‘Unemployed IITian’: Graduate’s PhD vs Job Dilemma Sparks Online Debate

June 9, 2026: An Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) graduate has shared a post on social media about his struggle to secure a job despite extensive preparation for roles in software development, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and data science.

The graduate, who recently completed his BTech degree, turned to Reddit seeking advice on whether he should continue pursuing opportunities in the technology sector or consider enrolling in a PhD programme.

In a post titled “Unemployed IITian. What should I do: Job or PhD?”, the user described the challenges he faced during campus placements. According to the post, he appeared for seven to eight interviews across various roles, including product management, machine learning, and data science, but was unable to secure an offer.

“Coming to the placement season, I gave 7 to 8 interviews for different roles, including PM, ML, DS, etc., but some were rejected in the first round, and 1 to 2 were rejected in the HR round,” the user wrote.

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The graduate said he had spent considerable time preparing data structures and algorithms (DSA), a key requirement for software engineering interviews. However, he claimed he did not receive a single interview opportunity specifically for software development roles.

Following graduation, he has continued to work on DSA and system design while undertaking an off-campus internship at a small startup that offers relatively low compensation.

The user’s uncertainty about his future career path appears to stem partly from concerns about the evolving technology landscape. In his post, he expressed fears about the impact of artificial intelligence on employment opportunities and ongoing layoffs within the technology industry.

“I am in a dilemma about whether to choose a PhD path now, because I am afraid of AI taking over, and so many layoffs have already started,” he wrote, adding that he was considering research opportunities in fields such as quantum computing.

The post quickly attracted responses from fellow users, many of whom advised against making a long-term career decision based solely on current market trends or fears about AI.

One commenter argued that pursuing a PhD without a genuine research interest could be a mistake, suggesting that choosing academia solely because of industry uncertainty would be another form of following the crowd.

Others encouraged the graduate to take time to evaluate his interests, strengths, and long-term goals before deciding between industry and academia.

Several users also highlighted the difficult employment conditions facing recent graduates. One commenter, claiming to be from an IIT as well, said the current job market had become challenging, particularly for candidates seeking research and development roles.

Another user suggested exploring alternative career paths such as management studies through the Common Admission Test (CAT), while some recommended considering government-sector opportunities if they aligned with the graduate’s interests.

The discussion reflects broader concerns among engineering graduates about the state of the technology job market, the rise of AI-driven automation, and the growing uncertainty surrounding career choices in a rapidly evolving industry.

As hiring trends continue to shift, the IIT graduate’s post has resonated with many young professionals facing similar questions about whether to continue pursuing industry roles or explore higher education and research opportunities.