Why smart candidates still fail at Big Tech — and what to do about it: insights from a former Google engineer

Talai Jumabaev, city — Austin, founder of Growthhungry, Instagram

I spent most of my career in the international IT environment: Deutsche Bank, then Google. At some point, my annual compensation exceeded $450,000. But in 2023, I consciously left Google to build an educational platform that helps developers grow not only in their careers but also in depth.

Currently, I work extensively with engineers who want to take the next step in their careers. I have conducted hundreds of interviews, and I see that even smart, hardworking people make the same mistakes. Below are the six most common missteps, and what I recommend doing differently.

1. Chasing trendy technologies without understanding the fundamentals

Many engineers spend months studying the latest framework, yet they cannot explain how a hash table works. Yet, at interviews at Google or Amazon, they are more likely to ask about fundamental knowledge: algorithms, data structures, system design, rather than the latest JavaScript bundler.

When you know this, you don’t need to solve hundreds of problems on LeetCode. Ten problems are enough to refresh your skills. Depth is more important than quantity.

2. Belief in “quick wins” and magic courses

Bootcamps promise: “In eight weeks, you will get an offer for $150,000.” This creates false expectations and feelings of guilt for those who do not succeed. But IT is not a casino. It is a marathon. Competence grows over time, through repetition, feedback, and mistakes. The earlier you accept this, the calmer and more stable your trajectory will become.

3. University program ≠ readiness for the industry

I respect academic education, but I often see that students, even after completing their bachelor’s degree, do not know how to design a system for a million users. University provides theory, but not always the mindset of a practical engineer.

Therefore, I advise: learn to think systematically. Do not be afraid to acquire knowledge beyond your diploma — through open source, mentoring, and analyzing others’ code.

4. Lack of a mentor with current industry experience

When I was a junior engineer, I was lucky — there were people around who explained not just “how,” but “why it works this way.” Nowadays, this has become rare.

Therefore, I tell every student: find mentors. Write to engineers on LinkedIn. Attend tech events. A mentor with experience from Meta or Amazon can explain in 15 minutes what you might have spent months searching for on your own.

5. Belief in universal courses — when you actually need an individual path

Education in IT should be adaptive. When you scale a system 1000 times, every element has to be reconsidered. Similarly with learning: there is no single course that fits everyone.

I believe in a combination: AI for adaptation to your weak points + live communication, community, and support. This combination delivers real growth.

6. Self-improvement without support leads to burnout

Some guys try so hard to “get into IT” that they lose motivation within six months. The program is difficult, there is no feedback, everyone around is smart — anxiety arises, and a feeling that you are not good enough.

That’s why I always say: pay attention to the atmosphere. Learn where you are supported. Where they talk not only about code but also about mental health. Where you have the opportunity to make mistakes and ask “stupid” questions.

In conclusion

I sincerely believe: almost every developer from Kyrgyzstan or any other country can grow to the Google level. This is not a myth. It is a method. The method is discipline, fundamentals, mentoring, and environment. And also — inner honesty: why you are going into IT, what is important to you, and what value you want to create.

If you are starting or already on the way — keep going. Depth is more important than noise. And sustainable growth is more important than hype.