I Was Solving, But I Wasn't Improving

Hi, I'm Rohan, currently working as a Data Scientist at Impact Analytics, Bengaluru.

I started learning DSA during my second year of college. Initially I watched a few YouTube videos.

But it quickly became confusing. There were so many problems, and I didn't have a clear idea of what to learn, what to practise, or what to do next.

That's When I Started Improving

One of my college seniors introduced me to Striver's Sheet. I first explored the sheet and then started following the videos alongside it.

The structured learning pattern made a noticeable difference. Topics started connecting with each other, and problems that initially felt difficult gradually became easier to approach.

I also used takeUforward for parts of my DBMS preparation.

I Stopped Rushing the Process

DSA is an exhaustive process.

Whenever you encounter a new problem, you have to spend time brainstorming and figuring out the approach. In the beginning, that process can feel frustrating. But the more problems you work through, the more naturally you start recognising patterns and approaching new questions.

• Learn → Think → Get Stuck → Take a Hint → Solve → Move On

You don't have to solve everything completely on your own.

If you're stuck, take a hint, understand the approach, solve the problem, and keep moving. With enough practice, the thinking process itself starts becoming easier.

What Felt Hard Became Familiar

My biggest takeaway from the journey is that structure makes a huge difference.

Starting with random problems can make DSA feel overwhelming. Having a clear roadmap gives you the direction to keep learning and improving.

The beginning may feel difficult, but stay consistent and keep dealing with new problems. The more you practise thinking, the easier problem solving becomes.

From Small Steps To A Bigger Picture

• Coding → Striver's Sheet → Structured DSA Practice → DBMS → Data Scientist at Impact Analytics