BTech 2nd Year: Improve CGPA or Focus on Skills?

Ans: Some important tips for your Son here to follow: (1) To maintain the same and / or try to increase his CGPA (2) He should start upgrading his skills through NPTEL, Coursera, Internshala, LinkedIn etc. and / or from any other online platforms, recommended by his College Faculties (3) Maintaining a good student-faculty relationship till 4th year (4) Giving more importance to Class Notes and the Reference Books recommended by his Faculties (5) Involving in co-curricular (related to his domain) & extra curricular activities which can be / should be reflected in his Resume (6) Improving his soft skills / communication / presentation skills during the next 3-years which also can be shown in his Resume during his Campus Recruitment Drive (7) Should have a Professional LinkedIn Profile & keep updating them every 3-months (8) Connecting with Professionals of his domain (should not ask for jobs). Not advisable. (9) Put Job Alerts, (related to his domain), in LinkedIn Itself to get notifications to know the Current / Future Job Market Trends and how to upgrade himself accordingly. (10) He also should start RESEARCHING from now, about the Recruiters who visited the Campus during the last 2-3 years, related to his domain, company's Profile, Manpower Strength, Nature of Business / Services Provided etc. This will help him to be more CONFIDENT at the time of Interview in 4th year. I hope I have answered to your question with value additions. All the BEST for Your Son's Bright Future.

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Ans: By focusing on these areas, you can achieve a high CGPA and be well-prepared for placements.
Firstly you have to create a balanced schedule that allocates time for both studies and skill development.
In that scenario you have to set short-term and long-term goals for both academics and skills. Always keep track of your assignments, projects, and deadlines.
1. Internships: Try to get internships during your summer breaks. They provide practical experience and improve your resume..
2. Mock Interviews: Practice with mock interviews to get comfortable with the interview process.
3. Resume Building: Keep your resume updated with all your skills, projects, and internships.
4. Networking: Connect with seniors, alumni, and professionals on LinkedIn. They can provide valuable insights and opportunities.

And most important don’t hesitate to ask professors or classmates for help if you’re struggling with a topic.

Ans: I am glad to are thinking of excelling with high CGPA as also skills. There's only one way to score -- by working hard, applying your mind and staying focused on your studies. Take up complex projects, participate in hackathons, do well in internships, seek help where you need to build your fundamentals. Peer training too is a proven way to master areas in which you are helping your peers, besides developing leadership qualities and helping attitude.

Do also pick softwares that help in Mech Engg design, automation, sustainability beyond your syllabus fron NPTEL, Coursera platforms.