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Getting into WIPRO - Part 1- 16-Jun-2010
EVERY year lakhs of graduates apply to Indias top IT companies. Wipro Technologies, one of Indias largest software services companies, reviews more than 100,000 students, both on and off campus, and hires more than 20,000 graduates, to augment its workforce.
Mainly there are three entry options for students: as science graduates, as non-science graduates and as engineers.
Non-engineering students
Both science and non-science graduates can apply to Wipro, which has two programmes. One, Wipro Academy of Software Excellence (WASE), which is an Earn while you Learn programme. Two, through regular employment.
WASE offers BSc, BCA and BCM for final year students/graduates an MS Degree in Software Engineering. Wipro has a tie up with BITS Pilani to offer an eight semester (four-year) off campus collaborative MS programme equivalent in status to the full-time 2-year MS degree programme offered by BITS. The teaching and evaluation methodologies are implemented by BITS in consultation with Wipros Talent Transformation division; the faculties are arranged by BITS and the MS degree is also awarded by the institute.
Speaking to Pradeep Bahirwani, the Vice President, Talent Acquisition, Wipro Technologies says that Wipro's recruitment policies are simple yet complex. All that a potential employee should have is Team skills, confidence and poise. First of all the candidate should fit into Wipros culture as we place utmost importance on integrity. People are Wipros strength.
Advising on fresh graduates, he told we advice potential employees to focus on two critical aspects. One is fundamentals. More than the domain of study, an analytical bent of mind is critical to solving customer problems and thriving in a long-term career.
Second critical aspect that we see as a major challenge is communication skills. Candidate need to invest in improving their communication abilities, and this is gaining prominence with market becoming more and more competitive and global.
And my interview advice to students would be - just be cool!
WASE also conducts entrance exam (WET) for candidates to get into WASE, science graduates have to clear a two-stage hurdle: WET (WASE Entrance Examination), an online common entrance examination, and a personal interview with HR. The written test is of 90 minutes and there are three sections in it: verbal, analytical and Mathematics.
Questions in the verbal and analytical sections are in the lines of CAT and GMAT entrance examinations. Any guidebook on CAT and GMAT will help you towards preparation.
In the Mathematics section, questions pertain to trigonometry, calculus, differentiation, algebra, integration, matrices and coordinate geometry. Revise your Class 11, 12 level Mathematics syllabus.
WET is conducted online and just last year, Wipro, the first in the industry, conducted it on a national level, much in the lines of CAT, in 30 cities. The WET date is usually announced on Wipros website and emails sent to registered candidates.
Training and stipend
Successful candidates are enrolled into the programme as students. Classes take place on weekends, that is Saturdays and Sundays. During the weekdays students contribute in real time project assignments. Also, these students are paid stipend during the programme.
WASE students are expected to sign a 48-month bond, which is for the duration of the MS programme. On completion, they are awarded an MS programme degree from BITS Pilani.
Although WASE presents a great opportunity for students to earn while they learn, it has invited criticism for its 48-month commitment and a rather strict working schedule as students have classes on weekends and they work on weekdays.
Non-Science Graduates (Campus Recruitments)
Aspirants should have completed Diploma/Graduates (BSc/ BCom) /Postgraduates (MSc/M.Com) through full- time. Qualifying percentage: Graduates from any stream with 50 percent in class 10, 12 and 60 percent in graduation and post graduation.
Placement test/Interview date: Throughout the year, on predetermined dates and venues at different campuses. The selection process involves an aptitude test, PC skills test, HR round and a spoken English Test. Duration of the test is 60 minutes and questions in the verbal and analytical sections are on the lines of CAT and GMAT entrance examinations.
Upon joining, candidates are trained and absorbed in any of the business units at Wipro, which could include industry vertical, service lines, performing the role of software development, testing and remote infrastructure management, among others.
Engineering students
On campus recruitments
Education: Final year BTech
Qualifying percentage: 50 per cent in Class 10, 10+2 and 60 per cent in college
Placement test/Interview date: December/January/February
Recruitment process
Recruitment of final year engineering students take place on campus through a screening test called the Wipro Entrance Test. Wipro conducts placement tests in nearly 100 engineering colleges each year. These colleges are evaluated by Wipro Accreditation Process, which evaluates colleges on several parameters, chief among them are student performance, faculty profile, placement history and learning infrastructure.
Wipro representatives visit these identified accredited campuses at a mutually convenient date and time to conduct pre-placement presentation. This takes place a month or two before the main test. In pre-placement, students are given an overview of the company, its several businesses, career opportunities and a low-down on eligibility and selection process.
Final year BTech students with 50 per cent aggregate marks in class 10, 10+2 and 60% in graduation are eligible for the test. Wipro considers graduates from all specialisations.
