UPDATE: Kanish Shah, a 26-year-old software engineer, has found unexpected success at Walmart after being rejected by major tech companies.
After moving to the U.S. from India in August 2021 to pursue a master’s degree in computer science at the University of Southern California, Shah faced fierce competition for internships at tech giants like Google and Apple. He applied to hundreds of roles but received fewer than 15 callbacks. This setback led him to a transformative internship at Walmart, which ultimately changed his career trajectory.
Shah’s experience highlights a growing trend among tech professionals seeking alternatives to traditional Big Tech jobs. “I learned that Big Tech isn’t the only route to take for a successful tech career,” Shah stated.
After securing a software engineering role at Walmart in June 2023, Shah found himself in the middle of the company’s major transformation into a tech-driven, AI-powered organization. He credits his proactive approach during his internship—soliciting weekly feedback and seeking mentorship—as key factors in landing the full-time position.
“I’m very happy with my decision,” Shah expressed. “The work culture and work-life balance at Walmart are really great.” His typical work hours are from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., allowing him ample time for family and friends on weekends.
Living in Milpitas, California, Shah commutes roughly 25 minutes to Walmart’s Sunnyvale office, which offers a variety of amenities including fitness classes and a diverse cafeteria menu. “For lunch, I usually opt for the ‘make your own salad bowl,’ but there are many international cuisine options available,” he noted.
While acknowledging the potential advantages of Big Tech—like brand recognition and exposure to large-scale systems—Shah insists he has not missed out on valuable learning experiences at Walmart. “The quality of work, mentorship, and ownership has mattered more than the logo,” he stated.
Shah urges other young tech job seekers not to be discouraged by setbacks in their pursuit of Big Tech positions. “High-impact work can be found in many environments, including startups and emerging tech companies,” he advised. He also emphasizes that strong compensation is achievable outside of traditional tech giants, with his own salary exceeding six figures.
As the tech industry recalibrates following widespread layoffs across various sectors, Shah’s story reinforces the idea that job security isn’t tied to a single company or sector. “Focus on factors you can control: continuously building relevant skills and making a meaningful impact in your role,” he said.
Shah’s journey serves as a beacon of hope for aspiring tech professionals, demonstrating that there are numerous paths to success in the ever-evolving tech landscape. “Stay open to opportunities where you can learn, contribute, and grow,” he concluded.
This story underscores the importance of resilience and adaptability in the job market, encouraging candidates to explore diverse career paths beyond the allure of Big Tech.