In an online space often dominated by stories from elite campuses, a young software engineer from a Tier 3 engineering college has captured widespread attention by sharing how he quadrupled his salary—from Rs 10 lakh per annum to Rs 40 lakh per annum—in just two years. His journey, shared on Reddit, has resonated with thousands of aspiring engineers who feel constrained by college labels, limited campus opportunities, and an increasingly competitive tech job market.
What makes this story compelling is not just the salary jump, but the clear message behind it: pedigree may open doors, but persistence, skill-building, and timing decide how far you go.
A Late Start That Changed Everything
Unlike the stereotypical “top coder since first year” narrative, the engineer openly admitted that he was not serious about coding or career planning during the initial years of his engineering degree. It was only midway through college—around his third year—that personal experiences forced him to reassess his priorities.
This moment of self-realisation became a turning point. Instead of dwelling on lost time, he began focused preparation for coding interviews, data structures, and problem-solving. With pooled campus placements being one of the few opportunities available to him, he treated them as a make-or-break chance.
That focused effort paid off. He secured a Rs 10 LPA job offer upon graduation—an achievement in itself for a Tier 3 college graduate—marking the beginning of his professional journey.
Why Job Switching Was the Game Changer
After joining the workforce, the engineer did not treat his first job as a final destination. Instead, he approached it as a learning platform. Over the next two years, he made two carefully timed job switches, each one helping him move closer to roles with better compensation, higher responsibility, and stronger learning curves.
These switches were not impulsive. He focused on:
- Building in-demand technical skills
- Understanding interview patterns
- Learning how to negotiate roles and compensation
- Positioning himself for companies that valued performance over college background
By his second switch, he landed an offer of Rs 40 LPA from a Hyderabad-based company—a fourfold increase from where he started.
Skills Over Tags: Breaking the Tier Myth
The story challenges one of the most persistent beliefs in India’s tech ecosystem—that only graduates from Tier 1 colleges can reach high-paying roles. While elite institutions may provide easier entry points, the engineer’s experience shows that career growth is far more elastic than college tags suggest.
Recruiters increasingly prioritise:
- Hands-on experience
- Problem-solving ability
- Adaptability to new tech stacks
- Communication and ownership
His journey reinforces a growing reality: once inside the industry, performance compounds faster than pedigree.
The Emotional Side of Rapid Growth
Beyond salary figures, the techie also shared the emotional challenges that accompanied his success. Originally from Andhra Pradesh, he found himself preparing to relocate to Hyderabad for his new role—without a personal network in the city.
He reflected on how Bengaluru, where he previously worked, felt easier to settle into due to vibrant startup meetups, sports groups, and informal tech communities. Hyderabad, while a major tech hub, felt unfamiliar and isolating at first.
Interestingly, his concern was not about money or career progression—but about human connection. He reached out online seeking advice on building friendships, communities, and networks purely for social well-being.
Wanting to Build, Not Just Earn
One of the most striking aspects of his post was his desire to give back. Despite landing a high-paying job, he expressed interest in starting side initiatives—not for income, but for engagement.
Among the ideas he considered:
- Starting a YouTube channel focused on coding and interview prep
- Exploring gaming or live streaming
- Creating a weekend support group for unemployed or struggling software engineers
The last idea struck a chord with many readers. He imagined a space where job seekers could meet, share referrals, support one another during interviews, and celebrate successes collectively. It reflected a mindset increasingly seen among young professionals—where success is defined not only by compensation, but by community, purpose, and shared growth.
Why This Story Resonates Today
At a time when layoffs, hiring slowdowns, and placement anxieties dominate conversations, this story feels both realistic and hopeful. It does not promise shortcuts or overnight success. Instead, it highlights:
- The power of starting late—but starting seriously
- The importance of strategic job switches
- The value of continuous learning
- The need for emotional resilience and support systems
Career experts often emphasise that tech careers are non-linear, and this journey exemplifies that truth. Not everyone will reach Rs 40 LPA in two years—but many can significantly improve their trajectory by focusing on skills, adaptability, and informed decision-making.
Ultimately, the engineer’s story is not just about salary growth. It is about reclaiming agency in a system that often feels unfair—and proving that with the right strategy, background does not have to define destiny.
Also Read: https://educationpost.in/news/education/panjab-university-delays-exams-as-student-protest-over-senate-polls-intensifies
https://thenewstudent.com/national-task-force-student-wellbeing/