Mystory@Lins Serin Jose: How I chose my course and college

Like all other middle class families, my parents wanted me to become an engineer and even I wanted to pursue Computer Engineering. But I did not want to travel long distances for my schooling. So, I dropped the idea of Computer Science and instead selected Science with Biology as my course of choice. I took this decision because I know that this could help me get into Computer Science at the degree level, if the need be. And the good part was that my school was just two kilometers away from my house.

In those days if you were able to score distinction in SSLC, then science was the default option a student could choose. Also, Humanities and other subjects were for students who used to score less marks (Common Misbelief). And I could somehow score distinction in SSLC and I got science without any trouble.

However, I couldn’t score enough mark in Plus two for getting into BTech Computer Science course. Even though I got First Class in Plus two that was not enough for getting admission in BTech. Since, I wanted to become a computer engineer I decided to take up BCA instead.  I decided to move to Bangalore for my Graduation and started searching for good colleges.

Christ and Kristu Jayanti were my first options. By the time, I decided to move to Bangalore, Christ admissions were closed. And I got admission in BCA course at Kristu Jayanti College.  Still I wanted to join Christ University as I had heard so much about this college. Thus, after completing BCA, I applied for MCA course at Christ and I got admission.

How I cracked college admission

Even though I studied BCA, I was not good in programming and other academic knowledge. And therefore, I wanted to continue with MCA. So, I applied for admission at Christ University and simultaneously at Kristu Jayanti College as I was not sure if I will get admission in Christ University or not. I did not have to give any written test, but I had to undergo a personal Interview round to get admission.

I went for the Interview with very basic knowledge in Computer Programming. The teachers who took my interview asked me lot of questions which I had no Idea about. But after the interview I got to know that those questions were basic concepts in Programming. But I got admission and I still wonder how I got admission even after my poor performance in the interview. To prepare for Interview round at Christ you need not be very well versed in the subject but if you are able to convey your ideas with confidence (even if the answer is wrong) you will clear the interview.

What I gained from my college experience

What I thought about Christ University and what I experienced was different. Christ University was full of sternness and interesting rules. Especially for post graduates. Unlike other colleges, in Christ University, PG students are not given any special privileges because

they are senior. Here, all students are the same irrespective of batch, course, etc. Even If you are an MPhil student, there is no differentiation. In one way I liked those rules. I could feel some kind of equality in the campus.

And more over the campus signified ‘Unity in Diversity’. You could see representatives of all the states and Union Territories of India. I got to see different cultures and I could make friends from different parts of the country. I wanted to learn what I didn’t learn from my BCA course. So, I started putting more effort into my studies. And I could understand most of the concepts and henceforth Programming became an easy task.

There were many fests and seminars in colleges and I participated in many events like that. As I used to play Tabla I joined a band in the university and performed in fests. It is true that you will be more enthusiastic to learn something if that gives you some fame among other things. Even though I learnt tabla as per my dad’s wish but during my college days my passion and interest towards the instrument increased.

By the end of 5^th Semester our placements and recruitment drive started. I got through till the HR round of the first company which came for placements but I could not get through the Interview round because I made many blunders. The Interviewer wanted to know whether I am a team player or not. For that I gave an answer that – I am not a team player and I won’t be able to build a team of my own. This was my first experience at an interview. But for the second Interview I rectified my mistakes and I got selected. I got a job offer as a Software Engineer.

From zero knowledge in Programming to becoming a software engineer in a reputed company in a 3-year time span was a huge improvement for me. I believe this was because I was more serious and focused at my PG level and this made all the difference.

When you pursue a career which you have dreamt of from your school days, you will feel privileged. It’s always better to have a career dream from your higher secondary level schooling. And I would say even if you are not very serious during your under-graduation days but become serious in your post-graduation, you can still achieve your career goals. Even If you don’t have any career ambitions in your school days, that doesn’t matter. When you pursue the last lap of your studies it is necessary to be extremely serious and this can shape your future as per your desire.

About the Author:

Lins Serin Jose was born and brought up at a village called Chemperi in Kannur, Kerala. After schooling I moved to Bangalore for my graduation. I completed BCA from Kristu Jayanti College and post graduated in MCA from Christ University. Playing and watching cricket was my main hobby. I learnt Tabala in my childhood as per my father’s wish and it helped me to get into few bands in college and I have also played professionally with some music bands.