A message from a student at NSUT University of Technology has gone viral on social media, drawing attention to issues within the technology industry and the education system. This student, despite years of diligent work, possessing coding skills, and experience in practical projects, is currently in a difficult situation with neither a job nor a degree.
The student shared his experience, explaining that during his time at college, he focused not only on textbooks but also on practical skills in software development and real-world projects. He had significant practical experience. However, when it came to obtaining a formal degree and securing employment in corporations, the system excluded him.
He noted that tech companies ignored his years of experience and skills because he lacked an official degree. This situation reignited the debate about the conflict between 'degree versus mastery.'
This story goes beyond the personal disappointment of one student; it highlights the reality of the 'tech dream' in India, where paper qualifications are often prioritized over talent. The corporate duality lies in the fact that large tech companies claim to need 'skills,' not 'degrees.' Nevertheless, in practice, resumes of candidates without degrees are often discarded at the very first screening stage.
Even in prestigious institutions like NSUT, if a student has strong practical knowledge but lags in academic credits, the system tends to exclude them instead of helping them.
Following the publication of this student's story, a heated discussion erupted among engineers and IT professionals. Many users argue that engineering in India has turned into a race for a degree, where the focus is on fulfilling credits rather than learning actual coding and critical thinking. The question arises: will the student's future be determined solely by the possession of a piece of paper after four years of study and tuition fees?
This NSUT student's story has become the voice of millions of young people who work on code late into the night, yet remain facing an uncertain future.