Bachelors Degree in India Gets You a Job, But MS in USA Will Get You This.
Hello, everyone, this is Naren. I completed my undergraduate this year in Electronics and Communication Engineering, and I am planning to apply to the US for next fall.
When Raghu posted on Facebook asking readers to write for Happy Schools Blog, I found it an exciting opportunity to share my experiences with other people. So, here is my shot at writing, hope you guys find it interesting and useful!
Bachelor’s Degree In India is Not Enough
I was thinking about a good topic to write upon like “How to score big numbers in GRE and TOEFL” but when I thought about it these are all secondary questions, aren’t they?
First we need to figure out the more fundamental question: “Do I need a higher education from USA and Why bachelor’s degree in India is not sufficient?”
I asked myself many times throughout my undergrad, and something every one of us would have asked themselves at one point in the undergraduate.
These are some of the points that I wrote down in my notebook that I thought were relevant to a majority of us, if not to everyone.
[x_pullquote type=”left”]“With Undergrad in India we get a job, with Graduate education from the USA we get a career!”[/x_pullquote]
Ok, this is cheesy but let me explain myself if you are hardworking (smart might not be essential) then you are bound to get a job with an undergraduate. Even though I was not a topper I got through three job placements, I am an average Joe if I can get a job anyone can.
The only problem I am not satisfied with those three job offers!
People, even from elite colleges (like IITs) get placed in jobs they are not interested.
They work for people they don’t like, and they don’t care.
My idea of a job was something; I would love to do. I want to work for myself for the pleasure of doing things, not for money.
Related: Is Indian Culture is Impeding Innovation?
How does it weave into higher education?
It is tough to give a logical construct why higher education lets you work the way you want because, it doesn’t!
But what it does give you more opportunities, more maturity in thought and process and more confidence if your chosen field is where you want to work.
At the end of the day, it is on you to utilize the opportunities but with more maturity you will be ready to employ better them.
The opportunity to work with the best minds in the field
Opportunity to work with the best minds is the big draw for a lot of us.
Wherever you do your Masters or Ph.D. in the USA, you are bound to work with the best minds in your field, and this is an opportunity that motivates me to pursue higher education in the first place.
Related: This is Why I Decide to Study in the USA After Working in MNC for two years
I have nothing to comment on what you are going to learn on the subject. But, more than what they offer in terms of subject knowledge, they are all well respected and incredibly smart individuals; when you work under them, you end up learning their perspective, work ethic, and skill. These are essential to success in any field you can learn all about your subject even from a library.
I have not learned much in my undergrad
No, this is not entirely correct. I did learn a lot of things but what I mean is a bit different. After graduation, I have started working as a project assistant.
It is very exciting to work in research, but I quickly found out, Even though I understood the concepts there are so many things that need more understanding and background especially in mathematics.
Undergraduate is a different experience especially in India, what we learn in college can be summarized as ‘Jugaad’ (loosely means quick fix).
This was our aim, and we followed this rule in everything.
Do an assignment, and then a project then borrows notes from friends before exams.
From organizing college fest to even, social service was targetted for certificates.
When I think about it, this is something that is there in our Indian mindset.
My professors used to tell us openly to copy the assignments and when questioned? Their reply was the procedure. We are caught up somewhere in methods and progress.
If we want to succeed on a bigger stage, we require innovation not jugaad (simple fix avoiding the rules).
[x_blockquote type=”left”]I am not here to blame our education system; I am here to understand the truth and become better. [/x_blockquote]
I believe we can mend our ways with the right exposure, which I believe higher education can provide.
“To realize our dream”
[x_blockquote cite=”David Viscott” type=”left”]“The worst thing that one can do is not to be aware of what one wants and not give in to it, to spend years in silent hurt wondering if something could have materialized – and never knowing.” [/x_blockquote]
These beautiful lines summarize what I want to say. Many of us dream about doing big things and to achieve them we need to take tough decisions.
Going for higher education is a big commitment in terms of money, time and effort but if you think this is what will help us realize our dreams, then just do it!
I would be jubilant if you could leave a line on what you think. Thanks for reading. Cheers!
I want to work in USA. What are the requirements?
Hey Naren,
I agree with a lot of what you said. I have always been wondering how to express this, but you wrote down exactly what I wanted to say. I have some big dreams and I don’t feel like I can achieve those now. I want to go abroad and search for what I want. Please do reply. I would like to have a conversation with you.
It’s an informative piece
dude……thats really cool!!! super like..
Hey Naren and to all guys out here,
Its me Benny,Chennai -B.E. (E.C.E) 2011 Passed out. Right now am working in a WEB HOSTING company as a Server Admin L1, its been 3 months since am working. Well i plan to Do my MS in Computer Science. The dilemma is that Where to do?? Can i do that in Germany or US is the most preferred?? do suggest me guys. Cos once if i start preparing now, by the end of an yr i can completed all the formalities for MS and get into my career rather to be in a job. Thanks in advance friends:)
well, i left college in 2004. but here is my understanding. dont blame the college or the lecturer.i mean, majority of students’ dream job getting into TCS, wipro, or even some product based companies.(so was mine, to be honest). the bar is that low. nobody thinks about specializing or getting mastery over a subject. during my batch,hardly, i think only a bunch of people were like this: interested in the subject than getting stupid distinctions buy mugging. [again, im a second class pass, FULL disclosure :)] in this day and age, nobody is stopping you from learning. sure teachers should inspire which is why western MS is much more grueling. its our culture.. get a JOB, thts the mantra, sad but true. .
ya what u said was true & moreover i wish our education system will be changed (or) modified………….
Well Naren, you choose a very good topic but sadly your content was not inspiring….
You should give some solid benefits of studying abroad.
But your point in which you said about jugaad is totally true. People are so used to it that they don’t want to do hard work. So you should also give reasons for “why one should leave a nice comfortable life in India and go abroad to do hard work……….??????”
Well abhisai, you are absolutely right!. My main intention was to highlight the point that before you jump into MS in US bandwagon, you need to ask yourself why you want to do that. My content was a few points I wrote for myself not everything that I had in my mind! hence it is not exhaustive rather I wanted them to be kind of a guideline so that people will start writing their own ideas. I am no one to persuade you to go to US if you ask me “why you have to go to US leaving a comfortable life in India” I cannot give you an answer. These are somethings you need to think I cannot do it for you.
Well written article Naren, and thanks for sharing, these will be good inputs to work on. Self assessment is a vital tool and decisions taken based on self assessment can lead you where you want to be universally. Studying abroad definitely has an advantage if you can’t get your masters degree from IITs or IIMs or few other big shot institute in India. As we all know state of education in India and the process. But studying abroad will drain you financially, though it is same with IIMs, yet experience remains world class and fulfilling, giving fresh perspective of the world to young minds. Studying abroad never means choosing any school and get out of India, this is most dangerous than anything else. More importantly a will to achieve and zeal for excellence will lead any ordinary person to heights of success.
You are right achiever! My initial article was about why higher education. Not why higher education abroad. The title was later edited to suit the blogs fan base, otherwise my motivation was always about self assessment not MS/PhD abroad.
Hello,your blog is really inspiring and i think this is common scenario of many tech enthusiastic like ours.I would like to have further discussion on the same topic.
Hey Naren! You not only share points why we person require higher education but inspired a lot .
Actually, i totally agree with you Naren ,, i was thinking of the same thought. as i am Egyptian and am w fresh graduate of Business administration major: Marketing and minor: advertising and i wanted to have my MBA specialized in Marketing and after a tiring research i found the suitable college for me in terms of money,time, and all these stuff..but actually i had a problem which is they are not replying!
well done article,, inspiring..!
Hi….
I am final year engineering student n want to apply for internships abroad.Could u pz help
well thanks fr ur time naren..and will it possible to prepare GRE nw and get admitted in the fall ’13 batch..i am opting to pursue masters in wireless communication as i belong to the electronics and communication stream..i love that course..but the thing is , not many core companies are available for placements..IT is as always has been the drain for most of the graduates in our country..am a bit skeptical will a year of experience in the IT field will show an overall good profile ..coz as you knw other activities and some practical knowledge is required and considered as one of the key parameters when evaluating universities evaluate a profile..but the twist here is many work in IT for an year and pursue their own core fields(mechanical ,electrical,aeronautics) .. the question from me is ” should is go in search of jobs in core companies or will IT job do just fine” ..i knw the question is a bit twisty but suggestions are always recommended..
regards
depends on what you want. Work exp is never waste of your time.
its really nice artical thanks for it naren ….i have a small dout ,,what were the other things the universities will look into in our profile..
its really nice article naren thanks for it ..i have a small dout ,what are the other things the univeresites will look into in our profile
Universities look for your scholastic abilities: GPA, Aptitude : GRE + TOEFL, Ability to express yourself: SOP, Recommendations.
Really good comments on Jugaad and Innovation. Its true in most of the engineering colleges in our country.
u just took words from my mind,i am also a ece graduate
yeah these are very basic points. thanks!
enlighting piece to read. Thaks a lot for your great thinking. good luck!
thank!
I’m a graduate from Uganda and would like further my studies on the natural environment. What can I do and what are my chances to realize my dreams? Please help me because my country’s environment makes me sick.
Mr. Solomon, wat did you major in?
Superbly written article buddy:-).
The quote by David Viscott really was great!!!.It opened my hitherto closed mind in thinking towards what i want to do with my life.
May i know in which college you did your undergrad?
thanks mate! I did my undergrad from manipal institute of technology.
Naren ur my guru
lol I am no guru man. I am very average guy 😛
no you are my guru 😀
I completely agree with you. Some things were just exactly what I feel.
Very nice article.
Hey Naren ,
very inspiring article thanks for writing.
I have also tried for project assistantship in iisc but dint get nearnly tried meetin prof mailing for 4 months but could’t make it .. do u have many tips even now i would love to take it up..
Thanks in advance 🙂
You need to have patience. Send a gentle reminder to the prof if possible meet him and explain your interest also in future if you are applying to a prof edit the mail many times and make it clear and to the point. Best of Luck!
can you please tell me in which field ( telecommunication or in electronics) you should apply for fall 2013
it is electronics to be more precise signal processing.
best of luck for ur future
My situation is bit complicated and would love to have as many opinions as possible. I am 2012 passout from an IIT. I got admit to a top 30 university (ASU) in VLSI (also my field of interest)in USA, for this fall but my visa was rejected twice. So i joined a very prestigious Mobile communication MNC at Bangalore(The other option was to sit at home). But, the work is not in my field of interest i.e. VLSI. I do hope to start enjoying this field as well in future.To be frank I hadn’t explored Communications area in my Bachelors so cant complain. I see 3 options about future:
1. Apply for VISA again for Fall 2013, for the same univ.(The university didn’t deferred my admit. I am assuming if I apply again here I will get admit )(Visa chances are difficult again as US Embassy keeps detailed record for one year, and this will be my third attempt in this duration)
Adv: Will continue in VLSI
Disadv: The one year at my company wont be very contributive as I wouldn’t have done much and people say 1 year experience will help very little while trying for internship/Jobs etc and that too my this experience was in different field. Also if I get Visa rejected third time also, will be really difficult to get in future also or for next year not to say a bit demotivating also.
2. Apply to Fall 2014 at better univs like UCLA, U Wisc, Purdue. and in Canada(McGill, Toronto), Will have then one year while working here to publish at least two good quality papers and improve my profile significantly. (Need this as my CGPA is low 8.1/10 with E grade in 3 of core subjects)(Have done internship at abroad twice during Btech –> my plus point)
Adv: Will have two years of work experience, which shall be very helpful in getting interns, and RA/TA under profs.
Disadv: May find it difficult to go back to VLSI. And if I pursue in VLSI, the experience at my company may become of little value.
3. Keep working at at my company as it’s an awesome place to work, may be get good work in R&D in few years (which is my main aim as why I want to do MS; money being secondary) also with chance to switch within another team working in ASIC etc in my same company later
Please suggest which option you feel is better.
Also will doing MS from 2nd tier univ where I got admit this year not be as good as likes of UCLA, Purdue, U-Wisc etc for long term? I see 90% of successful startups coming from only from top 15 universities at USA.
Most of the posts at HSB are for people to encourage to get a better career/good job after their studies. The thing is I already got a decent job with good salary. Please enlighten me.
Thanks
Your case is unique indeed. I would say follow your passion, would money inspire you more to work or a job in your chosen field? this question will help you settle between options 2 and 3 as they look better to me of the 3. If I was in your place I would wait for a year and then decide as it would have given me enough exposure about my strengths and interests. This time you could utilize to understand whether the present company suits your goals well.
Dear HSB, please give your opinion, or if possible publish it as a post. I am right now in the biggest dilemma and badly need expert opinions.
Thanks
Please schedule consultation time with me if you need one one one help.
I can understand it may be difficult for you to give 1-1 consultation (May be that’s why you didn’t approved my reply containing my email ID/Skype). Please then publish my problem as a post and let others comment on it. Dear HSB You have been a good mentor since I was in third year but frankly this is the time when I need your help the most. I have searched a lot here but couldn’t find a solid advice. This will help me. The application season is approaching faster than it seems.
Thanks
I desperately need consultation from you Raghu. Please tell how to do so. If it is difficult, kindly publish my above post/Question as a new post and I shall benefit from comments of fellow aspirers.
Thanks
The lines by David Viscott really inspired me …
well explained article ..its simple precise neatly done..
Thanks you…
Naren, you inspire a lot, thanks buddy. 🙂
Awesome Post ! All the best
thanks!
i have a desire to study abroad but was overwhelmed with other problems ,cudnt get hold of things..as a result am struck in between ..i will be a 2013 passout ,will it be possible for me to get in fall ’13 batch or will i have to work for a year and then go for it?? ur suggestions are most welcomed!!
With only this detail I can’t comment much. But If you have resolved all your problems then you can apply for fall’13
very good article indeed!!..nice work ..but naren a question, what will be better, doin Masters soon after the college gets over or is it better to work for an year or two and then go abroad to go in search of our long term dreams..
I personally feel a bit of work experience is always good in order to gain some practical experience.
well thanks fr ur time naren..and will it possible to prepare GRE nw and get admitted in the fall ’13 batch..i am opting to pursue masters in wireless communication as i belong to the electronics and communication stream..i love that course..but the thing is , not many core companies are available for placements..IT is as always has been the drain for most of the graduates in our country..am a bit skeptical will a year of experience in the IT field will show an overall good profile ..coz as you knw other activities and some practical knowledge is required and considered as one of the key parameters when evaluating universities evaluate a profile..but the twist here is many work in IT for an year and pursue their own core fields(mechanical ,electrical,aeronautics) .. the question from me is ” should is go in search of jobs in core companies or will IT job do just fine” ..i knw the question is a bit twisty but suggestions are always recommended..
regards 😀
Thanks for such a good article Naren. I have done my Btech in ECE in 2017 from a third tier college. I have joined IT job and about to finish two years in it. I’m very much interested in wireless communication though. Is it easy for me to get into wireless communication course in MS when I have work experience in different field? Will it add to my experience if I choose wireless communication for MS? If not, do you suggest me to work for any PSU related to ECE and then pursue MS? And do you suggest MS from US after an Mtech from India? I’m in a dilemma. Please help me
Hey naren wats u r profile
Nice portrayal of thoughts and words. Also I must add inspiring too.
🙂
thanks !
Naren, Are you working as of now in any concern or taken up somewhere as Research assistant… You are applying for Fall2012/ 2013? Are you from Computer Science background?
I am a project assistant in EE dept of iisc. I will be applying for fall’13.
What GRE score are you aiming at.. Or what score according to you will land you up in great universities?
I have already have given my GRE i got a 1450 in the old pattern. I think anything above 1400 or 320(new) would be good enough for any good college, your complete profile is important not only GRE.
“The worst thing that one can do is not to be aware of what one wants and not give in to it, to spend years in silent hurt wondering if something could have materialized – and never knowing ”
These words really swept me off my feat. Thanks mate for that 🙂
thanks mate!
Well written article! Inspiring!
Thanks 🙂
inspiring……. well written.