Impact of the Pandemic on NITIE Mumbai's Placement Scenario: A Comprehensive Analysis

As we navigate through the aftermath of the pandemic, the placement scenario at NITIE Mumbai has undergone significant changes. This article delves into the challenges faced by students from the summer internships of 2022 to the final placements and how the situation has evolved over time.

Introduction

The summer internships of 2022 were hit particularly hard by the pandemic. It became evident that placing every student in the batch at one time would be a formidable challenge. Many students began exploring off-campus offers, often without the assurance of receiving a stipend. This trend continued into the on-campus placements, with roles offered during the internship often differing from those promised during the interview process. The reduced number of companies and hiring opportunities necessitated a shift towards newer startups, especially during on-campus placements.

Summer Internships of 2022

During the summer internships in 2022, it was evident that the situation was dire. The number of companies attending the placements was significantly reduced, leading to fewer hiring opportunities. Many students who had put in considerable effort to secure on-campus placements found themselves looking for off-campus options, which often came with no guaranteed compensation. The strong alumni network at NITIE was instrumental in providing some off-campus opportunities, but the majority of these were unpaid internships.

On-Campus Placements

The on-campus placements offered a somewhat better scenario compared to the summer internships, but there were still challenges. Companies hired students based on their performance during their internships, and the roles often diverged from what was originally promised during the interviews. Due to the pandemic, the number of companies was reduced, and hiring was minimally increased. Therefore, the placement cell at NITIE had to focus on finding newer startups to fill the gaps in placements.

Final Placements

The final placements scenario was comparatively better than the internships of 2022. Despite the institute's efforts to meet its minimum package cap, many students did not secure the roles they aspired to. However, the minimum package offered was 8.5 lacs per annum (LPA), which was better than most B-schools. This represented a significant improvement over the previous placements, highlighting a gradual recovery from the initial impact of the pandemic.

Challenges and Advice

The challenging phase due to the pandemic is far from over. The job market situation at NITIE and across other business schools is grave and may worsen. Despite the difficulties, students are advised to focus on refining their knowledge and skill sets. The market will eventually open up, and students should be prepared to step in. This advice is crucial not just for NITIE students but for students at other business schools as well.

Current Market Realities

Some key facts that highlight the current situation include the following:

100 million people are already unemployed in April. 27 million of these unemployed are young people aged between 20 and 30. The MANREGA scheme has seen 35 lakh new registrations. Salary cuts of 30 to 50 percent are the norm at this moment.

Despite the alarming numbers, there have been instances where students from premier colleges like old IIMs, IITs, and other prestigious institutions have received generous job offers. However, many of these students remain jobless, underscoring the unpredictability of the job market.

Leveraging the Situation: Learning from Ants

Amid the chaos, it is important to remain resilient and proactive. Following the advice of Professor Jayakrishnan, students are encouraged to focus on personal development during this challenging time. Just like how ants work together to form a colony, students should come together, share knowledge, and support each other. This can be achieved by:

Refining knowledge and skill sets to become more competitive in the job market. Developing skills that are in demand, such as digital marketing, data analysis, and artificial intelligence. Building a personal brand through social media platforms to showcase their skills and experiences.

In conclusion, the pandemic has brought unparalleled challenges to the NITIE Mumbai placement scenario, but it has also presented a unique opportunity to develop personal and professional skills. By focusing on self-improvement and remaining proactive, students can position themselves for success in a post-pandemic job market.