TCS as a lateral hire was one of the best career decisions I have made. It allowed me to align my personal and professional goals more closely and provided me with the flexibility to grow in my career. For those of you in a similar situation, my advice would be to carefully assess your priorities and career goals before making a decision. Remember, there are multiple paths to success, and you have the power to chart your own course.