In the wake of rising living costs and inflation, the demand for higher-paying jobs has grown immensely, especially as housing, healthcare, and everyday essentials become more expensive. Amidst this environment, a recent statement made by tech professional Abhishek Nair regarding salaries has ignited widespread debate online.
Abhishek Nair’s Controversial Statement
Abhishek Nair, a former software developer, stirred controversy when he suggested that an annual salary of ₹3.6 lakh (₹3.6 LPA) isn’t “bad” for those who lack formal qualifications or programming skills. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he wrote:
“3.6 LPA isn’t bad if you’re from a tier 500 college and lack programming skills. Don’t expect a 1Cr package without a solid project portfolio. Don’t expect too much if your resume’s biggest highlight is your bachelor’s.”
While some agreed with Nair’s opinion, especially in the context of tier-500 colleges, others raised concerns over the limitations of his argument. The post sparked a heated discussion about the true value of education, skill development, and salary expectations in today’s competitive job market.
Divided Opinions: College Tier vs. Skills
Many users supported Nair’s viewpoint, arguing that students from lesser-known institutions often face significant challenges in acquiring the necessary technical skills. A user shared their experience of running an internship platform, stating that a professional acquaintance had hired developers from a tier-500 college, only to be disappointed by their lack of basic computing knowledge.
“I stopped the venture after I realized they didn’t know how to use the keyboard efficiently. Tier-500 colleges don’t teach programming. They lack the resources to provide proper training,” the user commented.
Others backed the idea that such institutions fail to prepare students for the realities of the job market, particularly in the tech industry. One user, reflecting on their experience during an MBA campus visit, described how they couldn’t find a suitable candidate among a pool of 500 applicants, citing poor communication skills, a lack of subject expertise, and limited exposure to industry standards.
Skill Development vs. College Reputation
While the criticism towards tier-500 colleges is evident, many have countered the argument by pointing out that salary shouldn’t be solely tied to educational background or programming proficiency. A few users noted that even freshers from top-tier colleges often face similar challenges in landing high-paying jobs. One commenter highlighted that a solid project portfolio is unrealistic for fresh graduates, even from reputed institutions, given the lack of industry exposure in their academic curriculum.
Furthermore, some argue that adaptability and a diverse skill set are increasingly more important to employers than the prestige of one’s degree. “A degree doesn’t define potential,” one user pointed out. In a rapidly evolving job market, employers are said to value qualities such as creativity, problem-solving, and the ability to learn on the job over traditional qualifications.
The Bigger Picture: Adaptability and Continuous Learning
As the debate continues, it’s clear that the job market is shifting, with more emphasis on real-world skills and adaptability rather than academic credentials alone. The value of a degree is now questioned as the demand for diverse skill sets rises. Job seekers are encouraged to focus on continuous learning and developing practical skills that can stand out in a competitive industry, whether they come from a prestigious college or not.
This debate underscores a crucial point: in today’s tech-driven economy, the key to securing higher-paying jobs might not always be tied to the college you attended, but to the skills and experiences you bring to the table.
