IIT Bombay Survey: Majority Opt for Engineering and Tech Roles, Few Pursue Entrepreneurship

Graduating students from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay are primarily inclined towards industry or core engineering roles, closely followed by careers in technology. This trend emerged from the Senior Survey 2024 conducted by Insight, IIT Bombay's official student media body. Out of 291 respondents, 67 students expressed a preference for industry/core engineering jobs, while 66 opted for technology-related positions.

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Career Preferences and Further Studies

The survey revealed diverse career aspirations among the students. While 27 respondents were open to wherever life takes them, 35 planned to pursue a Masters or PhD. Additionally, 21 students were interested in finance careers, and another 21 eyed roles in venture capital or consulting. Only six students indicated an interest in entrepreneurship.

Regarding competitive exams, a significant majority of 99 out of 280 respondents stated they had no plans to take any further tests. This suggests a strong inclination towards entering the workforce directly after graduation.

Influence of Internships and Core Courses

Internships played a crucial role in shaping career choices for many students. Of the 283 respondents, 105 said internships significantly influenced their career preferences. Meanwhile, 85 felt internships had a moderate impact, and 28 believed they made no difference. Notably, 52 students did not participate in any internships.

Core courses also had a substantial impact on career decisions. Out of 279 respondents, 141 mentioned that these courses influenced their career paths. This highlights the importance of academic curriculum in guiding students' professional choices.

Job Locations and Employment Status

Mumbai and Bengaluru emerged as the top job destinations for IIT Bombay graduates. Among the 288 respondents, 65 chose Mumbai, while 55 preferred Bengaluru. However, 45 students were uncertain about their job locations. Regarding current employment status, seven out of 288 respondents confirmed they had accepted job offers.

Factors Influencing Career Choices

The survey highlighted various factors influencing career choices among students. Interest and alignment with skill sets were crucial for 146 out of 282 respondents. Financial compensation was important for 114 out of 281 respondents, while work-life balance was a priority for 70 out of 279 respondents. Additionally, work culture was a top concern for 78 out of 280 respondents.

The placement season elicited mixed reactions from students. Of the 288 respondents, 35 described it as very rewarding, and 47 experienced no stress. However, a significant number found it stressful; specifically, 128 felt very stressed and 140 reported instances of unfairness or bias.

This comprehensive survey provides valuable insights into the immediate plans and career preferences of IIT Bombay's graduating class of 2024. It underscores the diverse aspirations and priorities that will shape their professional journeys.