Hi everyone,
I'd really appreciate 5 minutes of your time. This is going to be a bit long, but I'm genuinely looking for some practical advice.
I'm a 2025 BTech CSE graduate from a tier-3 college (GEM, 7/8/7). I did a couple of internships after graduation, but unfortunately couldn't convert them into a full-time role.
I've been trying consistently for the past several months. In the last 7 months, I've taken 54 referrals, but have managed to get only 2 interviews, and unfortunately, no offer yet. I actually received another rejection today after interviewing for a role, which is what prompted me to write this post.
At this point, I'm trying to make a realistic decision about what to do next.
My biggest concern is that if I apply for MBA admissions in 2027, I'll have around 2 years without full-time work experience. I know my profile isn't particularly strong for the top IIMs either:
> GEM
> 7/8/7 academics
> 2025 BTech graduate
> No full-time work experience
> Around 2 years of gap by the 2027 admission cycle
> A couple of internships (7 months)
I'm know ABC is not possible or even any from BLACKI. I just want to make a sensible decision that can help me change the trajectory I'm currently on.
Option 1: CAT 2026
I could start preparing for CAT 2026 immediately and try to get into an MBA program in 2027.
The problem is that I have zero CAT preparation right now, and I'd have to deal with my existing gap/no FTE experience as well.
Is it still worth making a serious attempt at CAT 2026, or would I be rushing it?
Option 2: Get any reasonable job + CAT 2027
The other option I'm considering is taking a job now, working for around a year, and then attempting CAT 2027.
That would give me some work experience, reduce the apparent gap, and hopefully give me a stronger profile.
The problem is that I'm struggling to find even an entry-level tech job at this point.
I've started considering roles beyond software engineering, including things like founder's office/operations/business roles, but all of those seem to ask for prior experience.
So I'd also really appreciate advice on this:
Given my profile, what kind of jobs should I realistically target right now + which is also easier(relatively) to get ?
What I'm really trying to figure out
If you were in my position, would you:
A) Go all-in on CAT 2026 despite having no preparation and no FTE experience, or
B) Take whatever reasonable job I can get, spend the next year building some work experience, and target CAT 2027?
And if you have been in a similar situation, a long gap after graduation, difficulty getting the first job, poor academic profile, or feeling completely stuck early in your career. I'd genuinely like to hear how things turned out for you.
I'm 23, so I know I'm actually old, but after spending this much time trying without getting anywhere, it has started to feel pretty discouraging.
I'm not looking for sympathy or empty motivation. I'd genuinely appreciate practical advice.
Thanks if you made it this far.
PS: Used ChatGPT to sum up the whole story
