If you avoid these 10 mistakes, by the end of 4 years, you will definitely find it easier to reach your vision or your goal, or to get into good companies.
10 Mistakes to Avoid in B.Tech
Mistake 1: Depending Only on Grades, CGPA, and Percentages
Grades, CGPA, and percentages are important, but they won’t give you a job. They won’t make you an entrepreneur. They won’t help you start a startup. They won’t help you win in today’s competition. So grades, CGPA, and percentages only help you up to a certain level, but they won’t take you to the goal you dream of. To reach your goal, you must focus on practical knowledge and on skills.
In the future, after 4 years, more than the value of your B.Tech degree, it’s your skills that will matter. Everyone who has won in this world has won because of skills, not because of a certificate.
Mistake 2: Last-Minute Studying
Many students think, “Let’s study just before exams.” But the problem with last-minute study is that you only prepare for exam questions and misunderstand the real-world use of concepts.
Example
You may prepare the database concept just for an exam, but you’ll miss where it is used in real life. So don’t rely on last-minute study. Instead:
- Learn why the subject exists
- Read textbooks, especially standard authorized books
- Try to implement concepts practically
Preparing only through questions and answers at the last minute is not good.
Mistake 3: Relying Only on Faculty Teaching
Don’t think faculty teaching is the only source of knowledge. Today, the world has changed. There are plenty of online learning resources, even AI-driven ones.
Free courses are on YouTube, and many paid ones are affordable. So focus on online learning in addition to classroom learning.
Checklist: Stay Updated
- Follow Silicon Valley news
- Track new technologies
- Learn from YouTube, LinkedIn, and podcasts
- Listen to global experts, not just IIT lectures
If you don’t use online resources, even with internet and laptop access, you’ll fall behind.
Mistake 4: Not Having a Goal
Okay, you cleared JEE Mains, Advanced, or EAMCET, and joined a good university. But what is your goal? Do you want a job, a startup, or higher studies (MS)? Whatever your goal is, plan accordingly from the first year itself. Don’t wait till the third or final year. The competition is tougher now. So plan early, set a roadmap, and take small steps toward it.
Mistake 5: Ignoring Communication Skills
It is very important to show your skills to the world, and for that, communication skills are crucial. Your value becomes clear to an interviewer only when your technical skills are supported by your soft skills and communication. Your value is seen when you attend events, seminars, and hackathons. Earlier, before technology, we could express our opinions only at the village, mandal, district, or state level. Now with technology, we can showcase our opinions, skills, and expertise to the whole world and compete globally.
Engineering students from different countries can form groups, share ideas, share visions, and share important information. In such a world, communication skills play an equally important role. Communication does not mean only English. It’s not about having a fancy US accent or UK accent. Communication means being able to present your point like a story, explain with a good script, speak confidently, and deliver in an orderly, crisp manner that the other person understands in a short time.
Checklist for Students:
- Participate in events and seminars.
- Never miss a chance to get on stage.
- Even if there isn’t a situation, try to create one to present your opinion.
- Take part in competitions regularly.
If you keep practicing this for 4 years, you will improve. So don’t make this mistake. Don’t say, “I already have communication skills,” and ignore them. Keep developing them.
Mistake 6: Poor Networking
B.Tech is not only about classes, projects, internships, and skills; you also need strong networking. Build networks on LinkedIn, connect with alumni, seniors, juniors, and mentors. A good network can give you career opportunities.
Example:
If you dream of doing a project in Germany, join German groups early, learn what’s happening there, and build networks. No matter how good your percentage is, without the right network, opportunities may slip away.
Mistake 7: Thinking Internships Are Only for the Final Year
Students think internships are only for the final year. But many companies, even big ones like Microsoft, post internship opportunities officially on their websites. An internship is not just an activity for credits or something to do after college. An internship is a chance to understand the real world. Unfortunately, many colleges restrict students, making them do mini-projects and major projects only within the campus. Students must know the outside world, what happens in companies, how professional environments and organizational structures work, what projects are, and who clients are.
So don’t wait till the final year. From the first year itself, if you know Java, Python, or any skill, find a genuine company; there are thousands of startups, especially in Bangalore. Work in a small company or startup, not just big ones like TCS or Infosys. In college, you learn one way, but internships show you the real world. Don’t treat internships as just an academic requirement for credits. Do them sincerely to gain real-world knowledge.
Mistake 8: Not Attending Events
By attending events, you meet people, gain awareness, and learn trends. Even parents should encourage students to attend events like those at T-Hub in Hyderabad. If you can afford it, attend international events once a year in Singapore, Malaysia, the UK, or the US. Events will change your perception and improve your knowledge.
Mistake 9: Ignoring Industry Trends
Just because you study CSE doesn’t mean you shouldn’t know about semiconductors, AI, EVs, quantum computing, and blockchain. You don’t need to do a full course, but you must be aware of the latest trends. Awareness is very important. So don’t make the mistake of being outdated. Stay updated about where the world is going.
Mistake 10: Copying Projects and Programs
Many students copy their seniors’ projects or lab programs. But if you get into the copy mindset, you will never learn how to build logic. That mindset will kill you. So even if you get fewer marks, it’s okay, focus on practical skills. Out of 10 programs in a semester, practice at least 2 properly by building your own logic.
Building logic is not difficult; it just takes time. As a B.Tech student, you’re new, so it’s natural to take time. But focus on building logic, not just on marks or impressing the world with copied lab programs.
Conclusion
In these 4 years of B.Tech, if you avoid these 10 mistakes, you will definitely reach your goals and vision, whether it’s a package, placement, MNC, or your own startup. Even startups like Rapido and Swiggy were founded by Indians who anticipated trends early. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking only IITians can do startups. Even students from small rural colleges can build complex technologies and products. Today, online resources are available for everyone. If you follow a vision and goal from the first year, you can achieve anything. So please don’t make these 10 mistakes. For more tips, guides, and updates, visit BuzzIndie.