Engineering: Waste of 4 Years or Skill-Focused Journey?

Introduction

In India, lakhs of students take admission in engineering colleges every year. But after completing 4 years, many of them feel lost. They either don’t get placed or end up in jobs they don’t like. So, the big question is:

Should we waste 4 years only chasing a degree or should we focus on skill development during this time?

Let’s understand the reality of engineering education, the importance of skills, and how you can make the best out of your college life.

The Harsh Truth of Engineering

• Today, engineering is more about passing semesters than learning real knowledge.
• Most colleges follow outdated syllabus which has very little connection with industry needs.
• Students attend lectures, make assignments, write exams, and wait for placements.
• But companies look for real-world skills, not just marks or degrees.

Result?
Many engineers remain jobless, or accept low-paying jobs just to survive.

Degree vs. Skill: What Really Matters?

Let’s compare both:

Degree	Skill
Just a certificate	Real power to work and earn
Based on syllabus	Based on real-world needs
Can be earned with minimum effort	Needs practice and patience
Helps in eligibility	Helps in getting selected
Important for interviews	Important for surviving in job

A degree may help you get an interview, but skills help you clear it and succeed in the job.

What Do Companies Really Want?

Most companies today look for:

• Good problem-solving and logical thinking (DSA, algorithms)
• Practical knowledge of programming languages like Java, Python, JavaScript, etc.
• Hands-on experience in projects
• Understanding of tools like Git, GitHub, SQL, React, Node.js, etc.
• Ability to communicate, work in teams, and handle pressure

So, instead of chasing only marks, start focusing on learning skills that companies want.

⭐ Today’s Reality: Skills Attract Jobs Automatically

This is the truth of today’s time:

“If you have real skills, you don’t need to search for jobs. Jobs will find you.“

Specially in the field of tech, companies keep searching for skilled people. But if your resume only shows a degree and no skills, they skip it.

Also, don’t forget communication and English.
Even if you’re skilled but can’t express your ideas in basic English, it can reduce your chances. Learn to speak, write, and present in English. It’s not about being perfect – it’s about being clear and confident.

So remember:
Skill + Communication = Job will find you!

Best Strategy: Non-Attending College + Skill Building

If possible, take admission in a non-attending college (where attendance is not strict). Why?

Because it gives you:

• Free time to focus on skills
• Less pressure of regular classes
• Freedom to learn from industry-level teachers
• You can join coaching institutes or online platforms which offer placement support

Some coaching platforms even provide placement agreements, which means they help you get a job after training. This increases your chances of success!

Use These 4 Years Wisely

Instead of wasting 4 years just for passing exams:

✅ Learn Skills from Year 1
✅ Join Internship Programs
✅ Work on Real Projects
✅ Create a Resume and LinkedIn Profile
✅ Build Your Portfolio on GitHub
✅ Practice DSA, Aptitude, and Communication

And yes, study your college subjects only during exam time. Give minimum time to syllabus just to clear exams and get the degree.

How to Start Skill Learning?

1. Choose a Domain
   • Web Development
   • App Development
   • Data Science
   • Machine Learning
   • Cyber Security
   • Cloud Computing
   Start with what interests you.
2. Pick One Language
   For example:
   • Java (for backend, Android, and DSA)
   • Python (for ML, data science)
   • JavaScript (for frontend & full-stack)
3. Free Learning Platforms
   • YouTube (CodeWithHarry, Apna College, etc.)
   • FreeCodeCamp
   • W3Schools
   • GeeksForGeeks
4. Paid Platforms (Optional, but effective)
   • Coding Ninjas, Scaler, PrepInsta
   • Coursera, Udemy (for affordable courses)
5. Join a Coaching Institute
   If you want more discipline and structure, join a coaching institute that provides:
   • Personal mentorship
   • Doubt support
   • Placement assistance or agreement

Internships & Freelancing

• From 2nd year onwards, apply for internships even if they are unpaid.
• Learn how to talk to clients, solve problems, and work in teams.
• Try freelancing websites like Fiverr, Upwork, Internshala, etc.
• This will improve your confidence, communication, and real-world experience.

Daily Routine for Skill + Degree Balance

Here’s a sample daily plan:

🕘 Morning

• 9 AM – 12 PM → Learn Skill (coding, tools, videos)

🕑 Afternoon

• 2 PM – 4 PM → Project Work / Practice Coding / Freelancing

🕕 Evening

• 6 PM – 8 PM → Resume building / LinkedIn update / Course revision

🕙 Night

• 1 hour for college subject revision (only before exams)

🎯 Weekend Goals

• Submit assignments
• Work on mini projects
• Give mock interviews or tests

Why This Approach is Better?

• You get real knowledge, not just bookish theory.
• You build a strong portfolio, which increases your chances of getting placed.
• You’re ready for interviews, internships, and freelancing work.
• You save yourself from the regret of “4 saal barbaad ho gaye” feeling.

Real Talk: Degree is Needed, But Not Enough

Yes, degree is still required. You can’t fully ignore it. Most companies still ask for it. But they don’t care about your percentage as much as your skills and projects.

So instead of 90% marks with no skills, aim for 60% marks and 100% skills.

Conclusion

Engineering is not a waste of time if you use it wisely. If you only run behind marks and attendance, it might feel useless later. But if you:

✅ Focus on skills
✅ Do projects and internships
✅ Keep learning industry tools
✅ Build a strong portfolio
✅ Study college syllabus only before exams

…then these 4 years can be the best investment of your life.

Final Message:

“Don’t run behind marks. Run behind mastery.
Don’t wait for placements. Prepare for opportunities.
In today’s world, if you have the right skills, the job will find you. You don’t need to find the job.
And remember, your skill is your power – not your degree.