Placements 101: Why Chasing Jobs is Smarter Than Chasing Packages!

Story of Doremon, Nobita, and Shizuka of every batch!

Before you begin this course or start preparing for your placements, let me share a short story that repeats itself in every batch, year after year.

In my batch, there were three students — Doremon, Nobita, and Shizuka. All three had enrolled in the course with the common dream of getting a good placement and securing a job by the time the program ended.

Doremon and Nobita both had an excellent academic record. They were highly competitive with each other, consistently topping the class. Shizuka, on the other hand, did not have a strong academic background. She struggled with English fluency and, to make matters worse, did not meet the 60% minimum eligibility criteria set by many companies for placements.

When the placement season began in the second year, all three started applying to companies where they were eligible. As companies visited the campus, each of them progressed differently — sometimes clearing aptitude tests, sometimes reaching the group discussions, and occasionally making it to the interviews.

- Doremon was focused solely on securing a job through campus placement. He didn’t worry much about the salary package being offered — for him, getting a foot in the door was the priority. (Getting a job was always his first priority, regardless of the package offered).

- Nobita, however, had a different mindset. He decided he would only sit for companies offering a minimum package of 8–10 LPA. 

- Meanwhile Shizuka, knowing she didn’t meet the regular eligibility criteria, started preparing from the very first year. She didn’t want to miss any opportunity where companies allowed non-criteria students to apply.

Before the end of the third semester, Doremon received an offer from a reputed company with a CTC of 5.5 LPA. Shizuka, through her great efforts and seizing every possible opportunity, also secured a good job with a 6 LPA CTC — despite her initial academic struggles.

As time passed, Nobita found himself under increasing stress. During the last semester, when students had to focus on research projects, fieldwork reports, conferences, and various sessions, he realized he had no job offer in hand. His focus on chasing only high-package companies left him empty-handed — despite having a better academic record than Shizuka.

This is a mistake I’ve seen many students make — choosing the package over the job itself.

One thing I have always emphasized to my batchmates, and juniors is: "Your primary goal during campus placements should be to secure a job through the faculty placement cell, regardless of the initial CTC. Don’t compare your package with someone else’s. Five years down the line, you’ll likely be at the same or even a better position than those who started with higher packages."

There is absolutely nothing wrong with aiming for high-paying jobs if you have financial stability and family support. However, if you genuinely need a job, chasing only high-CTC companies can be a risky gamble and you might end up like Nobita.

Yes, there are exceptional cases where students waited for bigger opportunities and succeed, but it doesn’t happen to everyone. So, my humble request to you: Focus on securing a job first.

Campus placements are the easiest and safest route. Later, you can switch roles, grow your career, and achieve the package you deserve but only after you are in the system. Otherwise, finding a job from outside will be extremely challenging, and you may end up accepting offers far below your potential.

See you until next time!

Santosh Modhavadiya - MHRM (2022-24)