THE PLACEMENT SYNDROME

There was the time of the year. I realized I was in the final year of college when there were fewer new faces, when my routines changed, when I was a senior to a bigger crowd and had more responsibilities. Most importantly realized it when the placement season dawned and everyone around seemed to be interested in my career and on what I’ll be doing after graduation.

It starts with preparing the resume, trying to identify the areas of interest in spite of knowing I don’t have one. Next big question is the achievements column in the resume.  Trying to recollect a few, that itself an achievement.

On the big day, as I sit along with the many hundreds geared up to face the challenge, a thousand thoughts flash across my mind. Almost every thought is centered on the ones I’m answerable to. I start finding reasons I can possibly tell for not getting through because I do not want to be looked down upon.

Starts the pre- placements talk; irrespective of the company I attend, the talk makes it sound like the best place to kick start my career. I don’t think about the domain the company works with, the job atmosphere, the career growth, whether I will fit in or nothing for that matter. All I want is a job offer.

Each organization has a process and policy of its own for recruitment, most of them starting with the general aptitude. Being aware of this, I start flipping through Dr. R.S. Agarwal’s quantitative aptitude book. Well! For many, it is the bible for quants. With the completion of each round, I sit with anxiety of whether I would clear it, should I continue to prepare for the next phase, should I wait or should I give up. Fingers crossed, I sit not knowing what to expect.

If the result is positive, there is a moment of excitement and happiness which quickly fades and I get ready for the next phase. If it is otherwise, feel dejected and will not want to face the crowd. Worse, if I get through and my friend doesn’t; worse still, if my friend gets through and I don’t.

I’m certain that most of you would have experienced the same. This doesn't stop with one company but continues till the day we win the battle, when we can finally heave a sigh of relief. On that day, in no time, a lurking happiness and abundance captivates us. The rapid thoughts of taking the big step from being a student to a professional, the satisfaction of finding answers to numerous questions and the sense of accomplishment; all of this in a moment.

Pause for a minute, aren't there a lot more to college life. Though placements suck most of our time and energy it’s our choice to create the best memories that can last a life time. For this, the right attitude towards placement is most needed. All of us have our own destiny. Some a little close while a few are at a farther distance and has a long and windy path. But it’s definitely there. Most of the time it is so big that it doesn’t allow us to settle for the ordinary.

It is the final year of college life, let’s make our to-do list. Stop worrying about what others think. Decide on what is needed the most and let go what is unnecessary. Say ‘yes’ to chances because it might not be offered to you again. Even out strained friendships and create new bonds. It is indeed essential to stay focused but getting over-worked without a plan will lead nowhere.

‘Tough times do not last, but tough people do’. When life throws obstacles carve opportunities because success can only be postponed and is never out-of-reach.