A software engineer’s journey from earning a modest internship stipend to reportedly securing a ₹7.5 crore annual package at Google has captured widespread attention online. Shared by entrepreneur Ankur Warikoo, the story has been circulating on platforms like Reddit and YouTube as an example of long-term career growth in the tech industry.
What does it take to turn a ₹15,000-a-month internship into a reported ₹7.5 crore annual package at Google?
Entrepreneur and content creator Ankur Warikoo recently shared the story of a software engineer whose journey is now gaining traction across social media platforms such as Reddit and YouTube. The story highlights how success in the tech industry often comes not from overnight breakthroughs, but from years of consistent, focused effort.
The engineer started out in a modest setting, working as an intern at a small company with limited pay and opportunities. Despite this, he focused on sharpening his technical skills and building a solid foundation. His persistence eventually paid off when he secured a high-paying role at Google, reportedly earning an annual package of ₹7.5 crore.
A structured approach to skill development
Ankur Warikoo noted that the engineer’s rise was powered by a highly structured preparation strategy. A central part of his routine was solving nearly 500 coding problems on LeetCode, widely used by developers to prepare for technical interviews and sharpen problem-solving skills.
In addition, he contributed to around 12 open-source projects, gaining practical experience and collaborating with developers across the globe. These efforts helped him build both expertise and credibility in his field.
Another key factor was his decision to switch companies every few years. Each transition brought new challenges, improved roles, and steady salary growth, enabling him to progressively scale his career.
Warikoo on the power of consistent progress
Ankur Warikoo, an alumnus of the Indian School of Business, has frequently emphasised the importance of long-term skill development through his educational initiatives.
He founded WebVeda, an online platform focused on entrepreneurship, personal growth, and career skills, which has attracted over 480,000 paid learners worldwide.
He also launched the India Genius Challenge, a programme designed to support talented students across India with funding worth ₹10 lakh.
The story underscores a familiar but powerful idea in career growth: success in the tech industry is rarely instant. Instead, it typically comes from consistent learning, disciplined practice, and making smart, strategic career moves over time.