Are Hefty Campus Placement Packages Killing Careers? People Share Dark Realities!

6 mins read

"You will be offered a CTC of 13 LPA" - THEY said.

"But that's not what I enjoy doing. So maybe I'll take this job, save money for a few years, and then pursue my passion." - This is what YOU said.

Sounds familiar? 

When a student graduates and enters the corporate world, he or she experiences the universal feeling of doing what they love for a living. And this appears especially appealing when they have an entrepreneurial spirit - and a steadfast determination to pursue a hobby or interest.

As the adage goes - Choose a job you love, and you'll never have to work a day in your life." 

However, the reality is far more complicated than it appears.

The constant prodding of the society and family members bring us back to daily reality - out of the goading world of life coaches like Gary Vaynerchuk.

And only a few (read 'negligible') people can catch the trade winds in their sail.

We talked to students who shared the bitter and dark realities of hefty packages/money vs. passion.

Here are the results -

"I made the career decision too early, and it backfired"

After getting rejections from several companies in campus placements, Mallika finally bagged an offer with a fat paycheck. It was a proud and happy moment for her and her family, but after working for a year in a coveted Consulting firm, this is what she realized -

“For obvious reasons, after investing INR 20 Lakhs in my MBA, I was under a lot of mental pressure to get a good-paying job. I am lucky to work in a good working environment, but the bitter truth is that I am not happy with what I do. My MBA taught me to read graphs and understand the market, but what about my idea of converting my interest into a career? Did that even require an MBA?”

Lesson: It is tempting to take the road more often traveled but learn and consider all the options before making a decision. What you want to be when you grow up necessitates careful consideration.

For instance, if you are an engineer, an MBA is NOT the only option for advancing your career.

"I have worked at Goldman Sachs and Zomato, but burnout is brand-neutral"

An MBA pass out from a private university in Mumbai, Aayush, now 26, had a notion that MNCs and conglomerates have a better workflow, pay scale, and environment. Having worked in different setups now, he realized,

"Accepting luring job offers that pay you 3X than your peers doesn't always necessarily mean - a financial and emotional balance. I am proud of my decision to take a long break and recover from burnout. After working for 3 years, now I am looking forward to doing something that I love doing. I am done running after money!"

Lesson: Everyone wants money. And it's not easy to turn your passion into a job. But the sooner you realize your inner-calling, the farther you stay away from burnout. Doing the work you are interested in can bring about a deep sense of satisfaction.

"I have learned this hard way - do multiple internships!"

Vivek (age 27), an alum of one of the NITs, did a summer internship in an analytics firm. He says, 

"The major reason for pursuing an internship in analytics was its highly paid scenario. To be honest, back then, in my third year of graduation, I did not explore much and chose the flourishing sector. I was getting paid maximum as compared to my friends. 

This internship experience led me to a full-time role in final placements. However, I realized that this had ruined my career in due course of time. I can perform my daily tasks well, but I am sure this is not what I want."

Lesson: Multiple internships help you figure out your interests. The more your on-hand experience, the more the chances of fewer regrets later choosing the wrong career.

"I left my job at Volkswagen"

Shantanu, an engineering student from a Pune college, was offered a summer internship at Volkswagen, which was later converted into a full-time role. But this is what he shared with us -

"I was delighted to work with a big brand name. But gradually, I realized that the role I was appointed at does not contain any growth. Of course, money matters, but what equally matters is growth and work satisfaction. So I left my job, did a course to upskill myself, and now I am happily employed at a position I enjoy working for."

Lesson: Working with a brand is one thing; job satisfaction is another. It does not necessarily mean that people who work with big names are always content and enjoy growth opportunities. So take decisions carefully and chart your career accordingly.

3 tips to excel in your career

Three BONUS TIP as shared by a budding entrepreneur (the name is kept confidential) during the interview -

1. Take accountability for your actions. When you can take credit for all the right actions in the world, have the courage to take accountability for everything you did wrong. It should be a balanced equation.
   
   
2. It takes a lot of energy to dig down, deep inside yourself but don't be afraid. If you really want to follow your dreams, analyze what you really want.
   
   
3. Help people around you. You can never advance alone in this treacherous world. Accept help when it's offered and ask for help when you know you can't do it alone.

First, we all rush to get good grades and then rush to get a fancy package. And in this fast-paced race, we often end up making blunder decisions. Just a thought here, it’s okay to make mistakes, but what is more important is to muster the courage to correct them.

In addition to it, it’s perfectly normal to feel nervous while choosing a career/job but make sure you do not follow the herd.

If you have read this far, then close your eyes and focus on your thoughts. You will get an answer to what your calling is!

The whole world belongs to you!

More from Unstop (formerly Dare2Compete)blog:

• This Ex-Googler 'Followed Her Passion' And Quit Google | Is True Passion Above a Lucrative Career?
• Google India Jobs I Early-career Opportunity For Engineers
• Guide 101: Career options for engineers that should not be missed!
• Fewer Women Leaving Jobs In The IT/ITES Sector due to WFH Flexibility, Finds Study!
• Degrees Vs Skills: How Has 'Degree Inflation' Affected Education In India?