The end of my dual-degree…
My M.S. thesis defense took place a couple of weeks back, so I can now officially put two degrees next to my name. The dual-degree has been extensively written and talked about and while my affiliations used to lie with the anti-dual group, I really have nothing to say which has not been said before.
The end of the dual degree is an extremely unsatisfying experience. The 4-year people have a nice farewell, then a set of end-sems followed by a couple of weeks of total freedom before the authorities force them to leave or fork out the summer rent for their rooms. A whole batch passes out as one, with promises of “staying in touch” and “meeting up later”. With a dual-degree, there is no real farewell, there is no last hurrah, no celebration after a final set of exams. There is no sense of accomplishment or even a feeling of finality. One fine day, you just defend your thesis, pack your bags, clear your room … and leave, never to return.
You made it sound like a bad break up
Are there any good break-ups?
But seriously, I leave with feelings of mild bitterness and disdain, and am now wondering if those years were worth it. Exactly like a break-up
yes there are good break ups …
yeah… are all these years worth it?
thats what i wonder of dual degree…
change the name to ‘duel degree’
@mythalez
I have observed that you are on a good streak wrt making funny statements/names/quips out of the most damned situations. Make merry while it lasts.
@Nahil
Depends on what you eventually want to do. It is totally worth it if you want a PhD abroad. People who talk about “R&D jobs in India” don’t know what they are talking about – there are very few around.
If you want a “normal coding job” in India, pay/profile-wise it is usually equal to BTech + 2 years experience. Getting that job is not that easy though.
@badrinath,
yep, R&D jobs in India are few and have heard that even they come with riders that you have to PhD after a certain amnt of time. MSR and others. (correct me if what i have heard is wrong)
and what if one wants to pursue MBA? just like you did…
Does this research experience makes your profile different and do you get any advantage because B-schools want to make batch profiles diverse?
@Nahil
There is no “diversity” advantage as far as I know. I met some other dual-degree people (BTech + MTech from IITs, then IIMA) and they said their MTech degree was of no use to them. I will be just another fresher electronics engineer. In case I do take up entrepreneurship in ECE, which is what I am aiming for, then it will definitely help. Otherwise, its a waste.
To conclude : If you’re doing an MBA, (BTech + 2 years experience) >> (dual degree). Research papers may help during the PI process, I don’t know.
no diversity advantage.. bad
so basically your MS was a long tunnel full of darkness … and IIMA is that bright light you are moving towards ?
Well, the 4 years of BTech, I was skipping and hopping about, song on my lips, not a care in the world. Suddenly, in June 2008, I miss a step and tumble down a tunnel filled with muck and slime.
I begin walking in the claustrophobic tunnel, toward this tiny white spot visible on the horizon. Finally, I reach. You want drama, you got drama
great way of summing up life in post b.tech
great image of light at the end of the tunnel. wondering where you got it. would love to use it on our website. -jd-