Each year, T5E captures the experiences and choices of the graduating batch in the annual Exit Survey, offering insights into what shaped their journeys at IIT Madras and what lies beyond. This year, we received 246 responses from across the graduating class – 83% from undergraduates (B.Tech, DD, and MA) and the remaining from postgraduates (MSc, MTech, MBA, PhD, and MS).
In this section, T5E explores the pivotal choices and career decisions made by the newest graduates of IIT Madras. Through their responses, the graduating class offers a glimpse into their aspirations, challenges, and the factors influencing their career paths. From placements to higher studies, and from internships to the guidance they received, we uncover how these decisions were shaped by their experiences, mentors, and peers.
What are your plans after graduation?
When it comes to post-graduation plans, a staggering 67.2% of respondents are set to take up corporate jobs, while 22% have opted for higher studies – mirroring the trends seen in previous years. While students from circuital branches lean heavily toward core roles, those from other departments show a stronger preference for non-core opportunities.
When did you decide on your future career path?
Internships seem to be the most influential period for career decisions, with almost 32% of the respondents identifying it as the tipping point in their deciding their future path.
How did you land your job?
47.6% of the respondents landed their job through the campus Placements Drive, followed by PPO at 16.7% and off-campus at 10.1%. Interestingly, 27.8% of respondents expressed dissatisfaction with their placements, feeling they fell short of their potential or could have secured better opportunities.
What do you feel was the most influential factor in helping you land your job or graduate admission?
The Placement Grind emerged as the most important factor for securing jobs, with academics following closely behind. However, many respondents felt that CGPA mattered more than academics itself. For non-core profiles, PoRs were seen as a key advantage, while those in core roles and those pursuing higher studies felt that research experience was the most critical factor.
How long did you spend preparing to land your job?
73.8% of respondents prepared for around 6 months, coinciding with the Placement Drive, highlighting that campus placements were the most common route to securing jobs.
What was the quality of fundae you got while preparing for placements or higher studies?
Around 45% of respondents felt that the advice they received from seniors and peers was fairly basic, requiring them to conduct their own research. However, most were still satisfied with the information provided. While advice on core and non-core opportunities was readily available, guidance related to startups and entrepreneurship was elusive.
How supportive was your peer group during the placement season?
While almost 20% of the respondents found the placement season to be competitive within their peer circles, most described their peers as supportive and encouraging. A small subset of respondents felt that their peers were extremely helpful, going out of their way to help friends secure opportunities.
Do you intend to switch fields after a few years?
Around 75 respondents expressed interest in shifting fields after a few years, particularly those who secured non-core opportunities. On the other hand, those who opted for core roles, either through jobs or higher education, indicated that they were less likely to change fields.
Do you plan on studying further?
Over 50% of respondents expressed a strong interest in pursuing further studies to enhance their skills and qualifications. Many are already in the process of applying for Masters, PhD, or MBA programs, while others are certain they will pursue higher education, either immediately after graduation or at a later stage.
Which city have you been placed in?
Around 43% of respondents have been placed in Bangalore, making it the most popular placement destination. This was followed by Mumbai and Hyderabad, reflecting the strong preference of companies for major cities. Only 7% of respondents were placed outside of India.
Conclusion
The placement season showcased a wide spectrum of career choices among students. Non-core roles were particularly popular, especially in non-circuital departments, while core opportunities attracted those from circuital branches. Higher education was a significant focus, with many pursuing advanced studies in core domains, and some exploring interdisciplinary paths. A few students chose the entrepreneurial routes. Academic performance, research experience, and leadership roles proved crucial for placements, with peer support playing a key role. Major placement hubs included Bangalore and Mumbai, alongside opportunities abroad. Despite the challenges, the atmosphere was largely supportive.
Edited by Shreya S Ramanujam
Adithyaa RG
