From CodeHers’25 To Walmart: My Dream Internship Journey - By Samiksha Singh

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For every student in tech, there comes a moment when you have to take a leap—to test your skills, step out of your comfort zone, and chase that opportunity you’ve been dreaming of. For me, that leap was Walmart CodeHers’25.

Hi everyone, I am Samiksha Singh, a final-year student from Chitkara University, Punjab, and currently a summer intern at Walmart, Chennai. 

Three weeks ago, I moved to a whole new city, Chennai, for something I had been dreaming of for years: my first-ever internship, and that too at Walmart, one of the world’s biggest tech-driven retail giants (and my dream company!). This is how it all happened. 

How Did It All Begin?

It started with a decision to participate in a nationwide challenge held on Unstop that helps women in tech showcase their skills and land exciting roles—Walmart CodeHers’25.

I applied earlier this year while I was still in my pre-final year. At the time, it felt like just one application, one small step. But looking back, that single choice completely transformed my summer, shaped my career journey, and gave my confidence a major boost. It reminded me that sometimes all it takes is saying yes to the right opportunity.

My Experience of Participating in Walmart CodeHers’25

The competition provided me with an incredible platform to showcase my skills and gauge my standing. It had three stages: an MCQ round, a coding round, and profile verification. The process was clear, fair, and focused on rewarding consistency and potential.

There were around 120,000 participants, and only about 250 were shortlisted for profile verification. From those, perhaps about 100 made it through.

The Most Challenging Part?

The coding round was definitely the toughest part of the challenge. The clock ticking down and the complexity of the questions really pushed me to think on my feet. It wasn’t just about solving problems correctly. It was about doing so efficiently, managing time wisely, and staying calm under pressure. That’s when I realized how important regular practice is, not just for competitions, but also for real-world tech roles.

My Preparation Strategy

I prepared thoroughly for CodeHers. I practiced consistently, brushed up on CS fundamentals, and read previous experiences shared by CodeHers winners.

Prep tips:

• Focus on DSA + logic building
• Practice time-bound coding questions
• Build a solid GitHub/project portfolio
• Start early - consistency beats cramming
• Don’t wait to feel “ready” - readiness comes through action

Remember, you don’t need to know everything - you just need to prepare smart and consistently.

Interning at Walmart: What It’s Been Like

Fast forward to now: I am interning with the EBS People Tech (Benefits Team) at Walmart, working with a brilliant team on real-world projects that actually impact users.

Despite this being my first internship, I was welcomed warmly, mentored patiently, and treated as a valuable team member from day one.

Walmart’s work culture is inclusive, high-impact, and people-first — exactly what I had hoped for. Every day is fun, filled with learning, and filled with opportunities that challenge me and push me out of my comfort zone.

Living Alone in Chennai

This experience wasn’t just professionally new; it was personally transformative. I moved to a city where I didn’t know anyone and couldn’t speak the local language.

Living alone taught me so much about independence, self-management, and adapting quickly. From figuring out groceries to learning how to communicate effectively, I have grown just as much as a person as I have professionally.

My Advice to Future CodeHers Participants

If you’re thinking of applying, don’t hesitate! The opportunity is real. If I can get it, you can too.

Yes, there were moments when I wondered if I was “good enough”, especially seeing so many smart candidates. But I reminded myself – this isn’t a race. It’s my journey. And if I show up every day with effort and curiosity, I am already ahead.

Walmart CodeHers’25 wasn’t just a competition – it was a door. A door that opened to growth, opportunity, and belief in my own abilities. I’m grateful for the experience and proud of how far I’ve come.

To every woman in tech reading this: keep learning, keep showing up, and apply fearlessly. Your dream opportunity might be just one application away.