Hey everyone! I'm a 22-year-old guy who completed my 12th grade in 2022 with a focus on PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology). I've spent the past four years preparing for the NEET exam, but no luck. My highest rank was 37,000, and unfortunately, the last admitted rank in my state was 31,000. So, instead of enrolling in a UG program, I decided to pivot towards tech. I've been learning full stack and UI/UX design through certification courses from platforms like Coursera (specifically, Meta Frontend and IBM Full Stack). I'm considering getting an online BCA degree while working as a developer or designer. I'm also building projects and recently started applying for internships. Can I actually build a decent career this way? I'm not looking for suggestions in the PCB field since I've explored other paths like physiotherapy, dental, and biotech, but I'd appreciate any realistic advice! Thanks!
4 Answers
Just sharing my journey: I self-taught myself and it was tough getting my first job. After completing my BSc, I got my master’s while working. I dedicated a year to serious prep and applied after building a project. Eventually, I landed a paid internship at 27, learned a ton, and survived the pressure. Everyone's path is different, but you can definitely make it!
A friend of mine struggled for six years before taking an online BSc course from IIT Madras. It opened up a ton of opportunities for him. Remember, life doesn’t end after a few wrong turns. Learn from your mistakes and keep moving forward!
Communication skills matter a lot in dev jobs! So, while you're learning, practice writing too. Try to create a project that excites you, and engage with communities online that relate to your interests. It’s a great way to combine what you’re learning and make connections.
Appreciate you bro!
You should really consider getting a degree. Turning down that startup job opportunity might be something you'll regret later. It could have given you valuable experience and the chance to work on real projects.

Thanks a lot, bhai!