She failed to get into IIT twice, struggled to pay off loan: Woman shares how she landed top jobs at Google, Microsoft

Breaking into the tech industry can be daunting, especially in a highly competitive environment where top institutions and early career opportunities often dictate long-term success. Many aspiring engineers face setbacks that seem insurmountable, from failed entrance exams to financial barriers. Yet, some manage to turn these challenges into stepping stones, demonstrating that persistence, learning, and self-belief can outweigh early failures. Priyanka Vergadia is one such example.

In a social media post shared on X and LinkedIn, she shared her journey from missing out on IIT admission to holding leadership roles at Google and Microsoft.

Early Struggles and Setbacks

Priyanka’s ambitions began in 2000 when she aimed to study engineering at the Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT). She faced disappointment when she failed to gain admission twice, in 2004 and 2005, and eventually enrolled in another engineering college. She then prepared for graduate studies in the United States, navigating financial hurdles and struggling to secure loans to fund her education.


After completing her engineering degree in India in 2009, Priyanka moved to the US for graduate studies at the University of Pennsylvania. Starting fresh in a new country, she initially struggled to find internships while her peers advanced in their careers. She eventually secured an internship at a small startup in 2010, which led to her first full-time position.

Climbing the Tech Ladder

Priyanka began her professional journey as a Quality Assurance engineer, initially doubting her fit in the tech world. By 2013, she transitioned to customer-facing engineering roles, gradually finding fulfillment in solving business problems through technology. Google recognized her talent in 2017, and by 2023, she was leading Developer Relations for North America at Google Cloud.

In 2024, Microsoft brought her on as Senior Director of Forward Deployed Engineering & Advising, where she guides Fortune 500 clients in building developer strategies. Alongside her corporate achievements, she founded The Cloud Girl, serves on the University of Pennsylvania’s Board of Advisors, lectures on cloud computing, and has authored multiple best-selling books.

Priyanka’s journey shows that career success is not about being the smartest but about showing up consistently, learning relentlessly, and refusing to let fear or failure dictate your choices.