Is Your ENGINEERING Degree USELESS Now?! | Warikoo Careers Hindi

Summary

In this video, Ankush Warikoo addresses the challenges faced by engineering students, particularly those in computer science, as they graduate in 2026. He highlights the drastic shift in the job market, where AI-driven tools are replacing entry-level jobs, and hiring rates have significantly declined. Warikoo urges students to adapt, emphasizing the need for upskilling in areas like AI, machine learning, and programming. He presents three options for graduates: pivot to non-tech roles, upskill and become part of the top 5%, or create their own path through freelancing or entrepreneurship. The video concludes with encouragement to build a future rather than wait for one.

Takeaways

• 😀 The demand for engineering graduates, particularly in computer science, has drastically declined in recent years, especially after the rise of AI technologies.
• 😀 In 2022, many students joined engineering with the belief that it would guarantee good job opportunities, but by 2026, that path is no longer as certain.
• 😀 Companies, especially in IT, overhired during the pandemic recovery period and now realize they have more employees than needed, leading to large layoffs.
• 😀 AI technologies have started replacing many entry-level jobs, particularly in coding, customer service, content writing, and data analysis.
• 😀 There is a significant skill gap among engineering graduates, as many lack the practical skills needed by companies, despite having degrees.
• 😀 Many graduates are forced into non-tech roles, such as sales or marketing, as the traditional IT job opportunities shrink.
• 😀 The rise of AI has led to increased productivity, allowing companies to do more with fewer employees, especially at the middle management level.
• 😀 The outdated curriculum in colleges is failing to equip students with the necessary skills, forcing them to upskill on their own to remain competitive.
• 😀 The top 5% of engineering graduates who upskill in emerging fields like AI, machine learning, and coding are the ones securing the limited job openings.
• 😀 In the face of the current job market, many graduates are turning to freelancing, starting their own businesses, or pursuing content creation, building new paths for themselves.
• 😀 The key to success in this environment is either to create a new career path through upskilling or entrepreneurship, or to adapt by becoming part of the top 5% in your field.

Q & A

Why did the 22-year-old student feel disheartened despite following the right steps to get a job?

The student followed all the conventional steps: clearing tough entrance exams, choosing computer science because it was considered a safe branch, doing internships, and completing their final semester. Despite this, they couldn't find a job, as the job market had changed significantly and many opportunities were no longer available.

What major change occurred in the tech job market after 2022?

After 2022, the demand for freshers in IT companies drastically reduced. While 600,000 freshers were hired in 2022, by FY 24-25, only 60,000 freshers were being hired, a 90% decline in the number of jobs available.

How did the COVID-19 pandemic impact hiring trends in 2021 and 2022?

During the pandemic, there was a sudden surge in hiring as companies were attempting to bounce back from the global crisis. IT giants like TCS, Infosys, and Wipro hired over 600,000 freshers, leading to a campus placement frenzy. This created unrealistic expectations for freshers about the stability and availability of jobs.

What role did AI play in reducing job opportunities for freshers?

The launch of products like ChatGPT in late 2022 began replacing entry-level jobs such as coding, customer care, content writing, and data analysis. AI tools became capable of handling these tasks, thereby reducing the demand for freshers in these roles.

What was the impact of AI on productivity within IT companies?

AI significantly boosted productivity in IT companies. Tasks that previously required large teams of workers could now be completed by fewer people. This led to layoffs and a reduced need for entry-level and mid-management roles.

How did the layoffs affect middle management in IT companies?

Middle management, which primarily coordinated projects without directly contributing to coding or client interaction, saw a rise in layoffs. This was because companies realized that many of these roles were contributing little to productivity gains, especially with the introduction of AI tools.

What skill gap exists among Indian engineering graduates?

There is a significant skill gap among Indian engineering graduates, with many being technically unemployable. Surveys show that only 71% of graduates possess the skills required by companies, and only 5.5% have basic programming skills, leaving a large number of graduates unprepared for the workforce.

Why do many engineering graduates struggle to find jobs despite completing their education?

The curriculum of most engineering colleges is outdated and doesn't focus on the skills that are in demand today. Many graduates lack the necessary upskilling to meet the expectations of modern employers, which makes it difficult for them to find relevant jobs.

What are the three options available to engineering graduates who are struggling to find jobs?

The three options for engineering graduates are: (1) move into non-tech roles like sales or marketing, (2) upskill to reach the top 5% in their field by gaining expertise in areas like AI and coding, (3) explore entrepreneurship or freelancing by creating their own products or services.

How can upskilling help engineering graduates improve their job prospects?

By upskilling and mastering in-demand skills such as AI, machine learning, and coding, graduates can position themselves in the top 5% of the talent pool. This makes them more attractive to companies looking for highly skilled workers, giving them a better chance at securing a job.