One Click, Many Steps: My Walmart Internship Journey - Abbireddy Durga Sri Niharika (CodeHers 2025)

Securing an internship at Walmart Global Tech was more than just a career milestone for me. It was a journey of persistence, preparation, and personal growth. What started as a simple registration on the Unstop platform soon unfolded into multiple rounds of assessments, moments of self-doubt, and valuable lessons that shaped both my technical skills and mindset.

In this article, I’ll walk you through each stage of my experience — from cracking the tests to the key takeaways that made this journey truly transformative.

How It All Started: A Leap Through Unstop

I came across the Walmart Global Tech internship via CodeHers 2025 through the Unstop platform. What began as a simple registration turned into a rewarding and transformative experience. It wasn’t just about signing up — it was about unlocking a real opportunity that tested my skills and mindset at every step.

Facing the Fundamentals: A Test of Core Strength

The first round was an MCQ-based test on core Computer Science subjects: OOPs, DBMS, Operating Systems, and Computer Networks. The questions weren’t straightforward; they tested application and logic under time pressure rather than simple memorization.

When Logic Becomes Your Language: DSA at Its Peak

The second round involved two coding problems focused on Data Structures and Algorithms (DSA). These problems required optimized solutions, careful handling of edge cases, and clarity in thinking. This round was a true reflection of problem-solving ability under constraints.

The Balance of It All: Cumulative Scores & Verification

Selection wasn’t about excelling in one round; cumulative performance across MCQs and coding tasks was considered. Post-assessment, profile verification followed, including resume screening, background checks, and personal detail validation. It highlighted that consistency matters, not just in performance but also in how truthfully you present yourself.

Moments of Doubt — And Why I Didn't Quit

After the coding round, doubts crept in: Were my solutions optimal? Could I have done better? However, instead of dwelling on uncertainty, I chose to trust the process and focus on the consistent efforts I had put in. This mindset made the waiting period easier.

Learning Beyond the Code: My Key Takeaways

This experience was more than a skill test; it was about preparation, composure, and integrity.

• Personally, I learned to manage pressure and stay confident.
• Professionally, I understood the importance of strong fundamentals, resume clarity, and consistent effort.

If I had to summarize this journey in one word, it would be 'transformative'. It shaped my discipline, strengthened my basics, and taught me what true readiness feels like.

Preparation That Paid Off: My Focus Areas

I prepared deliberately for this challenge by balancing theory and practice:

• CS Fundamentals: Revised DBMS, OS, CN, and OOPs from trusted resources.
• DSA Topics: Focused on arrays, strings, hashing, recursion, greedy algorithms, sliding window, stacks, and trees.
• Practice Platforms: Regularly solved problems on LeetCode, etc. 
• Mock MCQs: Practiced timed tests for speed and accuracy.
• Resume Polishing: Ensured every skill listed was real and verifiable.
• Consistency: Maintained steady, long-term preparation instead of last-minute cramming.

The Secret Sauce (Weekly & Biweekly Contests)

Participating in weekly and biweekly contests on platforms like LeetCode and CodeChef significantly improved my performance. These contests taught me how to:

• Manage time efficiently
• Solve under competitive pressure
• Adapt to varied question types
• Gauge real-world competition pacing

This hands-on exposure improved my speed, clarity, and confidence — things no theory-based preparation could provide.

Advice to Future Participants — Play Smart and Stay Honest

For those aiming to crack internships or coding competitions:

• Start early; build fundamentals step by step.
• Focus on understanding concepts, not just memorizing.
• Practice coding with a timer; efficiency matters.
• Keep resumes honest and realistic.
• Stay consistent. Steady preparation beats short bursts of study.

Above all, trust your journey. Every effort counts, every bug teaches something, and every setback prepares you for the next challenge.

Ready to compete? Find competitions that match your skills.