For many students, earning a degree is only one part of the journey. The bigger question is whether the classroom prepares them for the workplace. Employers today are increasingly looking for candidates who can solve real-world problems, work with data and communicate their ideas effectively.That is exactly what Uday Kiran Kandagatla says helped him secure a position as a Systems Engineer (Prime) at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS). A learner in the IIT Madras BS Degree Programme, Uday believes the programme’s blend of academic concepts and hands-on projects gave him the confidence and skills needed to begin his professional career.Building a strong foundation beyond the classroomReflecting on his learning journey, Uday said the programme introduced him to subjects that form the backbone of today’s technology industry.He studied Computational Thinking, Python, Statistics and Data Science, which helped him develop a solid understanding of problem-solving and analytical thinking. According to him, the Diploma in Data Science proved especially valuable because it enabled him to explore Machine Learning concepts in greater depth.Rather than focusing only on theory, the programme encouraged students to understand how technology can be applied to practical challenges.Learning by solving real-world problemsOne of the biggest takeaways from the programme, Uday says, was the opportunity to work on industry-oriented projects.He highlighted the Business Data Management (BDM) project and the Machine Learning project as key learning experiences. These projects required students to interact with business owners, collect and analyse data, identify patterns and present their findings.The experience helped him strengthen not only his technical knowledge but also communication, teamwork and analytical skills—qualities that employers increasingly value alongside academic performance.According to Uday, these practical assignments played an important role in preparing him for professional opportunities.Why projects matter as much as marksAs the technology industry continues to evolve, recruiters are placing greater emphasis on candidates who can demonstrate practical problem-solving abilities instead of relying solely on academic scores.Uday’s journey reflects this changing trend. Along with learning programming and data science concepts, he gained experience in applying those skills to real-world scenarios, making him industry-ready before graduation.His appointment as a Systems Engineer (Prime) at TCS also highlights a broader lesson for students: while strong academic fundamentals remain important, hands-on learning, project experience and the ability to communicate solutions can significantly improve career prospects.For students preparing for careers in technology, Uday’s story is a reminder that the most valuable learning often happens when classroom knowledge is put into practice.
