Experiences and Tips for Working at TCS: A Comprehensive Guide

Welcome to Tech Mahindra, a well-regarded organization co-founded by Anand Mahindra, one of the most reputed tech companies in India. Joining such a prominent organization can indeed be thrilling. However, as my own experience working at Tech Mahindra has shown, it's crucial to know what you might be stepping into before you take the leap.

What I Experienced at Tech Mahindra

My journey at Tech Mahindra began in January 2023. Initially, it seemed like a golden opportunity with the potential to fulfill my professional dreams. However, the reality of the work environment was far from what I had anticipated.

The international process I participated in, named ATT (Advanced Training and Transformation), invited foreign clients to train us. However, things quickly spiraled out of control. Initially, under the guise of a communication assessment, seven colleagues were unceremoniously dismissed without any valid reason. This set the tone for the rest of my time there.

During the technical training phase, the organization hit a system limit, resulting in the dismissal of another 12 employees. This was just the beginning of a hostile work environment filled with job insecurities and mental harassment.

Workplace Challenges and Harassment

Upon going live on the floor, I observed a lot of politics and backstabbing among the employees and management. As a woman, I faced continuous harassment from a team leader, who went as far as throwing my ID outside the floor to humiliate me. I had complained about the harassment to the management, but that didn't help. The team leader meticulously marked my attendance, even when I was absent, just to trigger a ZTP (Zero Tolerance Policy) and dismiss me.

Despite my strong performance and adherence to targets, the organization made up their mind to terminate my services. I decided to leave the company, valuing my self-respect and personal integrity over the organization's unreasonable actions.

Positive Experiences at TCS

Although my experience at Tech Mahindra was fraught with challenges, my intern and current role at TCS have been rewarding and fulfilling. TCS, one of the largest software development companies in the world, offers a plethora of opportunities for growth and innovation.

A Hub for Developers

TCS is a haven for developers. If you manage to crack the interview, congratulations! TCS is renowned for its innovative products and projects that test your coding and programming skills to the limits. You will constantly be researching and innovating, and in the process, you might even get your projects patented. The company also offers career development opportunities and recognition, making it an ideal place for passionate tech enthusiasts.

Friendly Work Environment and Supportive Team

Unlike my experience at Tech Mahindra, TCS fosters a very different work environment. The projects assigned are flexible with no strict deadlines or enforcement; there's enough time to explore different approaches. The work-life balance is fantastic, with supportive seniors and teammates who make your work enjoyable.

Your colleagues are intelligent, understanding, and willing to help you whenever you need it. TCS also offers various perks and benefits, including transportation, good food, snacks, free internet facilities, and regular social events and team outings. These features contribute to a healthy work-life balance and a supportive community.

Embracing New and Innovative Ideas

The culture at TCS encourages the sharing and implementation of new and innovative ideas. Whether you have a novel approach to coding or an interesting solution for a problem, your ideas are welcomed and given a chance to be incorporated into the project roadmap. This is a crucial aspect of working at TCS and other tech giants.

Avoiding the Pitfalls: Skills and Certifications

To join TCS, a degree in Computer Science or Information Technology is a minimum requirement. However, having just a degree won't be enough. You must possess additional skills such as certifications in software development, embedded systems, IoT techniques, and Python programming.

To obtain these certifications, I completed a software development certificate from Ekeeda, India's leading edtech platform. Ekeeda offers extensive course modules that cover essential programming languages (C, Python, and Java), data structures, algorithms, and important networking and OS concepts. The faculty is experienced and follows industry best practices. Capstone projects prepare you well for interviews, and the practical experience gained can give you an edge over competitors.

Final Thoughts

Working at TCS is a daunting but rewarding experience. While my experience at Tech Mahindra highlighted various challenges, it also underscored the importance of creating a sustainable and positive work environment. If you are passionate about technology and innovation, TCS can be an excellent destination.

Smart minds work tirelessly at TCS to come up with the best solutions. While there is always pressure and the need to innovate, the opportunities for growth and success are immense. With the right skills and certifications, you can thrive in this vibrant and dynamic tech environment.

So, if you're considering TCS, be prepared for a rewarding journey with endless opportunities to grow and succeed. Cheers and all the best!