For many students, earning a degree is only part of the journey. The bigger question is whether the classroom is preparing them for the workplace. Employers today are increasingly looking for people who can solve real-world problems, work with data, and communicate their ideas effectively.Uday Kiran Khandagatla says that’s exactly what helped him secure a position as a systems engineer (prime) with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS). A learner of the IIT Madras Bachelor’s degree program, Uday believes that the program’s blend of academic concepts and practical projects has given him the confidence and skills needed to begin his professional career.Build a strong foundation beyond the classroomReflecting on his learning journey, Uday said the program introduced him to subjects that form the backbone of today’s technology industry.He studied computational thinking, Python, statistics, and data science, developing a solid understanding of problem solving and analytical thinking. According to him, the Diploma in Data Science has proved particularly valuable as it allows you to explore machine learning concepts more deeply.Rather than focusing solely on theory, the program encouraged students to understand how technology can be applied to real-world challenges.Learn by solving real-world problemsUday says one of the biggest takeaways from the program was the opportunity to work on industry-oriented projects.He highlighted business data management (BDM) and machine learning projects as important learning experiences. These projects required students to interact with management, collect and analyze data, identify patterns, and present their findings.This experience helped me strengthen my technical knowledge as well as skills such as communication, teamwork, and analytical skills. These skills are qualities that employers increasingly value alongside academic ability.According to Uday, these practical challenges played an important role in preparing him for professional opportunities.Why projects are as important as evaluationsAs the technology industry continues to evolve, recruiters are placing greater emphasis on candidates who can demonstrate hands-on problem-solving skills, rather than relying solely on academic ability.Uday’s journey reflects this changing trend. I learned programming and data science concepts while gaining experience applying those skills to real-world scenarios, making me industry-ready by the time I graduated.His appointment as a Systems Engineer (Prime) at TCS highlights broader lessons for students. While a strong academic foundation remains important, hands-on learning, project experience, and the ability to communicate solutions can greatly improve career prospects.For students preparing for a career in technology, Uday’s story is a reminder that the most valuable learning often occurs when classroom knowledge is put into practice.
