IIT grad says MNC job has no work, spends days watching reels
A coveted placement at a multinational company is often seen as the ultimate reward for years of hard work, especially for graduates from India’s top engineering institutes. It promises stability, exposure, and meaningful projects. But for one recent IIT graduate, the reality has turned out to be far less fulfilling.
A 2025 pass-out took to Reddit to share how his role as a software engineer has left him feeling disengaged, with barely any real work to do. His experience has sparked a wider conversation around the quality of entry-level roles, workplace culture, and the evolving impact of AI on early careers in tech.
IS A DREAM JOB ALWAYS WHAT IT SEEMS?
The graduate revealed that the excitement of landing a job at a reputed multinational company quickly wore off after joining. While the offer looked promising on paper, the day-to-day experience failed to match expectations.
He was initially assigned to a Generative AI project, but the initiative was eventually shelved. After raising concerns with his manager, he was shifted to another team—only to find himself handling routine maintenance work with little to no scope for development.
WHY ARE FRESHERS STRUGLLING TO FIND MEANINGFUL WORK?
According to the engineer, the biggest challenge isn’t workload, it’s the lack of it. His typical workday involves checking emails and internal communication tools, after which there is often nothing substantial to contribute.
With limited tasks assigned, he admits to spending hours watching reels or YouTube videos just to pass time. The absence of hands-on experience has left him worried about his professional growth at a crucial early stage of his career.
IS WORKPLACE CULTURE ADDING TO THE DISCONNECT?
Beyond the lack of work, the graduate also highlighted a disengaging team environment. He described the team as being dominated by senior professionals who remain confined to their own responsibilities, with little interest in mentoring or collaboration.
This atmosphere, he said, has led to a “bare minimum” mindset, which is gradually influencing his own approach, something he finds concerning as a newcomer eager to learn.
IS AI RESHAPING ENTRY-LEVEL TECH ROLES?
The post also raises an important question about the growing role of artificial intelligence in software development. The graduate observed that many smaller, learning-oriented tasks that were once assigned to junior developers are now being completed instantly using AI tools.
This shift, he fears, could reduce opportunities for freshers to gain practical experience, fundamentally changing how early careers in tech are shaped.
WHAT DID OTHERS SAY ABOUT THIS SITUATION?
The Reddit post drew mixed reactions. While some users empathised with his frustration, others pointed out the harsh realities of the current job market.
A few highlighted that many graduates are still struggling to secure any job at all, suggesting he should make the most of his situation. Others shared similar experiences of being underutilised, while some even described such roles as “ideal” for pursuing side projects or upskilling.
At the same time, several users contrasted his situation with theirs, where lower-paying roles often come with overwhelming responsibilities across multiple domains, from development to testing and client handling.
The discussion reflects a growing paradox in the tech industry, where some freshers are overworked, while others are left underutilised. For many young professionals, the challenge today isn’t just landing a job, but finding one that truly enables learning and growth.
– Ends
