Hey, I’m Priya (not my real name, but close enough), and I just want to talk about what happened after I got my postgraduate degree. I finished my Master’s in Economics last year, and I thought I’d be set good job, nice salary, the works. But nah, it wasn’t that easy. I ended up chasing private job vacancies, and it’s been a ride. I’m writing this because maybe you’re in the same boat, and I figured my mess of a journey might help you out. Let’s get into it.
The Degree Hangover
So, I graduated in June 2024 two years of exams, group projects, and way too little sleep. I was proud, you know? My family threw me a little party, and I felt like I’d made it. I pictured myself walking into some big private company, sitting at a desk, doing important stuff. But a month later, I was still on my parents’ couch, refreshing job sites, wondering where I went wrong.
I thought a Master’s would mean companies would come knocking. Turns out, it’s more like a hunting license you’ve got the paper, but you’ve got to track down the job yourself. And private jobs? They’re everywhere, but grabbing one felt like catching smoke.
Why Private Jobs, Though?
I could’ve gone for government jobs my dad kept saying they’re stable, and my aunt’s been in one for 20 years. But I wanted something else. Private companies sounded cooler faster, louder, maybe a little risky. I liked the idea of working somewhere that’s growing, maybe even making a name for myself. Plus, I heard some private gigs pay better if you play your cards right. So, I decided that’s where I’d aim.
| Post Name | Private Job |
| Vacancies | 7461 |
| Salary | No Details |
| Job Location | All India |
Where Do You Even Start?
Finding private job openings was the first hurdle. I didn’t know where to look at first I tried Googling “jobs for Master’s grads,” but it was a mess. Eventually, I figured out a few tricks that worked for me.
- Job Websites
I started with LinkedIn and Indeed. I’d sit there every morning, sipping tea, scrolling through listings. I made my LinkedIn profile sound smart put “Master’s in Economics” right at the top and applied to anything that didn’t sound boring. It took forever, but I got a few replies. - Company Pages
I checked out websites of companies I liked Tata, some tech startups, even a random clothing brand. A lot of them had “Careers” pages with openings. I bookmarked a bunch and kept checking back. - Asking Around
I’m shy, so this was hard. But I messaged old classmates and my cousin who works in an office. Most didn’t know anything, but one friend said her company needed someone in sales. It didn’t work out, but it showed me people don’t mind helping if you ask. - A Job Fair
My college had this career day a while back. I went, feeling out of place in a blazer, but I handed out resumes and talked to a few recruiters. One guy from a logistics company seemed interested I didn’t get that job, but it gave me hope.
Fixing My Resume
My resume was trash at first. It had my degree, some college stuff, and a summer job at a store. It looked like a kid wrote it. So, I sat down one night with my laptop and made it better. I added my Master’s project about market trends, threw in words like “research” and “analysis,” and cut the dumb stuff. My brother read it and said it was “less embarrassing” now, so I went with it.
I learned private companies like when you match their job ad. If they wanted “teamwork,” I’d write about a group project. It was annoying to change it every time, but it got me interviews, so I stuck with it.
Interviews: A Total Circus
Interviews were the worst. My first one was for a data analyst spot at a small firm. I practiced saying “I’m a hard worker” in my room, but when I got there, they asked, “How do you handle stress?” I froze and mumbled something dumb. No surprise, I didn’t get it.
I kept going, though. After a couple more disasters, I got the hang of it. I’d write down answers to stuff like “Why do you want this job?” and practice with my sister. By my fourth try, I landed a role at a private trading company. It’s just an assistant job, but it’s mine. They pay me about 25,000 rupees a month, which isn’t much, but it’s a start.
What’s Out There?
While I was hunting, I noticed some private jobs popping up a lot for people like me:
- Tech Stuff
Big names like Infosys and startups want grads for tech roles data crunching, coding, that kind of thing. I met a guy with a Master’s in IT who got hired fast, making double what I do. My degree didn’t fit, but it’s huge if you’re into tech. - Sales and Marketing
Companies need people to sell their stuff or figure out what customers want. I applied for a marketing assistant job that paid decent 30,000 rupees plus extras but didn’t get it. Still, it’s a hot area. - Finance Jobs
Banks and finance firms like ICICI or consulting places want postgrads. The money’s good sometimes 40,000 rupees or more but it sounded stressful, so I skipped it. - Startups
New companies are risky they might not last but they’re fun. I almost took a job at one doing random office work for 20,000 rupees. I chickened out, but they’re all over.
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Job hunting wasn’t pretty. Some days, I’d apply to 10 places and get nothing back. I’d check my email like a maniac, hoping for something anything. Getting told “no” over and over hurt, especially when it was just a cold “Thanks, but no thanks” email. But then I’d get a call, and it’d lift me up. One recruiter said she liked my “energy,” and that kept me going.
My Master’s helped, though. It didn’t get me hired on the spot, but people took me seriously because of it. I could tell they thought I’d stick around and work hard.
Finally Working
So, I’ve been at this trading company for three months now. I help with paperwork, track orders, and sometimes talk to suppliers who don’t speak much English. It’s not what I dreamed of I wanted something flashier but I’m learning. My boss says I’m doing okay, and there’s talk of moving up if I don’t mess up.
Private jobs are intense. Things move quick, and there’s no slacking. But I kind of like it it’s not sleepy like I imagine government work. Plus, I’m paying my own phone bill now, which feels good.
Stuff I Wish I Knew
If you’re a postgraduate like me, here’s what I’d say:
- Don’t Wait
Start looking before you graduate. I waited, and it made everything harder. - Pick Up Something Useful
I learned basic Excel from a free YouTube video, and it impressed my boss. Find something small spreadsheets, writing, whatever and learn it. - Bend a Little
I wanted a big finance job, but I took this instead. You can switch later just get in the door. - Keep Your Chin Up
It’s rough when you get ignored, but don’t stop. One yes makes it worth it.
What’s Next?
I’m okay where I am, but I’m not done. I want a better job someday maybe something with numbers, since I’m good at that. Private companies have so many openings, and I feel like I’m just getting started. It’s not all smooth, but it’s mine to figure out.
That’s my story nothing fancy, just real. If you’re a postgraduate hunting for private jobs, I hope this makes it less scary. It’s a slog, but you’ll get there. Got your own tale? I’d love to hear it maybe we can swap tips. For now, good luck out there!
Published on April 1, 2025
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