Challenges After Engineering Graduation in India: A Reality Check

Four years of intense learning in engineering seems to culminate in a dream world where success and happiness are just around the corner. However, the reality can be quite different. When you graduate, the illusion of an easy life is shattered, and you are suddenly faced with numerous challenges that can make or break your career journey.

From Competition to Struggle

During your engineering years, you competed against a handful of students to secure a slot. Now, the competition skyrockets, and you find yourself competing with thousands of others for every opportunity. The dream of finding a well-paying job and enjoying a happy life is replaced by the harsh reality of the job market. You might be earning enough to sustain yourself, but your work schedule may leave little room for relaxation and personal life.

Work-life Balance and Adaptation

Engineering jobs often come with irregular schedules, especially during weekends. Shift work is common, leaving little time for leisure or social activities. Meanwhile, occasional team outings and parties provide a fleeting sense of joy, but they are not enough to make up for the sacrifice of family events and college friendships. Routines and monotony can easily set in, and the thrill of navigating college years fades away.

The Curriculum and Its Relevance

What you learned in college may not be as useful in the real world. The theoretical knowledge you acquired might not directly translate into practical skills demanded by employers. Adjusting to the practicalities of the job can be a steep learning curve. Waking up early and adhering to strict schedules become a new norm. Your daily life is no longer centered around lectures and assignments but around deadlines and project milestones.

The Urge to Excel and Betterment

There is an insatiable desire to meet the high expectations of your superiors and colleagues. Achieving these goals can secure more respect, appreciation, and better performance reviews. However, the constant pressure to perform can sometimes lead to burnout or the pursuit of other career paths like government jobs, further academic studies, or leaving the engineering field altogether. Regret over not trying harder for government service (Public Sector Undertakings, or PSUs) becomes a common sentiment.

The Toll on Self-Esteem and Long-term Perspective

The relentless grind can take a toll on your self-esteem, leading to feelings of worthlessness. You may feel like you are missing out on what you desired and enjoyed during your college years. The dream of a fulfilling career seems unattainable, and you may even wish for a return to the life you led four years ago. However, with time, the initial trauma begins to fade, and a more stable and satisfactory life takes shape. You find that a better job, a modern lifestyle, and a cozy home can provide the stability and contentment once eluded by the allure of college life.

While you may sometimes envy those who continue their academic pursuits, the reality is that your hard-earned engineering degree has paved a way for a more grounded and fulfilling life. The 'worst part' of doing engineering in India ultimately prepares you for a wholesome and rewarding career path.

Conclusion

While the early days of engineering studies may have seemed like a breeze, the post-graduate journey is far from rosy. However, challenges often come with opportunities for growth and learning. Eventually, the struggles fade into memories, and you find a sense of contentment in the stability and fulfillment provided by your career.