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The Somaiya Survival Manual • Chapter 9

The Placement Game

Pages 141-156

The Placement Game

The Reality Check

Let's address the elephant in the room: placements.

Everyone talks about them. Parents ask about them. Seniors flex about them. And you're probably stressed about them already—even if you're in first year.

Here's the truth: Placement season is not the lottery it appears to be. It's a game. And like any game, you can learn the rules, practice the moves, and significantly improve your odds.

The Timeline Nobody Tells You

Year 1: Foundation

  • Focus on academics (CGPA matters more than you think)
  • Explore different domains (tech, finance, marketing, HR)
  • Start building communication skills
  • Join one or two clubs actively

Year 2: Exploration

  • Start learning skills outside syllabus
  • Take up small projects or freelance work
  • Build an online presence (LinkedIn is mandatory)
  • Look for internships—even unpaid ones count

Year 3: Preparation

  • Serious internship hunting (this is crucial)
  • Resume building and polishing
  • Start practicing aptitude and reasoning
  • Mock interviews with friends and seniors

Final Year: Execution

  • Campus placements begin
  • Off-campus applications alongside
  • Interview preparation intensifies
  • Multiple rounds of stress (sorry, not sorry)

What Companies Actually Look For

Technical Roles

  • Coding skills (not just knowing syntax—problem solving)
  • Projects that show practical application
  • Internship experience
  • Communication skills (yes, even for developers)

Non-Technical Roles

  • Domain knowledge (marketing, HR, finance fundamentals)
  • Internship experience
  • Extracurriculars that show leadership
  • Strong communication and presentation skills

Common Ground

  • CGPA above 7 (for most companies)
  • No backlogs (active or cleared)
  • Confidence without arrogance
  • Genuine interest in the company/role

The Application Process

Resume Tips

  • One page maximum (no exceptions for freshers)
  • Quantify achievements ("Increased sales by 20%" not "Improved sales")
  • Tailor for each role
  • Get it reviewed by seniors and placement cell

Aptitude Tests

  • Practice daily for 30-60 minutes
  • Use apps: PrepInsta, IndiaBix, Placement Point
  • Time management is key—not just accuracy
  • Previous papers of companies help

Group Discussions

  • Read news daily (especially business news)
  • Practice speaking on random topics
  • Listen before speaking
  • Quality of points > Quantity of words

Technical Interviews

  • Be thorough with resume—anything written is fair game
  • Practice coding on paper (yes, paper)
  • Explain your thought process
  • Say "I don't know" rather than bluffing

HR Interviews

  • "Tell me about yourself" is coming—prepare it
  • Research the company thoroughly
  • Have questions ready for them
  • Genuine enthusiasm is visible—fake is too

The Unspoken Strategies

Before Placement Season

  • Build relationships with seniors who got placed well
  • Attend pre-placement talks (free intel)
  • Use LinkedIn to connect with company employees
  • Practice mock interviews with actual HR questions

During Placement Season

  • Don't put all eggs in one basket
  • Backup plans are not settling—they're smart
  • Manage stress—it shows in interviews
  • Help others prepare—teaching reinforces learning

The Off-Campus Route

  • Company websites and career pages
  • LinkedIn job applications
  • Referrals from seniors and alumni
  • Internshala, Naukri, LinkedIn Easy Apply

What They Don't Tell You

  1. First offer isn't always the best—but sometimes it is
  2. Package isn't everything—work culture matters
  3. Some companies mass-hire, some are selective—prepare differently
  4. Rejection is redirection—cliché but true
  5. Your batchmates are competitors AND allies—collaborate
  6. Placement cell has biases—research independently too
  7. Off-campus is not a consolation prize—many great jobs are off-campus

The Mental Game

  • Comparison is the thief of joy
  • Someone will always get more/better
  • Your path is unique—honor it
  • One rejection means nothing
  • Stay consistent—results follow effort

After Getting Placed

  • Don't stop learning
  • Help others who are still trying
  • Don't slack in final semester
  • Prepare for actual work (different from college)
  • Stay humble—job market is unpredictable

The placement game is won long before the actual day. Start now, wherever you are.