Mechanical Engineering Dropout to Software Job: How I Got My First (IT) Job with NxtWave’s Support

Where I Started: A Mechanical Diploma and a Tough Job

After my diploma in mechanical engineering in 2019, I got a job as a technician. I thought it would align with what I studied, but instead, I was doing maintenance and cleaning.

I tried to adjust, but I couldn’t continue for more than 10–12 days. The job didn’t align with my interests, and the work culture wasn’t a good fit. So I quit.

First Attempt at B.Tech and Losing Motivation

After quitting the job, I enrolled in a full-time B.Tech program in mechanical engineering. That’s where I first heard about "placements", but our college didn’t have many opportunities.

Slowly, I lost motivation, failed to stay consistent with my studies, and eventually dropped out.

Then COVID hit. I tested positive and had to go home. That unexpected break turned out to be the turning point.

A Fresh Start in IT: New Branch, New Mindset

After recovering, my mother encouraged me to pursue a career in IT. By then, I had already lost a year, and I wanted to make a proper comeback.

In 2020, I re-enrolled in B.Tech, this time in Computer Science Engineering, and directly entered the second year through the lateral entry. It felt like a fresh start.

Trying to Learn Tech on My Own (And Struggling)

I started learning coding with my brother through YouTube. We were both trying hard, but without proper guidance, it felt confusing. We didn’t know what to learn first or whether we were on the right path.

It felt like trying to figure out a maze without a map.

Joining NxtWave: The Turning Point

One day, we got a call from NxtWave inviting us to a free career guidance webinar. That session made things clear. It showed us exactly:

• What we would learn
  
  
• How the course was structured
  
  
• What kind of support we receive

It felt like the direction we were looking for. We both joined their Full Stack Course, and that changed everything.

Learning That Finally Made Sense

NxtWave’s program was very different from anything we had tried before.

• The course was step-by-step and easy to follow.
  
  
• It was available in the vernacular language alongside English, which was very helpful.
  
  
• Every topic had practice sets, allowing us to apply what we had learned.

Most importantly, it didn’t feel overwhelming. It felt doable.

Getting Support When We Needed It Most

Our family faced financial struggles. My father works as a school attendant, and my mother is a homemaker. With both of us studying together (my twin brother and I), it was hard to manage the fees.

At one point, the NxtWave team even advised us to take just one course between us to reduce the financial load. That level of understanding and support is rare.

They supported us throughout, not just with content, but also with guidance, motivation, and placement help.

Getting My First Software Job

After finishing the course, I started applying for jobs.

Thanks to NxtWave’s placement support, I improved my interview skills and continued applying until I finally secured a placement as a Software Engineer Trainee at Aggne, with a ₹4.4 LPA package.

For my family and me, it was a proud and emotional moment. We had come a long way.

My Advice for Anyone from a Non-IT Background

If you’re from a mechanical or non-IT background and are unsure if you can transition into tech, the answer is yes - you absolutely can.

Here’s what helped me:

• Start with a clear direction
  
  
• Be consistent every day.
  
  
• Pick the right learning path, not some random YouTube videos
  
  
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help

“No matter where you start, the right guidance and effort can take you where you want to go.”

Final Words

From a technician job to dropping out… from switching branches to finally working in IT, this journey taught me a lot.

Most of all, it taught me that it’s never too late to restart, if you have a growth mindset and the proper guidance.