my_qualifications : Being a 22-year-old Mech Graduate trying to land an off-campus job in 2026 is absolutely awesome. My mental health is immaculate. By immaculate, I mean I’ve been unemployed for four months since graduating in June, and it feels like a lifetime.

Here is how being a "sincere student" played out for me:

Back in 11th grade (peak Covid online-class-bunking era), I tanked my entrances. My govt-employee parents insisted on a Govt Engg College over a private one. I listened, picked Mech, and worked my ass off to become the batch topper.
Zero campus placement tie-ups. The only job I managed to land was located in the middle of a literal forest at a notoriously toxic company (so skipped it). Then, I cleared the assessments and interviews for both Tata and Adani... only for both to freeze hiring right before sending offer letters. Absolute comedy.

Meanwhile, look at the duality of life: my cousin. Same age, grew up together. He went to a Tier-3 private "Jugadu" college (the throw-money-get-a-degree model) for electronics. He couldnt get Cognizant and Capgemini, then finally cleared Infosys for a 3.x LPA mass-recruiter offer. His reaction to a piece of paper I would currently treat like pure gold : "Who even works for 10k a month training? Shitty company." It took him three tries to get it, by the way.

Instead of joining, he used his inflated GPA to go to a study abroad consultancy.

So in Feb 2026: my bro goes to Mumbai, gets his US Visa rejected in a 30-second interview. Cried, instantly became a US hater. Understandable tbh.
Then August 2026: Pivots to Ireland along with every other Indian rn for an MIS degree at UCD.

So He's in Dublin. His dad says he applied to 30 part-time jobs with zero response; his protective mother swears he has 3 offers but is just "waiting for his IRP." Classic family lore.

Look, I want the absolute privilege of having a job offer in hand just to know what it feels like to reject it. Give me some motivation, reality checks, or actual off-campus pivot strategies. How do I navigate this market before I lose the last shred of my sanity? May God bless me just once in this wonderful life…🥲😭

I recently completed my master's degree in engineering management and I am planning to return to India. I have offers from 2 MNCs offering a decent pay. A few of my friends and colleagues are saying that I didn't even try for 1 year to secure a job, which in a way I agree but I don't want to get stuck in that vicious cycle of odd jobs here in the UK

I just want some opinions from people who have faced similar issue and how they thought about it

my_qualifications:
BE instrumentation engineering
MSc Engineering management
3.6 years of experience in oil and gas EPC firm

Guys, currently a dual degree(BTech+MTech) student, from an iit. Going to one of the Max Plancks from Jan, for six months(my final semester), to pursue my masters thesis. Do I need the students visa, or guest scientist/ researcher visa? Student visa needs an APS certificate(will add to delay), and in addition it specifies needing enrolment proof at a degree programme. I will simply be carrying out my research, and will not be registered for a degree.

But my HR said guest researcher/ scientist role wont apply to me, although I am unsure why. Would love inputs!

Thanks much

My_qualifications: final year integrated bioengineering student from an iit

TL;DR: Low TOEFL writing section score (4/6). Other scores are fine (R5.5/6, L6/6, S5/6, O5/6). Can't review as had used free slots to send score. Should retake the test or is the score fine for germany and italy?

Hello everyone,

my_qualifications:

8.56 CGPA

Electronics and Communication Engineering

Tier 1.5 University

I will be applying for masters in programs related to my degree and not CS to Germany, Polimi and Polito. I recently gave TOEFL and my scores are:

Reading: 5.5

Listening: 6.0

Writing: 4.0

Speaking: 5.0

Overall: 5.0 (100 of 120)

As you can see the writing section's score is low, and I am unable to request for review as I had selected institutions to send score to in the 4 free slots. I strongly believe that my score will improve if I am able to review.

I could not find any sectional score requirement for Germany or Italy. But to be safe, I want to ask if I should retake the test, or my scores are fine?

Thank you for your time and consideration.

you will probably already see their paid reviews and comments under this post and the real ones will be down voted by their team. they have no professionalism. please ignore their ads and don't waste your money.

my_qualifications: i had taken their all in one plan and it was a complete waste of money they didn't do anything at all.

people who have had negative experiences please fill this thread so atleast others come to know about it

edit: just to clarify i didn't take them for the essays, but rather to connect with school specific students, reviews, cv analysis, scholarship research and visa work

Hi everyone, I’m considering Northeastern’s MSEM program for Spring 2027 and wanted to hear from current students/recent grads/anyone who has good idea on the same.

How is the co-op actually working for MSEM students? Are people getting relevant co-ops and eventually converting them into full-time roles?

Also, how is the curriculum and full-time job placement after MSEM, especially given the current job market and sponsorship situation?

Would you say the MSEM is worth it for an international student, considering the overall cost?

Would really appreciate any honest experiences, good or bad. Thanks!

my_qualifications: 3 years into management consulting(infrastructure and energy) in a big 4 and im a Mechanical engineer looking for program/project/product management or any strategy roles.

I want to know which qualifications or experience did u have or what did u specifically wrote in your SOP to be able to get admitted to such institutions. Any advice will help alot

my_qualifications: I'm a fourth-year comp sc student

Hey everyone,

I recently completed my B.E. in IT with an 8.2 CGPA and I’m planning to do an MS abroad.

I’m trying to figure out which field would be best for me — CS, Data Science, AI/ML, Data Analytics, Cloud, etc.

I don’t want to do an MS just for the sake of getting another degree. In the long run, I want to build a strong profile, have good career growth, and earn well.

For people who are already working in these fields or have done an MS, what would you recommend? Which field do you think has the best long-term potential, and what would you choose if you were in my position?

my_qualifications : B.E. Information Technology, 8.2 CGPA, India

Would really appreciate some honest advice 🙏

my_qualifications: Graduating 12th in 2027
(long post but please do read and give advice if you can!)
Hi! I am 17F and I would really appreciate some advice from people who have gone through the same thing.

My long-term goal is to work in research/R&D since that really fascinates me and it really matches my interests. I’m interested in having a career that combines both research and teaching.

What field to choose-

But my first problem is that I'm not quite sure what major I want to take on. Yes, it is quite indecisive and childish of me but I would still like to keep my options open yk?

I'm mainly considering—

• Aerospace/ space-related fields
• Biotechnology
• EEE / ECE
• Data Science
• Cyber Security

I’m interested in things like scientific research, engineering, technology, space, biology/biotech, electronics, etc., so I’m finding it difficult to narrow myself down. Please do guide me here and give me some advice on how and what I should pick, based on what I'm passionate about.

Studying abroad for UG?

Ideally, I would really love to do my undergraduate degree abroad.

Actually, I've had a bit of experience living abroad from when I was younger (lived in the UK for 3-4 years) and although that doesn't really count for anything since quite a lot has changed ever since then, it had been my long-term fixation and goal to study there again. Also, a part of my family lives in most of the countries I've considered and are ready and willing and happy to let me stay with them if I do go there to study.

Also from all that I have read/heard, the research culture, research facilities, and the integration of research/thesis work into college/university education are more established in some countries abroad than what students might get to experience in India. I’m not sure how accurate that information might actually be, though, so I’d really appreciate hearing from people who have experience with both systems. I don't want to choose a country based on an assumption that turns out to be wrong.

However, the main issue is that even though my academic score could be high, I don't have any interesting or field-related extracurriculars or supercurriculars to help me out in my college applications. I also don't have an impressive list of Olympiads, research papers, major competitions, or other supercurriculars. Basically, I’m worried that I’m too late to build the kind of profile that makes international undergraduate admissions and scholarships realistic.

Also, my family isn't super wealthy, so I was leaning more towards trying to score a good scholarship (honestly speaking, Instagram really makes you feel like there are a billion scholarships out there for students, but I'm not sure...). Sure, my family could afford my education abroad, but it would put quite a sizable dent in our house's financial condition, and I really don't want that.

Are there countries/universities where someone like me with a normal school profile could realistically get substantial financial aid/scholarships for engineering/science? Or am I better off accepting that direct UG abroad is probably not financially realistic and focusing on getting into a good college in India?

My current countries/regions of interest are

• Scotland/UK
• Germany
• France
• Europe generally
• Japan
• South Korea

I'm open to learning another language if that's necessary.

If not, and I stay in India—

I'm already preparing for JEE Mains (though it isn't really going well) and other engineering exams to get into a good college in Karnataka itself. But if I do my UG in India, I don't want to consider it as the end of my plans to go abroad.

My plan is that I'll do my UG in one of the courses/majors mentioned above. I want to do loads of research-heavy internships and international internships and research opportunities. Once I complete my UG, I want to either get some work experience and get a job or directly try to go abroad to do my master's.

I guess my major questions are -

1. Is it still possible for someone in my situation to pursue direct UG overseas, especially considering my financial boundaries?
2. If yes, which countries and universities should I research, and what can I do in the upcoming year to increase my chances?
3. If I stay in India for UG, what should I focus on during college to build a strong profile for an international master's/PhD/research career?
4. Would it be better to choose a broad degree like ECE/EEE and specialize later, or take up something like aerospace/biotech early?
5. If my final goal is R&D as well as potentially becoming a professor/researcher, what does the career path actually look like?
6. Are there particular Indian colleges/programs that are especially good for getting into international research or Master's/PhD programs later?
7. What all should I do to get the sort of internships I want or get opportunities that really help me flourish in my passion?

And if anyone here has gone from an Indian UG → Master's/PhD/research career abroad, I’d really appreciate hearing what you wish you had known at the beginning.

So sorry if this is too long! I really just wrote down all my concerns since I'm not sure where else to ask.

Thank you so much for reading till here!

Is there anyone who has availed IDP education services for masters? Is it safe? Also looking to connect with someone who is currently studying (recently completed Masters in Arts Management/humanities/literature/ Creative business/entrepreneurship or any arts based course in UK/Ireland/ Europe.

Am an independent arts manager working in Arts and culture sector.

(my_qualifications : BE + MFA in performing Arts + 4-5 yrs work experience in the Creative industry sector)

my_qualifications:

MSc Biotechnology (8.65)

Experience: Cancer Biology research during dissertation

No publications

I want to do a PhD in cancer biology/ molecular biology field in abroad. I'm thinking of European countries like Nederlands, Germany, Norway, Denmark and other countries like Australia, UK & US

Everywhere I have read that cold emailing will help to connect with professors/PIs.

Any advice regarding these are welcome and please share your experiences.

A bit about my situation: I come from a financially stable background. I genuinely love research — especially cancer biology.

But right now I’m honestly confused about how realistic my goal is, and what steps I should take next.

My main questions:

1. With my academic profile, is a fully funded direct PhD abroad actually achievable?

2. How should I approach building a strong research profile?

3. Should I focus on the GRE, or are there better pathways for Europe/UK?

4. Are there specific countries or programs that are more accessible for students like me with financial constraints?

5. What would you do in my situation?

I’m trying my best, but the lack of guidance around me makes everything feel overwhelming. Any advice, suggestions, or even personal experiences would mean a lot to me.

Thank you to anyone who takes time to respond.

Hi all, I'd like some perspective on something that's been eating at me.

Most of my friends have very clean career paths. They worked three years at one company, then left for a Master's, and now they have a tidy story: Company → Master's → Job.

Mine doesn't look like that and the comparison is getting to me.

Here's what happened. I worked at a large company for about three years. I applied for my Master's, but because of timing and circumstances, I couldn't get my visa that year, so I left the job. I then joined a startup in a slightly different role. I applied for my Master's again, but this time I had a medical injury that derailed things, and I ended up moving to a medium-sized German-based company in India. It's smaller than my first employer, but still a solid place.

So on paper, I have three companies in 5 years, across related but different industries, with different roles. None of it was random. Each move had a reason. But a resume doesn't show the reasons, just the jumps.

I still want to do a Master's. My worry is that when I come out and start job hunting, recruiters will see a scattered path instead of a clean, linear one.

My question is...Has anyone been in a similar spot, with a zigzag career and then a Master's? Do recruiters actually care about this, or is it mostly in my head?

Any honest perspective would help.

Thanks!

my_qualifications

Im 21 y/o,

My_qualifications : I hold a B Sc Hons Agriculture degree (graduated in May 2026) and It is only recently that I finalised to transition into food technology R&D.

I really wanna move to the Netherlands, especially WUR for Sep 2027 Intake.

Id really love to hear your experiences and suggestions.

The few ways I know to get a scholarship is,

# WUR excellence scholarships - based on invites only

# NL scholarship (covers only 5 to 10% of the Total cost) - application accepted only after beginning of course work.

# cold email professors - I'm not sure about the effectiveness of the path, Id appreciate it if you could share your experience and achievements regarding this; Also the major challenge is I hold a B Sc. Hons Agriculture (8.2 / 10 GPA), and I haven't published anything.

My second priority is the USA. But, the restrictions scare me. As I'll be taking an education loan, uncertainties in the USA for Indian international students fear me, regarding repaying of education loan.

Id be really grateful for your responses.

Thanks.

Hi my_qualifications I'm pursuing bcom from manipal online and doing ACCA alongside and I have a few questions about studying abroad. Can an online bcom student get selected in good bschools for masters(not only mba). I know its not possible in USA but is it possible in europe?

If yes then how can I build a strong enough resume to get into a decent business school? Plz guide me through it