Walmart Engineer on Big Tech Rejections and Career Success

Software engineer Kanish Shah originally aimed for a career at major tech giants but faced rejection from all of them. After securing an internship at Walmart, he discovered a fulfilling career path with strong work-life balance and growth opportunities.

Now a full-time engineer based in Milpitas, California, Shah works from Walmart's Sunnyvale office three days a week. He earns a six-figure salary and appreciates the company's transformation into a tech-driven organization. His journey demonstrates that successful tech careers exist beyond traditional Big Tech companies.

After moving to the US from India in August 2021, Kanish Shah began pursuing a master's degree in computer science at the University of Southern California. Like many aspiring software engineers, he was excited about working at a Big Tech company.

Shah targeted tech giants during his internship search, but the competition proved intense. He applied to hundreds of internships and received fewer than 15 callbacks. Ultimately, he was rejected by all the major tech companies he applied to.

Despite the disappointment, this experience taught him that Big Tech is not the only route to a successful career. One opportunity he applied to without a referral was a software engineering role at Walmart.

In October 2021, a Walmart recruiter reached out to Shah regarding his application. The process included an online assessment followed by two technical interviews, which led to an internship offer.

Shah started his internship in May 2022 and approached it like an extended interview. He actively sought weekly feedback, remained vocal during meetings, and found a mentor within the company.

This proactive strategy paid off. Shah secured a full-time software engineering role with Walmart, which he began in June 2023. He noted that the company was evolving from a traditional retail giant into a tech-driven, AI-powered organization.

Kanish Shah reports that the work culture and work-life balance at Walmart are excellent. His hours generally run from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., allowing him time with family and friends on weekends.

He lives in Milpitas, California, approximately a 25-minute commute from Walmart's Sunnyvale office. He is required to go into the office two days a week, though expectations vary across teams. The office offers several amenities:

• Boxing and pilates classes
• A basketball court and large gym
• Subsidized cafeteria with diverse cuisine

While the food is not free, it is subsidized and not costly. Drinks like fountain beverages, tea, and coffee are complimentary. Shah notes that while Big Tech offers advantages like exposure to massive global systems, he does not feel he is missing out on meaningful learning or career development.

Shah advises young tech professionals that aiming for Big Tech is valid, but not landing a role there should not be discouraging. He emphasizes that high-impact work exists in many environments, including startups and emerging tech companies.

He confirms that strong compensation is possible outside traditional Big Tech, noting his own compensation is in the six figures. Regarding job security, Shah believes the entire tech industry has undergone a recalibration, with layoffs affecting companies of all sizes, including Big Tech and large enterprises like Walmart.

His final advice is to focus on factors one can control: continuously building relevant skills, staying adaptable, and making a meaningful impact in one's role. He encourages professionals not to limit themselves to a narrow set of companies.