The Engineer Exodus: Navigating the Job Market and Finding Your Path

 

Hi,

I have been thinking a lot about this pattern we are seeing: a large number of new engineering graduates entering the market each year, but many of them are unable to find work. Did you know that India produces over 15 lakh (1.5 million) engineering graduates every year? Nearly 4 to 5 lakh of those are in computer science, information technology, or software-related fields. However, only about 2 to 2.5 lakh people are employed in core software roles. That's a massive gap.

So naturally, I started asking myself: What is going on here?

The Talent Surplus vs. Skill Deficit

According to what I have seen and heard from recruiters, the most common feedback is: "There are plenty of graduates, but very few job-ready candidates." And it is not just my opinion; according to a NASSCOM report, just 20-25% of engineering graduates are regarded as marketable for software employment straight out of college. That number struck me.

Even Infosys co-founder N.R. Narayana Murthy stated openly that most students can code but cannot handle real-world problems. They understand the grammar, but not the semantics.

Why Are So Many Struggling?

Based on my experience and interactions, here are some of the most important reasons:
• Inadequate knowledge of essential courses, including data structures and algorithms.

• Insufficient hands-on experience with real-world projects.

• Lack of communication skills, particularly during interviews.

• Limited assistance on resumes, interviews, and career paths.

• Overreliance on college placements.

So, What Can You Do About It?

If you are a recent engineering graduate or have been looking for a while, here are some actions you can take. These are not magical solutions, but they are practical ones that I have seen work firsthand.

1. Go Back to the Basics

Start by strengthening your fundamentals. Trust me, this makes a huge difference.

• Dive into platforms like LeetCode, GeeksforGeeks, and Codeforces.
• Brush up on DBMS, OS, and Computer Networks, too.

I usually suggest solving at least 200+ DSA problems if you are aiming for a product-based company.

2. Build Projects That Work

Don’t rely only on what you did in college. Start something new:

• A full-stack web application
• A mobile app (maybe solve a real problem you have noticed)
• Even contributing to open-source projects

Upload everything to GitHub and write clean, well-documented READMEs. It shows seriousness and skill.

3. Work on Your Communication

This one’s huge. I have seen great coders lose out in interviews because they couldn’t explain what they knew. Try recording yourself answering questions, or join a speaking club like Toastmasters. It helps build clarity and confidence.

4. Your Resume and Portfolio Matter More Than You Think

Keep your resume sharp and focused. Make sure:

• It’s no longer than a page
• You tailor it for each role
• You include GitHub or portfolio links

5. Online Courses Can Help

There are fantastic resources out there. I recommend checking out:

• Coursera
• Udemy
• edX

Pick courses on:

• Cloud platforms (AWS, Azure)
• DevOps (Docker, Jenkins)
• Frontend/backend frameworks (React, Node, Django)
• A bit of AI/ML if you’re curious

6. Apply Smarter, Not Just More

Yes, apply everywhere, but don’t apply blindly. Here is what has worked for people I know:

• Look at startups—they focus more on what you can do than where you studied
• Try platforms like Upwork or Toptal
• Make use of referrals on LinkedIn
• Join coding competitions on HackerRank or data science challenges on Kaggle

Product-based companies can be tough, but the rewards are worth the prep.

7. Get Serious About Interview Prep

Understand the flow:

1. Aptitude and coding round
2. 1–2 technical rounds
3. HR or managerial round

Practice behavioral answers, use the STAR method, and do mock interviews on InterviewBit.

A Few Real Stories That Inspired Me

• Ankit, from a Tier-3 college, didn’t get placed on campus. But he didn’t give up, built projects, solved 300+ coding problems, and landed a job in a fintech startup in under 6 months.
• Riya, nervous about her English, joined Toastmasters and practiced hard. She eventually landed a remote role with a U.S.-based company.

Words From the Experts

• Kiran Mazumdar Shaw said it best: "We need to shift our focus from rote learning to critical thinking and communication."
• Sundar Pichai: "Your degree is not a passport to lifelong success. Your ability to keep learning is." (https://shorturl.at/V94Vk) 

If You are Still Reading, Here is My Advice:

• Prioritize skills above college names.

• Approach job search as a project. Show up every day.

• Consistent coding, even for an hour each day, makes a significant improvement.

• Keep your LinkedIn, GitHub, and CV up-to-date.

• Be able to articulate your path effectively.

Conclusion

Look, the sector is not running out of jobs; it is just that demand and supply are not matching. Companies seek engineers who can solve issues, communicate well, and continue to learn.

That is where you come in.

If you are currently unemployed, use this as an opportunity rather than a setback. Improve your talents, remain curious, and keep moving. Because those who excel in technology? They are not necessarily the smartest or fastest, but they are the ones who persevere.
Let's build, learn, and grow together.

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