Breaking Myths: How to Land a Job or Internship at WSO2
Getting into WSO2, one of Sri Lanka’s top IT firms, is often portrayed as climbing Everest without oxygen.
The rumors are endless:
- “It’s only for Moratuwa CSE grads.”
- “You need a high GPA or someone on the inside.”
- “Internships? Forget it without a degree.”
Been there. Heard it all. Let me take you behind the scenes and bust some myths — while sharing my own story of how I made it into WSO2 as a Solution Engineer. Spoiler alert: I’m from IIT, not Moratuwa.
Myth 1: “WSO2 Only Hires Moratuwa CSE Grads”
The chatter on Reddit is loud about this. “WSO2 is biased towards Moratuwa,” some say. While it’s true that Moratuwa produces amazing engineers (shoutout to my friends there), WSO2 isn’t a one-club kind of company.
I’m proof of this. At IIT, I focused on honing skills that companies like WSO2 look for:
- Building personal projects.
- Contributing to open source.
- Networking (and not just on LinkedIn).
My advice? Don’t let where you’re from define where you’re going. Showcase what you can bring to the table, and you’ll stand out.
Myth 2: “Without a Degree, Don’t Bother Applying”
I read this exact comment on Reddit: “Impossible bro.”
Let’s pause for a reality check. Yes, a degree might help you get noticed, but WSO2 values skills over paper credentials. I’ve seen people break in with just a strong GitHub profile or through referrals from hackathons.
One Redditor shared: “If leadership sees potential, they won’t care about your background. But you need evidence of potential.” Spot on. Build something — anything — that shows you can solve real-world problems. WSO2 is all about impact.
Myth 3: “It’s All About Who You Know”
Connections help. That’s universal. But relying solely on them is like hoping to win the lottery without buying a ticket.
When I applied, I didn’t have insider contacts. What I did have was a well-documented history of projects and a clear passion for WSO2’s tech stack. I made it impossible for them to ignore me.
Here’s how you can do the same:
- Study the stack: Learn about their API Manager, Identity Server, and integration tools.
- Solve real problems: Share case studies on LinkedIn, Medium, or GitHub.
- Stay persistent: It took me multiple tries before I got the job. Each time, I leveled up.
My Journey: From “Who’s This Guy?” to WSO2 Solution Engineer
Let me paint you a picture: I’m a fresh IIT grad scrolling through endless job postings. WSO2 was a dream, but I was intimidated. I mean, it’s WSO2. Still, I applied — and got through on the first try.
Did I sulk? A little. But then, I got to work:
- Attended WSO2 webinars to understand their culture.
- Published a Medium article dissecting their tech.
- Refined my portfolio to highlight how I’d already solved problems similar to theirs.
When I finally landed an interview, I didn’t just “answer” their questions. I turned it into a conversation, showing them I was already thinking like someone on their team.
Final Thoughts: The “Secret Sauce”
WSO2 doesn’t just hire the smartest person in the room. They hire people who align with their vision, can adapt to their fast-paced culture, and have a passion for solving problems.
Whether you’re from Moratuwa, IIT, or a self-taught genius, the path is the same:
- Build skills that matter.
- Show up where WSO2 people hang out (think conferences, online communities).
- Prove you’re not just looking for a job — you’re looking to make an impact.
And hey, if you’re serious about landing a dream role — at WSO2 or elsewhere — check out my YouTube channel. I share practical tips, insider advice, and even stories of folks who’ve beaten the odds. Subscribe now for a dose of career inspiration!