No IIT, no IIM, but still Rs 75 LPA income: Man shares the career strategy and lessons that helped him get
In a world where prestigious institutions like IIT (Indian Institute of Technology) and IIM (Indian Institute of Management) often dominate discussions about career success, a recent Reddit post has shed light on a different narrative. A tech professional, who graduated from a Tier-3 college with a B.Sc. degree, shared his remarkable journey of increasing his salary from Rs 1.84 lakh per annum to Rs 75 lakh per annum in just nine years. His story emphasizes the importance of strategic career decisions, continuous learning, and resilience in the face of challenges.
From a Tier-3 College to a Promising Career
The individual, who prefers to remain anonymous, began his career with a B.Sc. in Mathematics with Computer Applications from a college that lacked a strong placement network. His first job was with a company he referred to as a “WITCH” company, earning a modest salary of Rs 1.84 LPA. He candidly admitted that he did not possess advanced skills at the start of his career. Instead, he began as a service desk agent, where he developed basic communication and customer handling skills during his initial months.
Gradual Growth and the Impact of COVID-19
Over the next four years, the professional’s salary gradually increased to Rs 4.5 LPA. However, the turning point in his career came during the COVID-19 pandemic. He made a strategic decision to switch to a Big 4 firm, which resulted in a significant salary jump to Rs 8 LPA.
Despite this initial success, he did not remain complacent. Within a year, he re-entered the job market, focusing on obtaining multiple job offers simultaneously. This strategy proved effective, allowing him to negotiate a new salary of Rs 17.4 LPA. He emphasized the importance of negotiation skills, stating, “I went from 8 LPA to 17.4 LPA simply by not settling for the first offer.”
Learning on the Job
Between years six and eight, he remained with one company, where his salary reached Rs 30 LPA, thanks to steady salary hikes. However, he faced challenges during this period due to management issues. Eventually, he transitioned to a startup, which further increased his salary to Rs 42.2 LPA. In this role, he worked in infrastructure and cloud-related positions, handling areas such as DevOps, automation, and deployments.
What stands out in his journey is his proactive approach to learning. He openly admitted, “Every job I joined, I learned a new skill. I bullshitted in the interview by reading about the skill set & tech they needed. Then I learned on the job and mastered the skills.” This adaptability and willingness to learn played a crucial role in his career advancement.
The Layoff That Became a Catalyst for Growth
The most significant shift in his career occurred when he was laid off from his startup role. Initially perceived as a setback, he used the notice period and severance time to prepare for his next opportunity. This preparation ultimately led him to secure a new position with a salary of Rs 75 LPA. He reflected on this experience, stating, “Getting laid off at 42 LPA felt scary, but it actually provided the bridge to 75 LPA.”
Key Lessons and Insights
The professional’s story offers several valuable lessons for those navigating their careers, especially individuals from non-engineering backgrounds or Tier-3 colleges:
- Degrees Matter Less After the First Job: He emphasized that while a degree may help in securing the first job, subsequent growth relies heavily on skills and strategic decisions.
- Focus on Related Skills: Instead of random upskilling, he advised focusing on skills that build upon each other, enhancing overall expertise.
- Avoid Comparisons: He encouraged individuals to steer clear of comparing their journeys with others, emphasizing the importance of focusing on one’s own path.
- Consistency is Key: His journey illustrates that consistency and timely job switches can significantly impact career growth.
The Changing Landscape of Careers in IT
The original Reddit post sparked a broader discussion about the evolving nature of career paths in the IT industry. Many commenters shared their experiences, highlighting the increasing acceptance of non-linear career trajectories. The professional clarified that his role changes were often not part of a pre-planned roadmap but were responses to opportunities and shifts in market demand.
He also noted that early in his career, he relied heavily on self-learning through online resources and documentation rather than formal training programs, particularly when transitioning into cloud and infrastructure-related work. This self-directed learning approach allowed him to adapt quickly to the changing technological landscape.
Conclusion
The journey of this tech professional serves as an inspiring reminder that success is not solely determined by the prestige of one’s educational background. Through strategic career moves, a commitment to continuous learning, and resilience in the face of challenges, individuals can achieve remarkable outcomes, regardless of their starting point. His story encourages others to embrace their unique paths and focus on developing the skills necessary to thrive in today’s competitive job market.
Note: This article is based on a Reddit post and reflects the personal experiences and insights of the individual. Results may vary based on individual circumstances and market conditions.
