Navigating Challenges in Pursuit of Success: My Journey

2023 has presented its own set of challenges for graduates seeking careers in the IT industry. Especially for those like me, who didn't come from a CS/IT background, the path can seem daunting. But it doesn't end there. If you're from a tier 3 college with limited guidance, the struggle can be overwhelming. This predicament is shared by many students at my college, and I too have faced these hurdles head-on.

?? Imagine a scenario with no placement classes, no seminars, and no one to guide us on how to prepare for placements. Additionally, stringent eligibility criteria often exclude students with less than 60% in 10th or 12th grade. It raises questions about why they were admitted to a B.Tech program in the first place. However, I'm here to share my story, which resonates with countless students at MITS.

I'm Mayank Singh Bhadoria, a recent graduate in Chemical Engineering. Hailing from Bhind, a tier 3 city, I had no idea about which branch or stream would offer a promising career. Initially, I believed pursuing a B.Tech from a government college was a solid career choice. However, a year into my studies, I realized that coding held the key to securing a good job. I embarked on a journey to learn the basics of C++, Python, HTML/CSS, and JavaScript. It seemed like I was on the right track.

But during my 5th semester, I received advice to delve into full-stack development, followed by suggestions to learn Python and SQL for a brighter future. Balancing core subjects with CS fundamentals was tough, but I persevered and completed several projects. By the 7th semester, I had a grasp of basic Data Structures and Algorithms - I thought I was ready for a job.

However, during the placement season, I encountered roadblocks due to my non-CS/IT background. I couldn't participate in CS/IT company placements. Infosys, Accenture, and TCS were my hopes. I realized that besides coding skills, aptitude and reasoning were equally crucial - knowledge I lacked due to my academic focus. Infosys remained unresponsive to many students, and Wipro blacklisted our college due to past issues.

My dream was to secure a position in mass hiring companies like Accenture, Wipro, TCS, Capgemini, Cognizant, and GlobalLogic. Senior students advised me to wait for Accenture as they sometimes provide a second chance after three months. However, to my dismay, Accenture didn't shortlist my resume for over a year since I took their assessment.

Students like me possess the drive, potential, and determination, but we often lack proper guidance, extensive knowledge, awareness, and networks. It's heartbreaking when our middle-class families' hopes are dashed, and we feel powerless to address the situation. We contemplate our worth and even contemplate giving up, but resilience keeps us going.

The job market's reality is harsh. Companies expect graduates to have advanced knowledge, and there's minimal willingness to provide training. However, I remain hopeful that with an opportunity, we can quickly adapt and excel, just like CS/IT students.

My journey continues; despite five months of internship experience, I'm still searching for the right job. Now, I'm committed to raising awareness for all students, whether they are in 1st year, 12th grade, or 10th grade. I implore my college not to focus solely on glittering campuses but to prioritize students' careers. With approximately 6000 students in your institution, many require support beyond the chosen few.

I also appeal to all companies to give freshers a chance. Without opportunities, how can we gain experience? Thank you for reading, and let's collectively work towards a brighter future for all aspiring graduates. ??