For many engineering students, campus placements represent the beginning of their professional journey. While some intensify their preparation during the final year, Priyanka Reddy Karumuru, a Computer Science graduate from GITAM University, Hyderabad, chose a different path—building her skills steadily from the very first year.
That long-term approach reportedly helped her secure a position as a Software Development Engineer (SDE) at Amazon Web Services (AWS) in Cambridge, England, with reports placing the compensation package at approximately ₹1.4 crore annually. Neither AWS nor Priyanka has publicly confirmed the reported salary figure.
A Lesson That Shaped Her Journey
Priyanka credits much of her learning mindset to advice from her father, who works as a Senior Manager at IBM.
Rather than encouraging her to chase high marks, he reportedly advised her to focus on understanding concepts deeply. His message was simple: if learning becomes the priority, academic results will naturally improve over time.
That perspective influenced how she approached engineering education, emphasizing practical knowledge over short-term exam preparation.
Building Skills One Day at a Time
Instead of following an intensive study routine only during placement season, Priyanka reportedly dedicated one to two hours each day throughout her engineering degree to strengthening her technical skills.
Her preparation focused on core computer science concepts, particularly:
- Data Structures
- Algorithms
- Problem-solving
- Programming fundamentals
She also regularly practiced coding challenges on platforms including:
- LeetCode
- GeeksforGeeks
By consistently solving problems over several years, she gradually improved both her coding ability and confidence during technical interviews.
Beyond the Classroom
Alongside her academic studies, Priyanka expanded her technical knowledge by completing certifications in areas such as:
- Machine Learning
- Operating Systems
- Data Analysis using Python
- Data Visualisation
These additional skills helped broaden her understanding of software engineering beyond university coursework.
She also completed a Backend Software Engineering Internship at AKRA Investment Services in 2024, gaining practical industry experience before entering campus recruitment.
Joining Amazon Web Services
Priyanka’s preparation eventually led to a successful campus placement with Amazon Web Services (AWS).
She reportedly joined the company as a Software Development Engineer in August 2025 and is currently based in Cambridge, England, where AWS operates major engineering and research teams.
Her achievement has drawn attention among engineering students, particularly those studying at private universities, demonstrating that global technology opportunities are accessible through sustained skill development and consistent preparation.
Lessons for Engineering Students
Priyanka’s journey highlights several practical takeaways for aspiring software engineers:
1. Start Early
Developing technical skills gradually over several years can be more effective than last-minute preparation before placements.
2. Strengthen Fundamentals
A solid understanding of programming concepts, algorithms and data structures remains essential for technical interviews at leading technology companies.
3. Practice Consistently
Regular coding practice on competitive programming platforms helps improve analytical thinking and problem-solving speed.
4. Build Practical Skills
Internships, projects and professional certifications can strengthen a resume and provide valuable real-world experience.
5. Focus on Learning, Not Just Marks
Academic performance is important, but employers also evaluate practical skills, technical knowledge and the ability to solve real-world problems.
A Story of Steady Progress
Priyanka Reddy Karumuru’s journey illustrates that long-term consistency often produces stronger results than short bursts of preparation.
By focusing on continuous learning, improving her technical foundation and gaining practical experience throughout college, she positioned herself for opportunities at one of the world’s leading technology companies.
For students preparing for engineering careers, her experience serves as a remind
