I'm a 21-year-old female currently pursuing an integrated MCA, and the campus placement season is in full swing. Many of my classmates have secured jobs, but unfortunately, I haven't managed to get a placement yet, and I feel really discouraged. I've applied to several companies and even made it to the final round with one, but I didn't get the offer. The trend has been mostly rejection since then.
To be honest, I've never really enjoyed coding. I've put in a lot of effort trying to get better, yet my brain freezes up when I'm coding, and I can only write very basic programs. I often rely on ChatGPT when writing code, as I struggle significantly with loops and data structures.
My GPA in my undergraduate program was 6.5, and I'm currently at 7.46 in my postgrad. I've even tried applying for roles outside of strictly coding-related jobs, but I'm still facing refusals.
On top of this, I have ADHD, which further complicates my focus on coding. It's become quite frightening for me because I feel like I don't understand anything, even after trying really hard. I'm also preparing for a FICO test in two days that requires tough coding questions, and my anxiety grows knowing that I'm the only one in my cohort without a placement. In fact, I also have an Infosys test coming up, and they're notorious for their challenging coding questions.
It feels like I'm doing something wrong, considering I pursued an MCA largely due to peer pressure, and now I'm seeing the repercussions of that decision. I genuinely need some advice or support from anyone who might have been in a similar situation or has insights on what I can do at this point.
2 Answers
Honestly, if you never liked coding, then it might be worth considering a different field. I understand the pressures from societal expectations can be huge, but a career should ideally align with something you're passionate about. It’s okay to pivot to something else that you find more fulfilling and less stressful. You've still got time to figure it all out!
It sounds like you're really overwhelmed right now, and that's totally valid. Sometimes it's hard to figure out what you really want to do, especially when everyone around you seems to be moving forward. Have you considered exploring fields or roles that don't require heavy coding? It might ease some of that pressure, and you can still use the skills you've learned in a more supportive environment.

I appreciate your perspective! It's hard to imagine life outside coding right now, but I definitely see the merit in exploring other options.