For years, the idea that a top engineering college is the biggest ticket to a successful career has shaped the dreams of countless students. But social media continues to throw up stories that challenge that belief. A recent post by a young professional has become one such talking point, with many discussing whether skills, experience, and the choices people make after college can matter just as much as the name of the institute on their degree.
Post starts a conversation online
The discussion began after 22-year-old growth marketer Lavanya Jain shared screenshots of salary credits on X. The screenshots showed two separate payments, one worth ₹3.74 lakh and another worth ₹1.12 lakh, taking the total amount to ₹4.8 lakh.Jain also claimed that he currently earns more than $100,000 a year while working part-time as a contractor.
‘’I’m not even from an IIT’
Along with sharing the screenshots, Jain spoke about his educational background. He said he is not an IIT graduate and revealed that he left his BTech course in electronics and communications engineering during the final semester.“I’m not even from an IIT. In fact, I dropped out from my btech, majoring in electronics and communications engineering in my final semester. I think it was one of the best decisions of my life.”He further claimed that his current earnings are higher than the highest placement package offered by his college.“I’m earning more than the highest placement of my college (100k USD) that too working part time, as a contractor.”
Claims to have five passive income sources
Jain also said he does not depend on just one source of income. According to him, he has built five passive income streams alongside his main work.“I have 5 sources of passive incomes, and my main income covers everything I spend on myself (and I spend a lot btw).”
‘This is not a flex’
Jain clarified that he did not share the post to boast about his earnings. Instead, he said he wanted to highlight that an IIT degree is not the only path to career growth.While acknowledging that IIT graduates benefit from strong alumni networks and greater visibility, he said those advantages alone do not determine long-term success.“This is not a flex, really it’s not. Just a subtle reminder that IIT is just a tag. Sure it will give you that alumni network and a couple of eyeballs, but what’s the use when you got a couple of IITians working under you lol.”Disclaimer: This article is based on a viral social media post and is intended to report on the online conversation surrounding it. The Times of India has not independently verified the claims made in the post.Thumb image: X