To Every Fresher Who Feels Hopeless - Please Read This

Lately, I’ve heard many freshers and job seekers say things like:

“I’m feeling depressed.”

“I don’t know if I’ll ever get a job.”

“Sometimes, I even get thoughts of giving up.”

If you're feeling this way, I want to tell you — you’re not alone. And more importantly, this is not the end.

Let me share my personal story.

19 years back, I Thought My Life Was Set — But Life Had Other Plans

Back in college, I got a job through campus placements in my 3rd year, 2nd semester. I was on cloud nine. I thought, “That’s it, my life is set!”

My college didn’t let me sit for any more interviews, even though I had cleared a few rounds with IBM. I celebrated with friends. The final year went by. I waited eagerly for my joining letter.

One day, I got an email like this:
“We are sorry. Right now, we don’t have any requirement.”

I was shocked. I thought my life was over. This was in 2007 - the recession was in manifestation.

The Turning Point

But now, I look back and say, “I’m glad that happened.”

Because of that incident, I studied harder, prepared better, got comfortable with hearing ‘No’s and pushed myself. Eventually, I joined a small startup called Girnar Software Pvt. Ltd.

That startup went on to build amazing products, including CarDekho.com.
I worked there for 14 years.
I learned, grew and built a strong career.

You’re Stronger Than You Think

2008 was tough. Many people I know personally have lost jobs, had job offers cancelled, and struggled to get interviews. But many of them found their path, just like I did.

If you’re going through a tough time now, please don’t give up.

Taking stress won’t solve the problem.
Finding a solution will.

And trust me, you will get through this.
One day, you'll look back at these tough times and smile, proud of how far you've come.

What Can You Do Right Now?

Here are some things that helped me and can help you too:

1. Build Real, Useful Projects

Don’t work on routine datasets like Titanic survival, or don’t build another library web application.
Pick real-world problems. Find data related to companies you like.
Do an analysis, build something and share it publicly.

You never know, it might catch the attention of someone from that company.

2. Learn & Share

Don’t think: “Who will listen to me? I’m just a fresher.”
You never know who you’ll help, maybe a junior or even a senior who’s new to that topic.

Sharing knowledge builds confidence and credibility.

3. Contribute to Open Source

You don’t have to build big features. Start small — fix a typo, write documentation or solve a beginner bug.

Check out goodfirstissue.dev - it lists easy issues for beginners.

4. Volunteer for Tech Events

Volunteering is a great way to meet experienced people. Many senior folks do volunteering just like contributing to open source.
You’ll get a chance to work with them, learn from them, network and show your skills in real action.

In Simple Words: Be Useful to Someone

Don't wait for opportunities - create them.

When you want something in life, earn it. Don’t beg for it.
Build your reputation. Build your network. Help others. Share your knowledge.

Over time, this will open doors you didn’t even know existed.

One last thing

These are just a few paths. Talk to your seniors, especially those who didn’t get a job through campus but found one later. Learn from them. Note down their tips. Build your own cocktail(plan) - a strategy that suits your strengths.

And remember, this phase is temporary.

Better days are waiting for you. Don’t quit. You’ve got this.