Pre Placement prep 1

Apologies to my long lost readership of my friends who are to appear for their placments, for the absense of any articles that relate specifically to the recent placement scene. My job has kept me more than occupied to set time aside for these articles which cannot be handled leisurely.

This is the extract of a recent mail I had sent to one of my friends who is due to appear for placements in a few weeks and he had the following usual queries:

The current IT scene,

Anxieties of placements,

Tips on leveraging the best result out of a placement programme. Of course, its not the original :) mail.

"Settle down, its a long long mail.


I was in etrx so I had all the etrx cos like ####### and the likes. Software cos were the usual . For the comps, IT ppl , there were more like ( specific cos) and many I dont recollect.

I have a fairly good idea about this time's scene .This time around, be prepared for Finance cos along with the sofwtare bunch. Rest assured there are enough to take you in , as long as you are deserving.

If an #or# or # is enough, I would advise against setting your targets low, they will take a big number in indiscriminately. This time around some very high paying and powerfuly branded cos are coming in and I want you, and all of your friends, to get the big ones. So start your career with a good co, mind you a good co can also mean a small co which can give you superior exposure and experience to technologies, and you will never have to worry about many things.

I had made my resume long before my exams had started (6th sem), anyways its not that difficult, make one after your exams. For now, you have your exams to worry about. Placements will happen when they happen. So give a good 6th sem to get a good post grad ( I am sure you are looking forward for that).

I know I am not a guru, but the following Gyaan can't be too wrong.The current scenario, is not that great, as profits are down on SOME fronts not all. Software will always have work, something or the other as long as you have perseverance. The companies come to recruit almost a year and half in advance when analysts say things will get better, I dont believe analysts though :) Placements will happen when they happen, again, you give your best. The slowdown period is actually the most exciting, and I am glad I am on the scene at this time. The action heats up, companies go on a buying spree due to low valuations and people have to stretch and prove themselves, and after the slowdown there is a decent rise always in IT. People also might lose their jobs, but as my Project manager says " if you are good , nothings goining to happen to you".

Another piece of important advice, start getting friendly with all the nerds, and the software gurus, who you might have despised, cause they will be immensely resourcefull during the placements. If required for the time being, be a good pal and get all the techie knowledge off them, it will help far more than reading books and solving prep papers. Along the long way too, their network will help you get opportunities and relations.

Best of luck for 6th sem!"