How to Survive the AI Wave as an Engineer (IIT Kharagpur Grad POV) - w/ Aayush
Episode Title: Why He Rejected the US for IIT Kharagpur: The AI Career Blueprint
Description:
Is the "American Dream" still the only path to success for Indian engineers?
In a world where the standard advice is to "get a GRE score and leave," Aayush Sugandh did the unthinkable: he stayed. Despite having the profile to go abroad, he chose to double down on India, pursuing his MTech at IIT Kharagpur.
But this isn't just a story about a degree. It’s a masterclass on ROI. Aayush breaks down the math of saving ₹50 Lakhs by studying domestically, the reality of the "IIT tag" for Tier-2 and Tier-3 college graduates, and how to build a career launchpad that survives the coming AI wave.
If you are an engineering student confused between the GATE exam and the GRE, or a professional wondering if you need a Master’s degree to pivot into Artificial Intelligence, this episode is your blueprint. We discuss the subjective bias against non-IITians, the grind of the IIT coursework, and the exact roadmap to becoming an AI/ML expert in 2025.
In this episode, we cover:
The "MS in US" Myth: Why staying in India might be the financially smarter move in the current economy.
Tier-2 & Tier-3 Struggles: How to overcome the "subjective bias" of recruiters and break into top-tier tech roles.
The AI Roadmap: A step-by-step guide to preparing for a career in Machine Learning and AI, even if you are from a Civil or Ocean Engineering background.
IIT Kharagpur Reality Check: The truth about networking, placements, and the intense academic pressure inside India's premier institutes.
Join the conversation:Are you Team MS or Team MTech? Let us know in the comments!
⏱️ TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 - Understanding the Value of a Master's Degree04:15 - The Importance of Networking and Learning06:20 - When a Master's Degree Might Not Be Necessary09:42 - The Trade-offs of Job Switching vs. Further Education12:53 - The Role of Self-Learning in Today's Education15:51 - Choosing Between Domestic (MTech) and International (MS) Education21:24 - Exploring Educational Choices and IIT Kharagpur22:59 - The Hustle of the IIT Kharagpur Experience27:22 - Coursework and Learning Dynamics at IIT Kharagpur29:17 - Room for Improvement in the IIT Curriculum32:05 - Building a Strong Foundation in AI and ML39:08 - Preparing for AI and ML Careers (The Blueprint)42:51 - The Importance of Proactivity and Enthusiasm43:12 - AI's Impact on Rural India46:18 - The Implications of Free AI Services
About the Guest:Aayush Sugandh is an IIT Kharagpur alumnus and an AI practitioner who has navigated the transition from a traditional engineering background to the cutting edge of Artificial Intelligence. He advocates for "Economical Excellence"—finding high-value education without the crippling debt of international student loans.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/aayush-sugandh-785181190/
Connect with us:readysetdopodcast.com
Keywords:IIT Kharagpur, MTech vs MS, Study Abroad, GATE Exam 2025, Artificial Intelligence Career, Machine Learning Roadmap, Engineering in India, Higher Education ROI, Tier 2 College to IIT, Tech Careers, Data Science path.