Placement Blues for University students

It does feel shattering, frustrating, not to mention extremely depressing when you fail to bag a placement. Getting placed is a huge deal to graduates – in fact it is the main priority for the majority of graduates. So not getting placed – and worse seeing your friends get placed and celebrate their placements while you are empty handed is heartbreaking. It can be a very daunting time, as you feel insecure about your future, and your parents and family also become uncertain as to your future prospects.

 

We have published many blogs about how to excel in your first job, how to make a good impression on interviews, etc. This article today will deal in those unfortunate scenario where you are without a placement, without a job.

 

Think Positive : So you have failed to bag a placement offer. Instead of moping around, and getting depressed, try to focus on positives – you have finished your engineering/MBA, have learnt valuable job oriented skills that no one can take away from you. And yes despite what naysayers have told you, a degree from a UGC recognized University counts. Even today.

 

Evaluate Yourself : Try to set all emotions aside and view yourself critically/objectively. There must have been a reason, why you did not get placed.  Did you display a lack of etiquette at the placement interviews? If so, then it’s time to work on your soft skills. Was your UG GPA/scores not up to the mark? If so, then the only option for you is to apply for an Mtech, M Com, MA etc in same subject and try to score as high as possible.

 

Look For An Internship : Don’t wallow on placement blues. If you didn’t get a job offer, look for alternatives like an internship. Many companies which cannot offer you a job offer – due to lack of vacancy etc, will gladly offer you an internship. Visit internship portals like Internshala etc. While internships does not pay as much as a full time job, it’s invaluable.

 

You get an opportunity to exercise the skills you have learnt, get a taste of how businesses actually work and also get opportunities to network and show your acumen. If you perform well in the internship you get a recommendation from the authorities and a pre placement offer ( if there are vacancies). Recommendation from the your manager or the CEO counts for a lot- as it helps future employers aware of your potential and dedication.

 

Join A Startup : Don’t get depressed because somehow you have failed to land a job in an MNC. Apply for a job at a startup. Startups are always in need of fresh talent – of graduates and young professionals who are flexible, ambitious and dynamic. Unlike large scale corporations and MNCs, startups have a more relaxed/flexible hiring policy and often hires freshers with potential. Check websites like DreamStarts and Angellists.

 

As we have mentioned before – joining a startup has multiple advantages. You get exposed to real life business decisions and even take part in it, you get to work in several responsibilities and can occupy key management positions. If you are talented and hardworking you can rise to mid senior level in no time. As there are only a few people associated in most startups, you are bound to get noticed soon if you are talented. Startups are mostly talent based, fast paced dynamic organizations that allow you to climb the corporate ladder relatively quickly.

 

Look for Off Campus Placement : Off Campus Placement can be a good option/alternative for those who have failed to bag on campus placements. Take part in the job fairs occurring in your city. Create a biodata, listing your skills and academic record, and upload it on job portals like Naukri.com, Timesjobs.com, Indeed.com. There are numerous freshers jobs listed there. Apply to them.

 

Build up and continually update a LinkedIn profile. LinkedIn can be a great opportunity to network – as seasoned professionals , entrepreneurs, C Suite Executives frequent this website. Connect with them and message them of the skills you have learnt, and how you can help them solve problems using those skills.

 

Network Relentlessly : There are several Btech and MBA freshers community. Become a member, of such a community – you will get to know what your peers are doing to work on their skills, get to know the how the interviews are conducted, and also get current job updates.

 

Network with seniors and alumnis of your college placed in established firms. Alumnis  generally have a soft corner for their alma mater and tend to help the juniors of that organization.  If you already know some these seniors and have a good rapport with them, this will go in your favour. Else just drop them an email. However instead of requesting for a job, let them know you have these skills you have learnt and how you can help them.

 

Take Aptitude Tests : Aptitude tests can be a gateway to job offers off campus. Aptitude tests evaluate your quantitative aptitude, analytical abilities, verbal and comprehension skills etc. Aptitude test results are often taken into consideration by many firms as they need candidates who have good analytical and problem solving aptitude.

 

Prepare for Competitive Exams : If you are an engineering graduate, prepare for All India exams like GATE.  If you GATE scores are exceptional, then you will get job offers from prestigious PSUs like BHEL, ONGC etc.

 

Brush up core skills : For example if you are an IT/Software engineer, then try to learn some latest programming languages, coding etc. If possible try to get certified such as RedHat, Linux, CISCO etc. Such certifications confirm that you are competent and have solid domain knowledge, and since they are awarded by global institutions which are the gold standard in the IT sector, it definitely adds to your resume.

 

Remember, campus placements are not the end of the world. Your life is not ‘’finished’’ if you don’t bag campus job offer. Instead of getting depressed, treat is as a learning opportunity – to evaluate yourself and learn from your mistakes.