Tech job hunt tough? one applicant's journey to nvidia

The shifting landscape of us tech hiring

Sylendran Arunagiri, a bright tech enthusiast, faced a reality check as he planned his move from India to the US for a master's degree. Friends and mentors cautioned him about the increasingly challenging US tech job market. His goal? A product management program at Carnegie Mellon and a Big Tech internship in 2024, ideally leading to an AI role at Nvidia, his dream company.

A challenging transition from indian placement culture

Arunagiri, like many Indian graduates, was accustomed to a structured placement system at top institutions. However, the US market proved drastically different – fewer job openings, increased competition due to layoffs, and networking events replacing traditional recruitment fairs. He described navigating this new environment as being “completely alone.”

The initial setback: nvidia's interview process

Arunagiri proactively applied for internships before relocating to the US. He secured an interview with Nvidia in November 2023, a process he felt went exceptionally well. He even stopped applying elsewhere, focusing solely on Nvidia. However, after moving and completing a final interview in February, he was informed he wouldn’t be receiving the internship.

Finding a foot in the door: informatica internship

Undeterred, Arunagiri secured a remote AI product management internship with Informatica in India. While valuable, he couldn't shake the feeling of what went wrong with Nvidia and set his sights on a full-time position there.

Lessons learned: reflecting on the interview

Arunagiri realized his final Nvidia interview might have been compromised. Feeling unwell, he chose not to reschedule, a decision he now regrets. He believes appearing “unenergetic” contrasted with his usual vibrant and conversational demeanor. He sought feedback from an Nvidia HR professional, who suggested networking with current employees.

Building a personal brand: linkedin and ai projects

Following the advice, Arunagiri connected with several Nvidia interns who provided valuable insights. This led him to develop and share personal AI projects on LinkedIn, showcasing his skills and passion. These projects became a crucial differentiator during his subsequent job search, demonstrating initiative and practical experience.

The final push: a technical product marketing role

Facing a visa deadline in December 2024, Arunagiri aggressively pursued employment. He submitted a spontaneous application for a technical product marketing role at Nvidia, considered his