AICTE makes internships compulsory for engineering graduatess, but finding one still challenge
HYDERABAD: The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) might have made internships compulsory for engineering graduates, but landing one, in the city's Information Technology (IT) industry, continues to be a challenge for students, particularly those enrolled with lesser-known institutes.
This, with companies tightening their purse-strings and looking only at established institutes/universities for interns.
"Internships are not handed out randomly. Every company follows a strict process and selects only those who clear the test or interview. Most companies approach top-notch colleges hoping for better quality of candidates," said Ranga Pothula, ex-president of Hyderabad Software Enterprises Association and vice-president of Infor.
Given the tough selection process, experts urge aspiring interns in the IT sector, to change their attitude before approaching a company for an opportunity.
"Several students look at internship as just a mandatory exercise they need to complete to get their degree. What they do not realise is the fact that company spends a lot of money to train them. Just to add an additional desk in the software industry, it costs a firm around 6,000 to 10,000. They should value this and try and learn what they can so that they can help the firm in some way during their stay there," said Viswam Vemula, founder of Chanwi Technologies, adding that candidates should opt for an internship only if they have at least three months time on hand.
Another reason why there is a limited number of interships on offer in big companies, experts say, is because of the apprehension among them to take on board temporary staff. "This is to avoid possible breach of confidentiality. Small companies, on the other hand, have financial constraints," said an industry professional.
Officials at the Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Hyderabad (JNTU-H) seconded the concerns of the industry and said it is practically impossible to provide internships to 70,000 (approx) students, especially in the IT sector.
"For popular colleges, getting internships for their students, isn't still a major issue. But there are many other colleges who have no choice but to send their students to smaller institutes in SR Nagar and Ameerpet, which do no good to students as they are handedover completed projects at the end of their internship or projects. Opting for these institutes can have an adverse effect on students as they will not get any exposure into the way the industry works," said N Yadaiah, registrar, JNTU-H.
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