From Engineering Dream to Tower Research Capital: The Path of Sanu Kumar Gupta

Got into some spheres where engineering graduates work won’t you be curious to know how Sanu Kumar Gupta from NIT Durgapur managed to make it to Tower Research Capital? Sanu's journey is a remarkable blend of determination, hard work, and strategic planning. Here, we will unpack the steps he took to achieve this milestone, proving that with the right mindset and approach, even an average student can turn their dreams into reality.

Foundation of Engineering Dreams

Sanu Kumar Gupta's story begins with a dream to become an engineer. Initially, he was uncertain about the branch, opting for Civil Engineering in an internal sliding process. Fate had other plans, as he did not get promoted to Civil Engineering, but his journey was just beginning.

The Turning Point

The first year was misused, often wasted without a clear direction. But Sanu managed to become an 8-pointer student. The summer vacation became a turning point when he picked up 'Let Us C', leading to his plunge into the world of computer programming. This decision was pivotal, as it set the stage for his future endeavors.

Competitive Programming and Collaboration

Second year welcomed the start of competitive programming through platforms like Codechef and Spoj. It was a group of like-minded individuals who fueled his passion: Dharmesh Ruprela, Archit Srivastava, Gaurav Chandak, and Sagar Jain. They learned together, helped each other, and participated in ICPC (International Collegiate Programming Contest) three times, although they didn’t perform exceptionally well. The experience, however, was invaluable, and this camaraderie became a core foundation of his journey.

Building a Strong Portfolio

Internship and Development At the start of his third year, Sanu got an internship at Amazon, which was a perfect opportunity to hone his coding skills. He spent his third year practicing and participating in coding contests. His efforts also sparked interest in development, which further enriched his skill set.

Off-Campus Placements Despite not landing a pre-placement offer from Amazon, Sanu was persistent. He went through the interview process of 25 companies and secured offers from SAP Labs and Directi. Directi, being his dream company, felt like a significant milestone. However, he still had the goal of Tower Research Capital firmly in sight.

The Tower Research Capital Journey

Tower Research Capital was different for Sanu. The interview process was rigorous, with a heavy emphasis on mathematical and coding questions. Despite his average academic performance and competitive programming experience, he attributed his success to several key factors:

Positiveness and Motivation

Sanu credits his success to positivity, an unwavering motivation to do his best, and the belief that if others can achieve, he can too. He also emphasizes the importance of hard work and consistency throughout his college days.

Support from Peers and Seniors

The motivation and support from his peers, such as Durga Tiwari and Aayush Agarwal, played a crucial role. These senior mentors and friends, who are themselves accomplished in their fields, were instrumental in guiding him. Moreover, the vibrant and motivated atmosphere at NIT Durgapur, with individuals like Arpit Agrawal and Karan Aggarwal, was incredibly inspiring.

Lessons Learned

Sanu's journey offers valuable lessons to aspiring engineers and tech enthusiasts. It highlights the significance of:

Hard Work and Consistency: Consistent effort over four years can yield significant results. Positive Mindset: A positive attitude is crucial in facing challenges and setbacks. Mentorship and Support: Having a supportive network of peers and seniors can make a huge difference. Success Through Persistence: Resilience in pursuing opportunities and not giving up is key.

Sanu's remarkable success story from an average student to a professional at Tower Research Capital serves as an inspiration for many. His journey is a testament to the fact that with dedication and the right approaches, it is possible to transcend conventional expectations and achieve one’s goals.