Recently, we had the opportunity to visit BITS Pilani for a webinar focused on discussing Germany as a potential option for higher education and jobs, as well as how AI is expected to change the world of global university applications. Interacting with the students there provided us with valuable insights, and we thought sharing some of these takeaways might be useful for others facing similar questions.

One of the most frequently asked questions was in comparison to the US. Many students seemed to have the default tendency to consider the US as the primary choice for higher education, often influenced by the fact that many of their seniors have already made the move to the US for better life opportunities. However, when these students were presented with the various benefits of living and studying in Germany, there was a noticeable shift in their interests from general university application questions to more specific inquiries about Germany.

It was evident that the lack of awareness about Germany as a potential option, along with the misconception that German is necessary to study, work, and live in Germany, has led to fewer students considering it. However, once the benefits of living in Germany were presented, many students expressed a newfound interest. So, if you're considering your options for higher education, it's important to learn more about Germany.

Another topic that was discussed was the "prestige" factor when it comes to universities. Most students have heard of prestigious institutes like Stanford, Harvard, and MIT, but how many of us are familiar with EU counterparts such as TU Munich and ETH Zurich? Does studying at a less well-known university automatically mean a disadvantage?

This was a complex question with many nuances to consider, such as fees, department, personal belief system, etc. To offer a concrete yet sensible answer, we would say this: If you have an admission offer from Stanford, Harvard, MIT, or any similarly well-known institute, it's a great opportunity to pursue a lifelong dream. The emotional motivation of studying at such a place can significantly increase the likelihood of a successful grad school experience.

However, if the name of the institute doesn't immediately ring a bell, our belief is that it's important to focus on more practical and tangible metrics, such as fees, return on investment, types of jobs available, ease of visa processes, and your short and long-term goals.

We also discussed AI and its expected impact on the world over the next three years and how we anticipate the university application process to be impacted. Many students were familiar with ChatGPT3 and asked a great question: If everyone has access to the same AI tools, what sets one candidate apart from the others? How can one differentiate?

The answer is simple: AI tools can provide a level of standardization and automation, but they cannot replace the unique qualities, skills, and experiences that each individual brings to the table. AI can aid in the evaluation of applicants, but it cannot assess creativity, initiative, critical thinking, communication skills, or personal values and goals.

Therefore, while AI can be a valuable resource, it's still essential for applicants to focus on developing and showcasing their unique qualities, skills, and experiences to stand out from the crowd. We've written an entire blog about the limitations of ChatGPT3, which you can find here: https://www.careersky.in/blog/chatgpt-reliance

Another common question was about low grades and how to navigate this issue. This is a problem that many students face, and we addressed it in detail. If you're struggling with low grades, this blog post might be helpful to you: https://www.careersky.in/blog/overcoming-low-grades

A lot of discussion was also about moving from one engineering department to another, particularly from traditional fields like Civil or ECE to tech, has become a common trend in recent years. There are several reasons behind this shift:

1. Tech Salaries Skyrocket: The salaries in the tech industry have been on the rise for the past decade, outpacing those of other departments.
2. Increase in Demand: Along with higher salaries, the demand for tech jobs has also been growing, making it an attractive option for job seekers.
3. A Pathway to AI: For those with a strong mathematical background, transitioning to tech subsets such as AI can be relatively easy and successful.

If you're looking to make this switch but have concerns about your grades, take a look at our blog post, "Department Change with Low Grades." There, you'll find tips and strategies for overcoming this obstacle and pursuing the career path you desire.

Link: https://www.careersky.in/blog/department-change-with-low-grades

Despite there being many questions, these were the most prevalent. I hope this blog provided clarity and you were able to connect with the questions asked.

In conclusion, it was an enlightening experience to explore the vibrant campus of BITS Pilani and engage with its talented students. The questions we received offered valuable insights into the minds of the students and we are grateful to have had the opportunity to answer them. We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the PC team at BITS Pilani for their warm hospitality and for making this visit a memorable one. We hope to be back soon, to continue our interactions with the students and explore even more of what this amazing university has to offer.