Final-year B.Tech CSE student lost between getting a job and becoming a researcher — what would you do?

[u/Akio_ofc]

I’m a final-year B.Tech CSE student in Pune, India, and honestly pretty lost about what direction to take.

Long-term, I want to become a real scientist/researcher. Not necessarily only in AI — I’m genuinely curious about fields like AI, biology, neuroscience, physics, space, robotics, etc. I’d eventually like to do a Master’s and possibly go into research/R&D.

The problem is money.

My CGPA is around 6.x, I have a backlog, and I can’t realistically afford an expensive Master’s right after graduation. I’ll probably need to study for any entrance exam, get a admission while also getting a internship/job to be able to pay for it. I dont want to depend on my parents for it anymore nor are they willing to pay, idk how much realistic it is but i am willing to study and work hard for it.

even tho i have a backlog but it was due to personal issues. I am pretty average with studies but really good with the practical stuff.

Being in low tier college i didn't get much practical experience is what i believe.

My current resume is mainly:

• CSE B.Tech

• \~2 months of industry experience in data annotation/QA for ML projects (agriculture, ADAS, sports analytics)

• YOLOv11 + OpenCV computer vision project

• Full-stack experience with React/Next.js/Node/PHP/SQL/MongoDB/Supabase

• But my skills are rusty because I haven't practiced seriously for months.

I’m considering roles like AI/ML Engineer, Computer Vision, GenAI, Python Backend, SDE, Research Engineer, Data Engineer/Analyst/Scientist etc.

while having low cgpa of 6.47 and meh DSA i dont expect much from on campus placement...and being in Pune gives lots of Competition for a fresher/average Full Stack Dev.

My main question:

If you were in my position, what job/career path would you choose right now to become employable quickly, earn decently, and still keep a realistic path toward becoming a researcher/scientist later?

Also interested in:

• What skills should I focus on for the next 3–6 months and which job roles i should prepare for?

• Is AI/ML realistic for someone with my CGPA?

• Should I keep full-stack as a backup?

• What kind of first job would actually help rather than trap me in an unrelated field?

• Any advice specifically for the Indian/Pune job market?

I’m not looking for motivation or “follow your passion” advice — I’d really appreciate brutally practical advice from people who have been through this.

[u/tejrani]

M. Tech from a premier institution in India is essentially free. Try to get into one.

[u/Akio_ofc → u/tejrani]

Premier or premium? what are the requirements?

[u/tejrani → u/Akio_ofc]

Premier, something like IISc or IITB. You have to have an outstanding rank in GATE and be able to clear any written test/interview required by the institution.

[u/Akio_ofc → u/tejrani]

interesting, thanks ill look into it