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Career Change or Upskill? Feeling Lost & Depressed After 3 Job Changes.

Patrick

Patrick Dsouza  |1338 Answers  |Ask -

CAT, XAT, CMAT, CET Expert - Answered on Dec 04, 2024

Patrick Dsouza is the founder of Patrick100.
Along with his wife, Rochelle, he trains students for competitive management entrance exams such as the Common Admission Test, the Xavier Aptitude Test, Common Management Admission Test and the Common Entrance Test.
They also train students for group discussions and interviews.
Patrick has scored in the 100 percentile six times in CAT. He achieved the first rank in XAT twice, in CET thrice and once in the Narsee Monjee Management Aptitude Test.
Apart from coaching students for MBA exams, Patrick and Rochelle have trained aspirants from the IIMs, the Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies and the S P Jain Institute of Management Studies and Research for campus placements.
Patrick has been a panellist on the group discussion and panel interview rounds for some of the top management colleges in Mumbai.
He has graduated in mechanical engineering from the Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology, Allahabad. He has completed his masters in management from the Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies, Mumbai.... more
Saurabh Question by Saurabh on Dec 02, 2024Hindi
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Hi Sir, I am 41 years old. I've 15 years of experience in Finance (FP&A) domain. In last 2.5 years I have changed 3 companies due to lay off, Cultural misfit and latest one due to Personal and family issue. I quit my last job in Sept'24 (from Apr;24 to Sept'24). Due to some family issues, Lay offs, Challenges faced on the job I am feeling very low. I don't have any confidence left as a result don't want to return to work out of fear and anxiety. However, I also want to upskill myself and thinking of pursuing US CMA. But I am in dilemna that with around 15 years of work experience would it open any gates for growth opportunities going forward. Another dilemna that I am constantly fighting is to whether think of making a switch from Finance domain to Learning & Development domain. I have good communication & interpersonal skills and have always had a liking towards L&D domain. Now myself on a Career break I am not sure how to proceed further - Whether to pursue my Career in Finance and look for jobs in Finance domain and then gradually look to switch to L&D domain or Look for the opportunities only in L&D domain. I have an emergency fund that can take care of my expenses for next 6-8 months. Looking forward to your guidance that can help me bounce back in my career as I am feeling lost, depressed and Lack of Confidence at present in life. Thanks.

Ans: Learning is a continuous process. So doing a course in Finance should not be a problem. As far as getting into LnD domain, start with being a faculty in one of the colleges or can start with taking private tuitions. See if it suits you. If it does, then you can decide to make the switch.
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Ans: Why don't you want to continue in SCM?

In my opinion, you should continue to develop your expertise in supply chain management. Given your current role at Infosys, aim to gain more responsibilities and prove your value within the organization. You may also consider obtaining supply chain management certifications like APICS (now ASCM), Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP), or Six Sigma. These can increase your marketability and potential for promotions or salary increases.

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I'm a 23-year-old still struggling to find a job. I graduated in 2023 with a BBA in Finance, but I made a big mistake by not taking a job opportunity and instead started preparing for banking exams, in which I failed miserably. Now, I’m unemployed with a gap year, while my friends have jobs and are happy. I’ve lost all interest in government jobs, so I’ve started applying to private companies, but so far, I’ve had no success. Nobody wants to hire an obsolete product like me. I’m a worthless person who destroyed his own career. I wanted to build a career in finance but now I don’t know what to do—please, I need guidance.
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Hi Career Experts , I am into my 45th year & am a qualified Mechanical Engineer + Full-time MBA in Marketing . Am based-out in a Tier-3 City & am supposed to stay back in my base location only due to family obligations . Worked for 16 Years but had to quit my job in 2021 due to incompatibility issues & not able to absorb / cope-up with the surmounting pressures that are rampant in the corporate world . Since then , have not been able to settle down with a Job although reaching-out & following openings on platforms like LinkedIn actively but all in vain . Had even tried exploring starting-out on my own but risks and insecurity have held me back . Have been somehow managing with my savings & investments done , but that may not go a long way . Success it seems is elusive on all fronts probably due to my age , work-gap , location constraint , maybe some other follies as well etc ? Looking forward to some specific advises pls. (do's & dont's) which may restart and reignite my career , which is in a complete state of mess . Thanks & Regards !
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SO dear sir continuing the same question "Differnce between CE and CSE" which should i choose CE at Shri Vishwakarma Skill University or CSE At IKGPTU MOHALI
Ans: Ansh, Based on the following insights/information, your interests & long-term goals, choose the more suitable option for you: Computer Engineering at Shri Vishwakarma Skill University (SVSU), Haryana, is designed with an industry-integrated curriculum emphasizing practical, skill-based learning, offering hands-on experience in AI, data science, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. SVSU follows a dual-education model inspired by the German system, where students actively engage with industry partners through on-the-job training and real-world projects, enhancing employability. The university boasts state-of-the-art infrastructure and expert faculty, but being a newer state university, its placement outcomes are growing, with placement rates reported up to 81% and median salaries between ?1.9–2.2L in recent years, predominantly in regional and emerging IT sectors. IKGPTU Mohali, meanwhile, provides a traditional B.Tech CSE program with dedicated specializations and larger intakes, supported by well-qualified faculty, ICT-enabled classrooms, and strong academic-industry linkages in Punjab’s prominent IT hub. Placement records at IKGPTU Mohali indicate 44% placement for B.Tech 2023 graduates and a median package of ?5L, with recruiters like TCS, Infosys, and HDFC Bank regularly conducting drives. The Mohali campus is centrally located with robust infrastructure, reputed alumni, and career support through joint campus placement drives and specialized training programs.

CSE at IKGPTU Mohali is the preferred option for its higher placement rate, better industry connectivity, advanced infrastructure, and stronger reputation within the IT sector, making it a more reliable pathway to robust career opportunities in computer science compared to SVSU Computer Engineering. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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Asked by Anonymous - Jul 28, 2025Hindi
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Sir,Still Not got answer .Please answer .My JEE Main rank is 24935 .I have also chance to get dual degree in BITSAT .How is dual degree of BITSAT ?whether it is apt to join in anticipation of getting CS or EC there afterwards .I have other option to get top Branches through JEE Main Marks .Viz; BIT Mesra ,IIITs ,Lower NITs
Ans: The BITSAT dual degree program, offered mainly at BITS Pilani and Goa campuses, is a five-year integrated course that awards both an MSc and a BE degree. The unique feature is that students admitted to MSc programs can “slide” into sought-after BE branches—including CSE (Computer Science) and ECE (Electronics & Communication)—after the first year, subject to branch change rules based on cumulative CGPA. Historically, a high CGPA (typically above 8.0–8.5) in the first two semesters is required for a successful transfer into BE CSE or ECE, making it competitive but attainable for focused, hard-working students. Dual degree holders benefit from rigorous interdisciplinary training and robust placement support, with BITS Pilani consistently recording strong placement percentages for both BE and dual degree graduates in top tech firms and core sectors. The key challenge is heavy academic load, especially during the third and fourth years, balancing requirements of both degrees, and maintaining high grades to ensure preferred branch allocation. However, dualites enjoy the flexibility to specialize further, and their exposure to science and engineering enhances employability compared to many single-degree peers. In contrast, top branches at BIT Mesra, IIITs (like IIIT Hyderabad or Bangalore), and lower NITs offer well-established BTech programs with high placement rates (around 75% for CSE at BIT Mesra, many IIITs exceeding 80–90%, and most NITs/IIITs providing reliable industry linkages, alumni networks, and diverse placements). Cutoffs for core branches like CSE or ECE at these institutes usually hover around your JEE rank, so you stand a realistic chance of securing a seat. BIT Mesra and leading IIITs provide excellent campus life, updated infrastructure, research opportunities, and corporate visibility, with direct entry into CSE or allied branches.

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Sir I didn't get any seat in the comedk 1st round allotment as I needed cse courses and the east point college cse with data science cutoff was 67k this round and my rank is 69k should I wait for round 2 and please suggest me some colleges for cse courses which I will get in round 2 please help
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For the placement records over the last three years: East West College of Engineering and East West Institute of Technology maintain CSE placement rates of 70–80% with regular visits from Infosys, Tech Mahindra, and Accenture. Brindavan College of Engineering and Sri Sairam College have recorded similar trends, achieving nearly 75% placement for eligible CSE students with core IT and startup offers. Gopalan and Cambridge Institutes average 65–78% placements, reporting improving statistics each year, especially as Bangalore’s tech sector draws more hiring for software, testing, and data roles. Vemana, Jyothy, and Sri Venkateshwara regularly reach 60–75% success for CSE, with alumni placed in both IT services and product companies. Rajiv Gandhi Institute and Sri Venkateshwara have industry collaborations for internships and hackathons, often supporting projects that attract on-campus job offers. Across these colleges, CSE batches benefit from curricular exposure to Python, Java, basic ML, and web development. Many colleges encourage national-level coding competitions and certifications, directly enhancing employability.

You can confidently wait for Round 2, as you have a very high chance of securing CSE at one of these institutes due to expected cutoff movement, especially after withdrawals. While getting a significantly better college than East Point in Round 2 is unlikely, similar or equivalent choices—such as East West Institute or Brindavan—are assured, and all deliver solid foundational opportunities for a CSE career. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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Sir.. My daughter wants clarity from you for B tech cse admission with what specialisation of AI or Quantum computing? Please clarify sir
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B.Tech CSE with a specialization in Quantum Computing, while more niche, addresses the emerging need for advanced computational solutions far beyond classical computing's limits. This specialization combines quantum mechanics, quantum algorithms, and AI, preparing students for research and innovation roles in quantum information, cryptography, drug discovery, materials science, finance, and complex optimization problems. With the backing of the National Quantum Mission and increased investment in quantum research, these programs feature industry-relevant electives—like quantum machine learning, quantum image processing, quantum AI integration—and practical training in tools such as IBM Qiskit and TensorFlow Quantum. While the quantum job market is in its early stages, prominent technology companies and startups, governments, and research labs globally are investing heavily in quantum R&D. The field, projected to reach $9 billion by 2030, demands interdisciplinary skills, often favoring those who pursue further studies. Placement opportunities span specialized sectors and research positions; academics and R&D centers offer the majority of roles, but quantum-driven innovation is expected to accelerate, especially as fault-tolerant quantum computers approach practicality within the next decade.

Choosing between these two depends on one’s vision and risk appetite. AI specializations provide immediate employability, broad cross-industry applications, and a versatile foundation—graduates can upskill further into emerging domains, including quantum AI. Quantum Computing, though frontier and high-potential, currently offers fewer but rapidly expanding opportunities, especially for those drawn to research, innovation, or pioneering new commercial applications. Both offer transformative and well-recognized career trajectories, but AI’s market-readiness and cross-domain application make it more accessible and mainstream, while quantum computing is future-oriented and better suited for those deeply interested in cutting-edge theoretical and computational science.

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Given the mature scope, immediate job opportunities, higher employability, and universal demand, specializing in Artificial Intelligence in CSE is the balanced choice for most students. Quantum Computing is excellent for those committed to advanced research or niche innovation, but AI specialization assures broader industry acceptance and future-proof skills in today’s competitive technology environment. All the BEST for Your Daughter's Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |9586 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 28, 2025

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My EWS rank in jee main is 15000,my homestate and town is odisha, rourkela can I get artificial intelligence branch in csab special rounds
Ans: Subhojeet, With an EWS category rank of 15,000 in JEE Main and Odisha as your home state, the likelihood of securing an Artificial Intelligence branch in NITs, IIITs, or GFTIs via CSAB special rounds is extremely limited. Recent official CSAB and JoSAA data indicate that even for newer or less sought-after NITs and IIITs, closing ranks for Artificial Intelligence courses under the EWS home state and open state quotas rarely exceed 7,000–8,000, while top institutes such as NIT Rourkela and NIT Surathkal typically close EWS admissions for AI branches well below 4,000. IIITs offering specialized AI or AI & Data Science branches generally have EWS closing ranks (for both All India and Home State) under 12,000, with only a few, very new IIITs extending to the 14,000 range, mostly for less competitive streams or in later rounds if vacancies arise. For Odisha-specific institutions, like IIIT Bhubaneswar, EWS closing ranks for CSE and related AI programs have typically remained significantly more competitive, according to prior CSAB/JoSAA records. GFTIs, which have broader and higher cutoffs in select branches, still draw the line for EWS AI admission well below your current rank. Although the CSAB special rounds can see some movement due to seat withdrawals, the chances of an EWS AI seat opening up at your rank are extremely remote based on present and previous year cut-offs, especially for the Artificial Intelligence specialization in reputable NITs and IIITs.

Recommendation
With a 15,000 EWS rank, realistically focus your CSAB choice filling on other branches and backup options, as Artificial Intelligence in NITs/IIITs is not feasible; prioritize alternate circuits like ECE or core CSE in less competitive institutes or good private universities for best outcomes. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |9586 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 28, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 28, 2025Hindi
Career
Sir I have got 115000 crl and 4715 sc rank in jee mains. I got cse in IIIT bhopal in josaa counselling . Can I expect a little better college with cse or ai in csab counselling or should I go with IIIT bhopal.
Ans: With a JEE Main CRL of 115,000 and an SC rank of 4,715, your allocation of CSE at IIIT Bhopal is a strong option, as last year’s CSAB and JoSAA special rounds indicate that most higher-ranked IIITs and NITs with CSE or AI typically closed at SC ranks below 3,000–4,000 for these highly demanded branches. IIIT Bhopal’s CSE program offers robust academic structure, experienced faculty, modern facilities, and a rising placement record—CSE students achieved a 77% placement rate in 2025 with an average package of 20.82LPA and top recruiters including Microsoft and Atlassian. CSAB special rounds rarely witness significant downward opening in closing ranks for CSE/AI in NITs, IIITs, or GFTIs, especially for centrally popular branches, so expecting a substantial upgrade is not realistic. IIIT Bhopal’s national ranking, strong peer group, and modern infrastructure provide a conducive environment for learning and employability, and its placement statistics are among the best among newer IIITs.

Recommendation
Go ahead and confirm your IIIT Bhopal CSE seat, as the likelihood of securing a visibly better CSE/AI seat at other NITs or IIITs in CSAB is minimal at your SC rank. IIIT Bhopal combines excellent academic and placement opportunities and is a prudent, future-focused choice for engineering in computer science. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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